American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) proudly participated in the 2nd International Cultural Exchange (ICE) 2026, hosted by Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HUTECH), Vietnam, under the theme “Sustainable Tourism 2026: Change in Action!”. The international program brought together students and institutions from across Asia to promote sustainable tourism, intercultural learning, creativity, and global collaboration.

ICE 2026 featured participation from 17 universities across Vietnam, Indonesia, Bangladesh, the Philippines, and Thailand, with AIUB proudly representing Bangladesh as the only participating university from the country. The program provided a unique platform for students to exchange ideas, showcase innovation, and contribute solutions related to sustainable tourism and cultural preservation.

Representing AIUB was Team Heritage Lens, consisting of:

• Raisa Farooqui, BBA
• Sadman Sakib, BBA
• Anas Ahamed, BBA
• Nushrat Azrin Chowdhury, BBA

The competition commenced with a series of virtual orientation and training sessions held during February and March 2026. These sessions introduced participants to the objectives, requirements, and expectations of the program while providing guidance on sustainable tourism concepts and project development.

Following the training phase, participating teams independently developed and submitted two major projects under Track 2 of the competition: a Tourism Promotion Video and a Problem–Solution Poster.

The team's Tourism Promotion Video highlighted the beauty and tourism potential of Bangladesh while emphasizing responsible travel practices, environmental awareness, and sustainable tourism principles. Their Problem–Solution Poster addressed the growing disconnect between tourism and authentic cultural experiences, particularly the decline of traditional crafts and the gradual erosion of cultural identity. To address these challenges, Team Heritage Lens proposed innovative and sustainable solutions, including artisan-based tourism initiatives, community engagement, eco-friendly tourism practices, and the promotion of Geographical Indication (GI) recognition for culturally significant products such as Jamdani.

After submission, the projects entered a public voting phase from 6–13 May 2026, where audiences worldwide were invited to support their favorite entries through likes, comments, and shares on HUTECH Global’s official social media platforms. Final evaluations combined public engagement metrics with assessments from an international judging panel.

The distinguished judging panel for ICE 2026 included:

• Dr. Majo George, Dean, Faculty of Economics, Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics and Finance (UEF), Vietnam
• Ms. Quỳnh Lê, Learning & Development Manager, La Festa Phu Quoc, Curio Collection by Hilton, Vietnam
• Ms. Julie Nurafnie Binti Musmuliadi, Head of Department, Faculty of Hospitality & Tourism (FOHAT), City University Malaysia

Through their creativity, dedication, and collaborative efforts, Team Heritage Lens achieved outstanding success, securing:

• 2nd Prize – Most Favorite Tourism Promotion Video
• 2nd Prize – Most Favorite Problem–Solution Poster

The achievements reflect the team's commitment to promoting sustainable tourism while preserving Bangladesh's rich cultural heritage on an international platform.

The program concluded with a virtual Closing Ceremony hosted by HUTECH on 15 May 2026, featuring remarks from university leaders, project showcases, expert evaluations, and the official award announcements. During the ceremony, HUTECH also announced the successful signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) among the participating institutions, further strengthening international academic collaboration.

A significant highlight of the Closing Ceremony was the official announcement that American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) will host the 3rd International Cultural Exchange (ICE) Program in 2027. The proposed theme for the upcoming edition is “Sustainable Fashion and Fabric Heritage: Culture and Global Connection,” focusing on sustainable fashion, traditional textiles, ethical production, innovation in sustainable fabrics, and the role of fashion in fostering global cultural connections.

On behalf of AIUB, Prof. Dr. Carmen Z. Lamagna, Member of the Board of Trustees and Former Vice Chancellor (1997–2023), delivered a special video message during the announcement segment. In her remarks, she expressed AIUB’s enthusiasm and commitment to hosting ICE 2027, emphasized the importance of cultural understanding and global partnership, and praised the strong collaboration established among participating institutions through the ICE platform.

AIUB extends its heartfelt congratulations to Team Heritage Lens for their remarkable accomplishments and expresses sincere appreciation to HUTECH and all participating institutions for making ICE 2026 a meaningful and successful international initiative. The university looks forward to welcoming partners and participants from around the world to Bangladesh for the 3rd International Cultural Exchange (ICE) Program in 2027.