Strengthening Global Academic Ties: Dutch Student Bjorn Hettema’s Internship in Urban and Regional Planning, Faculty of Civil Engineering – TDTU (25/03 – 25/07/2025)

TDTU, 25/11/2025

From March 25 to July 25, 2025, Bjorn Hettema, a student from the Netherlands, undertook a productive internship and research period at the Faculty of Civil Engineering (KTCT), Ton Duc Thang University (TDTU).

During his study and work at TDTU, Bjorn closely collaborated with his academic supervisor, Dr. Le To Quyen, at the TDTU Tan Phong campus on the research topic “Smart Cities and Public Waste Disposal.” This topic is highly practical and focuses on developing sustainable smart city solutions, especially in the field of public waste management—an important issue in the context of rapid urbanization today.

Bjorn worked under the guidance of Dr. Le To Quyen at TDTU Tan Phong

In parallel with his academic research, Bjorn Hettema was also provided with the opportunity to work at Holland Software Co., Ltd. (Hosoco), a company with which he cooperated to conduct in-depth research and expand the practical applications of his project. Through this, Bjorn acquired valuable practical knowledge and skills in a corporate environment, fostering a meaningful connection between academic research and the labor market.

Bjorn Hettema works at Holland Software Co., Ltd. (Hosoco)

Furthermore, Bjorn joined faculty members and students from the Urban and Regional Planning program at TDTU on a field study trip to Nha Trang, specifically at the Khánh Hòa Branch of TDTU. This fieldwork enabled him to gain a more direct and profound understanding of urban planning and development in coastal areas, while applying research knowledge to the practical, sustainable development of the city.

Bjorn Hettema and Dr. Le To Quyen conducting fieldwork in Nha Trang
(Photo taken at TDTU Khánh Hòa, Nha Trang)

Bjorn Hettema with Urban Planning students of TDTU in Nha Trang
(Photo taken at TDTU Khánh Hòa, Nha Trang)

At the conclusion of his internship at TDTU, the Civil Engineering Department, on behalf of the Faculty of Civil Engineering, awarded Bjorn Hettema a certificate recognizing his successful completion of the internship program. This certificate is an important acknowledgement of his academic efforts, research achievements, and proactive collaboration as an international student in the university environment.

Dr. Le To Quyen, representing the Faculty of Civil Engineering, alongside the director of Holland Software Co., Ltd. (Hosoco), presenting the certificate to Bjorn Hettema

Bjorn Hettema’s activities have not only strengthened international cooperation between TDTU and its foreign partners but also laid a foundation for the development of applied research projects in smart urban development and environmental management in Vietnam.

The Faculty of Civil Engineering – TDTU is confident that this academic collaboration and exchange will continue to be maintained and expanded in the future, bringing substantial benefits to students, faculty, and the wider community.