As a partner of the LIXIL Talent Match – A&D Internship and Talent Development (INTAD) programme organised by LIXIL Vietnam, Keppel welcomed third- to fifth-year students from leading universities in Ho Chi Minh City, majoring in Architecture, Design and Interior Design.
The visit provided students not only with practical insights into a large-scale urban development but also with the opportunity to explore advanced and sustainable architectural and construction trends being implemented by leading developers in Vietnam.
The students visiting the show villa of Gladia by the Waters.
At Gladia by the Waters, a residential project jointly developed by Keppel and Khang Dien, students toured the sales gallery and a show villa. Moving through each space, they learned about master planning concepts, spatial layouts, architectural and landscape design, and how these elements are integrated to form a cohesive, liveable and sustainable community.
The students visiting the show villa of Gladia by the Waters.
One of the highlights for the students was the project’s biophilic design philosophy, where nature serves as the central inspiration to connect people with their living environment. They were introduced to sustainable design practices such as the selection of materials, natural lighting and ventilation strategies, and the integration of greenery to enhance residents’ wellbeing while minimising environmental impact.
The students visiting the show villa of Gladia by the Waters.
These real-world applications closely aligned with the students’ coursework, helping them strengthen their professional skills and inspiring their future design aspirations.
Nguyen Truc Binh Yen, a fourth-year Architecture student at the Faculty of Architecture, Ho Chi Minh City University of Architecture, shared: “The visit to the Gladia by the Waters project was truly fascinating. It gave me the opportunity to learn about planning philosophy and mindset, spatial layout, as well as architectural and landscape design. Thanks to this experience, I have gained more practical knowledge that will be valuable both for my current studies and for my future career.”
Nguyen Quynh, MSc, Head of B2B Marketing and Corporate Communications at LIXIL Vietnam, remarked: “The site visit offered meaningful, practical value throughout their academic journey. Beyond providing direct exposure to sustainable urban solutions and Keppel’s professional project development process, this activity also broadened students’ professional perspectives and sparked creative inspiration for the next generation of architects and designers.”
Mr Nguyen Tri Dung (left), Senior Vice President, Architectural, Technical Services, Real Estate (Vietnam), Keppel Ltd., discussed the design of Gladia by the Waters with the students.
Located on a prime 11.8-hectare site along Vo Chi Cong Boulevard, just a 20-minute drive from downtown Ho Chi Minh City, Gladia by the Waters is a riverfront villa development shaped by the five pillars of Keppel’s iFactor: Nature, Entertainment, Well-being, Convenience and Sustainability. Every detail in its architecture, landscaping and amenities has been thoughtfully curated to create an ideal living environment that meets the rigorous demands of modern urban development.
Mr Nguyen Tri Dung introducing the scale model of Gladia by the Waters to the students.
Beyond aesthetics, the project also reflects a strong vision for sustainable growth. Gladia by the Waters is the first project in Vietnam to achieve the BCA Green Mark for Districts (Provisional) certification from Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority (BCA). It has also been recognised at the PropertyGuru Vietnam Property Awards 2024, winning Best High-end Housing Development (HCMC) and Best Nature-integrated Development. These achievements were shared with the students as tangible examples of how quality, creativity and environmental responsibility can be harmoniously integrated.
Mr Nguyen Tri Dung introducing the master planning to the students through VR 3600 interactive corner at the sales gallery.
Launched in 2021, the LIXIL Talent Match – A&D Internship and Talent Development (INTAD) programme has been one of the pioneering internship and talent development initiatives in the field of Architecture and Design in Vietnam. This year, the programme placed a stronger emphasis on practical exposure, specialised training and measurable outcomes for participants throughout their journey.
A student discussing with Mr Nguyen Tri Dung.
With Keppel’s collaboration, the visit to Gladia by the Waters offered students valuable real-world experience, bridging classroom knowledge with industry practice, while inspiring them to continue pursuing their passion for architecture and design.
Keppel’s and LIXIL’s representatives as well as the students taking a group photo.
Through meaningful corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives such as this, Keppel reaffirms its commitment to supporting education in Vietnam and empowering the next generation who will contribute to shaping the country’s urban future.