Nguyen Viet Hoang, a third-year student majoring in Business Administration and Commerce at the University of Economics - the University of Da Nang, not only was honoured with the “Student of Five Goods” title during the 2023-2024 academic year, but also worked with his colleagues to invent the DaNa Green project on a smart trash can integrating AI and IoT technology to reduce environmental pollution and promote circular economy.

Nguyen Viet Hoang was honoured to receive the municipal-level title of "Student of 5 Goods" for the 2023-2024 school year. Photo: H.V

In the 2023-2024 school year, with a GPA of 3.80/4.0 and innovation in scientific research activities, Hoang was honoured to receive the title of "Student of 5 Goods".

Sharing about the title and learning experience, Hoang said that to achieve a GPA of 3.80/4.0, he balanced well between studying and participating in scientific research activities, extracurricular activities, and unions.

Normally, at the beginning of a new semester, Hoang plans and sets goals for each subject. He is often the group leader of subjects, so it is an advantage in arranging and planning the most effective learning strategies. In addition, he uses the Spaced Repetition method to memorise lessons, helping to grasp knowledge better.

“On the first day of entering the lecture hall, I set a goal for the title of “Student of 5 Goods”. It is not only a destination, but also a motivation for me to strive every day in the lecture hall as well as in the future. The title helps students develop themselves comprehensively, not only in the field of study but also in the field of sports, volunteer spirit, integration spirit and ethical lifestyle” Hoang shared.

Hoang added “For me, the journey to achieve the best results is more important than the title because on that path, I receive many learning and experience values, and develop relationships. This will be a solid foundation for my future career development path", Hoang shared.

Most recently, Hoang and four colleagues have launched the DaNa Green project. With the motto "When garbage is not just for disposal", DaNa Green smart trash can automatically classifies waste by the integration of AI with IoT.

The project won first prize in the "Neo-Up Startup 2024" competition organized by the Economic Startup Club under the Students Association of the University of Economics.

Through observation, Hoang realised that Da Nang is currently equipped with many trash cans with instructions on how to classify trash. However, the majority of people are still indifferent and have not thrown trash into appropriate classification compartments, taking trash collection staff a lot of time to resort.

Therefore, Hoang’s group came up with the idea of ​​inventing a waste collection system integrating AI and IOT technology to optimize the process of collecting, sorting and managing waste. Also, the project also calls on users to use gifts converted from recycled waste with the goal of minimizing pollution and promoting a circular economy.

According to Hoang, the project's smart trash can system goes through the following steps: firstly, when putting trash in the bin, the system uses an AI camera to scan and analyze to determine the type of plastic, paper, metal waste or non-recyclable waste. The AI ​​model has been tested with real data, ensuring the ability to classify accurately over 95%.

Secondly, if the waste belongs to the recyclable group, the system will automatically put it in the corresponding compartment, helping to minimise errors in the processing process.

Thirdly, for easy management and monitoring, the trash can is integrated with IoT sensors to monitor its status in real time. When the can is almost full, the system automatically sends a notification to the collection centre or management unit, helping to optimize the process.

Thanks to that, the status of the trash can will be continuously updated on the monitoring system, helping authorities or businesses conveniently monitor and develop appropriate and effective management policies. After classification, the trash will be collected and transferred to recycling units for processing.

“In fact, waste management depends heavily on manual methods and traditional collection systems, leading to high costs and low efficiency. But with the integration of AI and IoT, the waste classification and monitoring of classification quality will be highly effective, minimising costs. Therefore, the group hopes that the project will aim for a smart, automated trash can solution according to the pace of modern life. Through that, I and my friends have the opportunity to carry out many ideas for developing green technology and green startups, contributing to environmental protection", Hoang expressed.

Besides the aforementioned advantages, the group is still facing a big challenge in order to make smart trash can become more popular with local residents. The group, therefore, is in need of the companionship and support from local authorities, recycling businesses and trash collection units.

In addition, the installation, maintenance and optimisation of the smart trash can system in practice is also a challenge. Fortunately, after winning the "Neo-Up Startup" contest, the group received many invitations from businesses to develop the project into reality. Additionally, the group is in the process of cooperating with the Loc Nhan Coffee Recycling Company Limited, to research and develop ideas for collecting and recycling coffee grounds.

Reporting by HUYNH VU - Translating by M.DUNG