VSoul – a business model offering hands-on experiences in creating bamboo and rattan crafts – goes beyond being a mere graduation project. It is a way for young minds at FPT University to channel their creativity toward preserving traditional values over time.
Breathing New Life into Traditional Craft Villages
The VSoul business project, which focuses on crafting experiences with bamboo and rattan, was created by six students from FPT University’s K16 and K17 cohorts specializing in International Business. Under the dedicated guidance of lecturer Nguyen Loc Quy Duong, the team members – Ton Ngoc Quynh Anh (team leader), Van Thi Thanh Thuy, Le Dac Nguyen Phuong, Nguyen Huu Dat Nguyen, Ho Van Khanh, and Vo Nguyen Nhu Quynh – introduced an innovative concept to modernize traditional handicrafts.
Explaining their choice of this model, a VSoul representative shared: “From the beginning, we wanted a project that was both innovative and valuable to the community. During our research, we discovered that many centuries-old traditional craft villages face the risk of disappearing. Modern technology has changed consumer tastes, and intricate handcrafted products are being replaced by ‘fast goods.’ This realization drove us to take action to preserve and promote these priceless cultural treasures.”
The team’s concept combined tourist crafting experiences with traditional products. They aimed to support craft villages in preserving their heritage while offering tourists immersive cultural experiences during their visits.
At the heart of VSoul is an experiential workshop model where visitors to traditional craft villages can learn about and create products from bamboo and rattan under the guidance of skilled artisans and professional staff. Beyond on-site workshops, VSoul also offers DIY kits that enable customers to explore the art of crafting at home.
A Transformative Journey
Recognizing the need for firsthand experience to deepen their understanding, the team embarked on a journey from Da Nang to Hanoi to visit the Phu Vinh Bamboo and Rattan Craft Village in Chuong My District, known as the “bamboo capital” of the city with a 400-year history. The trip offered invaluable insights into the culture, techniques, and significance of traditional craftsmanship.
Recalling their journey, the team shared: “We had the chance to craft products like baskets and bags, and to converse with Artisan Hoang Van Hanh and other local craftsmen. This experience helped us truly appreciate the profound value embedded in each handcrafted item and the immense effort required to produce a meticulously finished piece.”
This trip also reshaped their perspective. “Before, we saw bamboo and rattan items as just ordinary household products. Now, each handmade piece represents a unique story about life, customs, or beliefs of the artisans who created it. They deserve to be called ‘artworks,’ born from the hearts and skilled hands of passionate artisans,” the team explained.
Inspired by their journey, the VSoul team organized a workshop in Hoi An’s ancient town, allowing participants to create bamboo and rattan crafts. The event attracted local residents and international tourists, fostering cultural exchange and leaving a lasting impression.
Challenges and Solutions
Despite their passion, the VSoul team faced numerous challenges. Balancing the project with full-time jobs was a significant hurdle, as was managing logistics for transporting raw materials from distant craft villages.
To overcome these challenges, the team developed a detailed plan, clearly divided responsibilities, and maximized efficiency through online and offline communication. They also optimized transportation processes to reduce time and costs, maintaining regular contact with craft villages to ensure timely delivery and handle unexpected issues. Thanks to their discipline and collaboration, the team completed the VSoul project on time, earning praise from their evaluation committee.
Gratitude and Advice
Reflecting on their journey, the team expressed pride and relief: “We poured our hearts, time, and energy into this project. Though there were moments of doubt, we persevered together and achieved success.”
They extended their gratitude to lecturer Nguyen Loc Quy Duong for her guidance, Ly Thu Uyen, a Da Nang-based interior design entrepreneur, for her insights on integrating traditional culture into modern business, and Artisan Hoang Van Hanh and the Phu Vinh villagers for their knowledge and stories that enriched the project.
To future students preparing for their graduation projects, VSoul advised: “Choose a topic you’re passionate about—it will be your greatest motivation to overcome challenges. Plan meticulously, manage your time well, and approach your work with heart. Don’t hesitate to seek support from your teachers and peers at FPT University. They are invaluable sources of encouragement that will help you achieve well-deserved success.”