Collaborations that begin at the Sustainable Hospitality Challenge: VFS Global supports Vietnam's VinUniversity ‘Dynapath’
Hotelschool The Hague is proud to be the origin of impactful initiatives like the Dynapath project, and a collaboration between VFS Global and VinUniversity that exemplifies the power of global partnerships and innovations born from the Sustainable Hospitality Challenge. As a breeding ground for such transformative ideas, HTH’s dedication to fostering meaningful innovations that address global sustainability challenges while empowering students to lead transformative change in the hospitality industry.
VFS Global, the world's largest visa outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions worldwide, has partnered with VinUniversity in Hanoi to support the Dynapath project. This initiative aims to empower youth through skilling programmes and enhance employability in Vietnam.
As part of this initiative, VFS Global will support VinUniversity in implementing a pilot project at its Visa Application Centre in Hanoi. To ensure the success of this endeavour, VFS Global will provide funding to implement and subsequently scale the initiative to other locations, thereby promoting sustainability and raising awareness for future environmentally friendly and sustainable initiatives.
The Dynapath project by students Nguyen Thao Van, Tran Dinh Le Hoang and Pham Gia Khuyen, was developed as part of the Sustainable Hospitality Challenge (SHC), organized by Hotelschool The Hague, the world’s largest global student competition, which promotes collaboration with the next generation and empowers them to lead the way in driving sustainable change.
The project transforms plastic waste into high-performance kinetic tiles that generate electricity from foot traffic using piezoelectric technology. This innovative flooring solution reduces plastic pollution and provides renewable energy in high-traffic areas like hotels and airports. Dynapath was developed as part of the Sustainable Hospitality Challenge, where it reached the finals and earned “The Most Sustainable Impact Award” at FHS World Dubai in October 2024. Following this success, the project also won the inaugural Investors’ Nest competition at the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)'s 24th Global Summit in Perth, Western Australia, later that same month.
"Creating value for society through continuous innovation, sustainability, development of human capital are deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of VFS Global. In line with this vision, we are proud and committed to be associated with this project, encouraging young entrepreneurs through business incubation programmes and upskilling students while simultaneously aligning with Vietnam’s national goals of empowering youth through skilling and vocational training."
Zubin Karkaria, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, VFS Global Group
"The Dynapath project is a testament to the power of innovation in driving sustainable practices within our industry. Initiatives like this not only address critical environmental challenges but also empower the next generation to lead with purpose. We are proud to see one of our Global Summit winners making such a significant impact, and we commend VFS Global and VinUniversity for their collaboration in advancing sustainability and youth empowerment in Vietnam."
Julia Simpson, President and Chief Executive Officer, WTTC
"On behalf of our college, I extend heartfelt gratitude to VFS Global for their invaluable support in fostering our students’ innovative sustainable green solutions for the travel and hospitality industries. Your partnership empowers the next generation of entrepreneurs to create a more sustainable future, blending creativity with responsibility to address global challenges."
John Evans, Dean of College of Business Management, VinUniversity
"We sincerely thank VFS Global for their unwavering support in championing students’ innovative and sustainable solutions. Your commitment to nurturing these bright minds and promoting sustainability inspires meaningful change and paves the way for a greener, more responsible future in the industry. This perfectly reflects our vision for the Sustainable Hospitality Challenge as a platform where students from technology, hospitality, and design collaborate to create market-ready solutions that drive real-world impact.”
Paul Griep and Stella Van Toor, Directors of The Sustainable Hospitality Challenge by Hotelschool The Hague
About VFS Global
As the world’s leading outsourcing and technology service specialist, VFS Global embraces technological innovation including Generative AI to support governments and diplomatic missions worldwide. The company manages non-judgmental and administrative tasks related to applications for visa, passport, and consular services for its client governments, increasing productivity and enabling them to focus entirely on the critical task of assessment.
With a responsible approach to technology development, adoption and integration, the company prioritizes ethical practices and sustainability while serving as the trusted partner to 70 client governments. Operating over 3,400 Application Centres in 152 countries, VFS Global has efficiently processed more than 301 million applications since 2001.
Headquartered in Zurich and Dubai and majority owned through investment funds managed by Blackstone Inc, along with the Swiss-based Kuoni and Hugentobler Foundation and EQT, VFS Global is committed to creating value for all stakeholders and leading in responsible, innovative solutions making government services more effective and efficient.
About Sustainable Hospitality Challenge
Recognized as the biggest student challenge in the hospitality industry; the Sustainable Hospitality Challenge, founded by Hotelschool The Hague, seeks to create real impact through collaboration with the next generation and industry leaders in a ‘Shark Tank ’-style competition. Each year, students from +100 top universities worldwide, covering diverse industries, present investible products ready for market integration. Whilst the platform aims to promote, create, and stimulate investments in these sustainable solutions. The Challenge is embraced by CEOs across the biggest hotel chains as well as top universities and leading sustainable and tourism organisations such as WTTC, UN Tourism, the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance and Caribbean Tourism Organization.
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