On November 1, students of cohorts K14 and K15 from the Faculty of Food Technology – Eastern Asia University of Technology (EAUT) had the opportunity to visit and gain hands-on experience at Thien Phuc Herbal Joint Stock Company in Chuong My, Hanoi. As one of the pioneering enterprises in Vietnam specializing in the research, cultivation, and production of Cordyceps militaris (Dong Chung Ha Thao), the company represents a leading example of innovation and scientific advancement in the herbal industry. The trip not only provided students with valuable professional knowledge but also offered them practical insights into the potential of integrating food technology with herbal science – a field that is rapidly growing in Vietnam.
Learning by Doing – Bridging Knowledge and Practice
In line with the educational trend of linking academic training to real-world business needs, field trips and experiential learning activities have always been a key focus of the Faculty of Food Technology at EAUT. Through direct exposure to production lines, processing technologies, and professional teams in the industry, students not only study theory but also understand how that knowledge is applied in real-life production and industry practices.
At Thien Phuc Herbal Joint Stock Company, EAUT students were warmly welcomed and guided through the entire Cordyceps militaris cultivation process – one of the most valuable herbal products in terms of economy, medicine, and nutrition. From the moment they entered the closed production area, students were impressed by the modern processes, clean ISO-standard environment, and professional technical staff – all factors that have contributed to Thien Phuc’s strong reputation in Vietnam’s herbal medicine market.
An Inspirational Entrepreneurial Story from a Pioneer Woman
One of the most memorable highlights of the trip was the inspiring sharing session led by Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong – Director of Thien Phuc Herbal Joint Stock Company.
With a heartfelt and sincere storytelling style, Ms. Hong took EAUT students through her more than ten-year journey of perseverance – from the early days of manually researching the precious Cordyceps militaris mushroom to successfully building a large-scale industrial cultivation system. Her efforts have elevated Thien Phuc into one of the first companies in Vietnam licensed to produce and distribute Cordyceps militaris of pharmaceutical-grade quality. “Success does not come from miracles but from perseverance, passion, and faith in the value of Vietnamese science,” Ms. Hong shared.
Her story not only ignited national pride but also inspired passion for scientific research and creativity among EAUT students – future food technology engineers who aspire to contribute to Vietnam’s sustainable innovation.
Experiencing the Production Process – Learning from Reality
Beyond listening to inspiring stories, EAUT students also had the chance to directly observe and participate in several stages of the production line. Under the guidance of skilled technicians, they explored the detailed steps involved:
Preparing silkworm pupae – the natural nutrient source for fungal growth.
Creating a synthetic substrate environment suitable for the fungus to develop.
Inoculating and cultivating fungal mycelium in sterile rooms, where humidity, light, and temperature are strictly controlled.
Observing fungal mycelium under the microscope to explore the structure and fascinating growth process of this precious medicinal organism.
These experiences helped students gain a deeper understanding of the interconnection between microbiology, biotechnology, and food technology – three core areas that EAUT’s training programs aim to integrate and develop comprehensively.
Through this visit, students from the Faculty of Food Technology not only saw and practiced firsthand but also learned meaningful lessons about scientific research spirit, perseverance, and creativity in their future profession.
Cordyceps militaris is not merely a medicinal product; it symbolizes the harmony between science and nature, human intelligence, and advanced technology – the very foundation on which Vietnam’s food technology industry is steadily asserting its position on the global map.
The Faculty of Food Technology, Eastern Asia University of Technology, extends sincere gratitude to Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong – Director of Thien Phuc Herbal Joint Stock Company – and to all technical staff and employees for their warm guidance, sharing, and support throughout the visit.
The collaboration between the university and enterprises not only provides valuable hands-on learning opportunities but also serves as a bridge connecting students to professional, modern working environments – helping them shape clearer career paths for the future.
The experiential learning activity at Thien Phuc stands as strong evidence of EAUT’s “Learning by Doing” training model – a hallmark of its educational philosophy.
Read more: What is Food Technology? Career Opportunities and Attractive Salaries
The university believes that the practical knowledge and career inspiration gained from this trip will empower students to confidently pursue their academic journey and contribute to the sustainable development of Vietnam’s food and herbal industries.
Eastern Asia University of Technology
Phan Tay Nhac Street, Nam Tu Liem District, Hanoi.
Hotline: 0243.555.2008 or 024.2236.5888
Email: tuyensinh@eaut.edu.vn
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