Media Release

On August 27, 2025 – The Semifinals of INSEE Prize 2025 concluded with an outpouring of emotions. More than just an academic competition, the INSEE Prize has become a creative playground where young talents in architecture and construction unleash their imagination, deliver meaningful projects and sustainable solutions, and confidently shine through compelling presentations that transform group ideas into inspiring and heartfelt stories.

Picture: Students presenting their ideas before the Jury at the INSEE Prize 2025 Semifinals

Out of nearly 100 entries, the teams advancing to the Semifinals demonstrated remarkable investment in both concept and solution, focusing on issues that are closely tied to community needs – from public facilities to initiatives supporting specific vulnerable groups. What impressed the Jury most was not only the ideas themselves, but also the way they were presented: clear, coherent, and captivating, with an ability to guide the audience through their story.

Many teams went beyond presenting ideas wrapped in touching narratives by integrating sustainable materials and innovative approaches. Some told their stories through the perspective of the end beneficiaries; others used relatable examples to highlight feasibility. This diversity of presentation styles created an exciting competitive atmosphere, where the Jury evaluated not only the solutions but also the dreams and aspirations students conveyed.

A representative from INSEE Vietnam shared that the biggest difference in this year’s Semifinals is the maturity students showed in problem-solving and communication. They stepped beyond the “technical box” to become outstanding storytellers, connecting their ideas with broader social and environmental benefits. This is exactly the spirit INSEE Prize seeks to nurture: encouraging the young generation to not only excel technically but also to inspire and mobilize the community toward sustainable development.

At the end of the round, the Jury selected the most outstanding teams to advance to the INSEE Prize 2025 Finals, scheduled for October 2025. This will be their opportunity to refine solutions, demonstrate confidence, and—most importantly—spread a positive message of sustainable construction to the wider community.

Picture: The Jury Board of the INSEE Prize 2025 Semifinals featuring leading experts in architecture and construction

For the past 17 years, the INSEE Prize has been recognized as one of the most prestigious academic competitions for students in construction and architecture across Vietnam. More than 23,000 students have engaged with the program, thousands of ideas have been submitted, and 11 projects have been realized into community-serving facilities. The 2025 Semifinals once again showcased meaningful projects, where each idea and each presentation was not just about winning, but about planting seeds for a more sustainable future.