On October 31, 2026, Team X-Traordinary, comprising three students from The University of Danang (UD), won first prize at the Da Nang round of Star Awards 2026, a nationwide English-language competition for university students. Competing against more than 38,000 participants, the team secured the championship trophy and a cash prize of VND 10 million.

A general view of the final round

The final round was hosted by the UD’s Youth Union and Student Union in Da Nang, bringing together six outstanding teams that had advanced through the preliminary rounds.

Attending the event were Mr. Le Cong Hung, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Da Nang City, Secretary of the Da Nang Youth Union, and President of the Vietnam Student Association in Da Nang; Dr. Phan Minh Duc, Vice Secretary of the UD Party Committee and Vice President of UD; Mr. Phung Nhat Tuyen, Standing Vice President of the Vietnam Student Association in Da Nang; representatives of the leadership of participating universities and units; UD’s administrative offices and relevant departments; sponsors; representatives of the UD Youth Union and Student Association; as well as the competing teams and student supporters.

The organizing committee
presents flowers to the judging panel

Speaking at the event, Dr. Tran Xuan Quynh, Secretary of the UD Youth Union, described Star Awards 2026 as an important platform for students to develop their English proficiency. The annual competition is jointly organized by the Youth Unions and Student Associations of Vietnam’s national and regional universities.

This year’s theme, “Z Start-up: Craft to Rise,” aimed to identify and nurture talented English-speaking students while inspiring the wider student community to improve their language skills as a key to international integration and becoming global citizens.

Contestants confidently demonstrate
their English proficiency

The finals featured six teams, each comprising three members, selected through the preceding rounds. A panel of experts and university lecturers assessed the teams’ English communication and presentation skills, while students from participating universities enthusiastically cheered on the contestants.

Team X-Traordinary receives First Prize

The competition featured two main challenges designed to assess students’ critical thinking and ability to apply English in academic and community-oriented contexts. These included a knowledge-based opening round covering culture, economics, and society, followed by an English-language presentation and debate in which teams proposed solutions to issues arising from Practical needs.

Team Risence receives Second Prize

At the end of the competition, Team X-Traordinary claimed First Prize, receiving the championship trophy and VND 10 million in prize money. The team comprises Nguyen Tuan Quang Tung and Le Thi Thu An from the University of Foreign Language Studies (UD-UFLS), and Le Vu Anh Thu from the University of Economics (UD-DUE). X-Traordinary will represent the Da Nang cluster at the national final.

Team Supernova receives third prize

Team Risence won Second Prize and VND 5 million. Its members are Dinh Nhu Duy Tue from the University of Science and Technology (UD-DUT), Nguyen Thi Mai Linh from the University of Economics (UD-DUE), and Hoang Thi Quynh Anh from the School of Medicine and Pharmacy (UD-SMP).

Team Supernova secured third prize and VND 3 million. The team comprises Phan Thai Long from UD-DUT, Le Ha Khanh My from UD-UFLS, and Le Viet Bac from Tay Nguyen University.

Consolation prizes are presented

The organizers also presented three consolation prizes, each worth VND 2 million.

The successful organization of the Da Nang round of Star Awards 2026 further highlighted the proactive role of the UD Youth Union and Student Association in hosting major student activities. The event also provided a valuable opportunity for students to connect, exchange experiences, and share effective approaches to improving their English proficiency.

An opportunity for students to connect, interact,
and share experiences in improving their English proficiency

The competition contributes to the broader goal of promoting English as a second language in educational institutions, helping students strengthen their communication skills and prepare for an increasingly interconnected world.

UD Media