Centered around the theme “Packaging Design Reimagined”, this year’s competition attracted strong interest, drawing participation from over 100 students representing many universities. More than just a creative playground, the competition offered a real-world learning journey, including an intensive bootcamp training model, thematic workshop, and the chance to work hands-on with experts from SCGP and Mondelez Kinh Do to develop, refine, and present their packaging solutions as actual project proposals.

Mr. Sompob Witworrasakul, Chief Regional Officer, SCGP shared: “Packaging Speak Out is part of SCGP’s commitment to nurture a new generation of designers with an innovative mindset and a deep understanding of sustainability. After four seasons, the program has grown into a meaningful annual initiative that leaves a strong impression on the student design community. This year, under the theme ‘Packaging Design Reimagined’, SCGP continues to reaffirm its pioneering role in bridging education with real-world industry practices, fostering creativity, and elevating awareness of sustainable packaging in Vietnam.”

This year, following a two-day bootcamp and more than two weeks of product development, the competing teams took on a wide range of real-world challenges—from concept creation, structural packaging design, and material selection, to assessing environmental impact and enhancing user experience.

In the Tet Giftset category, team Hippoo impressed judges with their design titled “Tết Đoàn Viên” (Reunion Tết), inspired by the royal architecture of Huế and traditional Hàng Trống folk paintings. The design features elements like glazed tile roofs, “Tùng – Cúc – Trúc – Mai” (Four Gentlemen) motif paintings, and spring swallow patterns symbolizing reunion and prosperity. The packaging not only honors Vietnamese cultural heritage, but is also designed for reusability, biodegradability, and display appeal.

Meanwhile, team LUcK presented their Mid-Autumn Festival giftset titled “Vương Nguyệt – Đêm trăng Kinh Đô” (Moonlit Royal Night), which integrates fashion, feng shui, and family interaction. The box can be transformed into a functional handbag, decorative photo frame, or even an interactive toy for children. Following the Reuse – Reduce – Recycle philosophy, the design combines aesthetic elegance with environmental friendliness, delivering a heartwarming and shareable user experience.

Tan Khoa, representative of team Hippoo, shared: “The three keywords we took away from this experience were: realistic, professional, and hands-on. This wasn’t just a competition, but a highly practical playground where we got to experience a real working process, with incredible support from mentors—covering everything from packaging structure to idea communication. For me, this was a critical launchpad to unlock potential and gain a deeper understanding of the packaging industry. We are extremely grateful to SCGP and its partners for creating such a valuable opportunity for young creatives like us.”

As part of the competition, SCGP also hosted a specialized seminar that brought together over 200 participants, including students, lecturers, and industry professionals. The event served as both an academic and practical forum where speakers from SCGP, the VDAS Design Association, and Starprint Vietnam, member of SCGP shared in-depth insights into the evolving packaging industry amid the rise of a new generation of consumers.

The seminar emphasized that packaging today is far more than just a protective layer—it now plays the role of a “brand ambassador,” conveying a company’s values, emotions, and environmental commitments. In addition to exploring the latest trends in packaging design in the era of AI, big data, and hyper-personalized experiences, the discussions also addressed the ethical responsibilities of design—such as encouraging sustainable consumer behavior, driving material innovation, and achieving harmony between aesthetics, functionality, and environmental impact.

Nguyen Thi Ngoc Lien - Corporate Government Affair Lead, Mondelez Kinh Do shared, “Packaging is a strategic element that connects our brands with consumers and brings our commitment to sustainable development to life. As a pioneer with a vision to lead the future of snacking, we continuously drive innovation and work alongside the young generation, equipping them with practical knowledge, creative skills, and a deep understanding of large-scale production processes. Initiatives like Packaging Speak Out allow Mondelez Kinh Do to collaborate with partners like SCGP in inspiring innovative thinking and nurturing young creative talent, who are the future enablers of sustainable packaging solutions”

The experiential journey offered by Packaging Speak Out 2025 empowered students to push their creative boundaries and prepare for careers in the packaging and design industries. With this year’s outstanding success, SCGP once again affirms its commitment to empowering young generations, shaping the future of Vietnam’s packaging industry through creativity, professionalism, and sustainability.