Countdown Long Khanh & Tran Bien 2026: A Journey of Growth Beyond the Textbooks

When Theory Steps Out of the Lecture Hall

Not every student has the opportunity to directly participate in organizing a large-scale Countdown event—where every stage, from conceptualization and content creation to technical setup and operation, takes place under real-time pressure and requires high precision.

For us, the Multimedia Communications students of Lac Hong University (LHU), participating in the organization of Countdown Long Khanh 2026 at Long Khanh Stadium (from December 23, 2025, to January 1, 2026) and the Tran Bien Countdown 2026 at the new Tran Bien Embankment (rehearsals on December 29-30, main event on December 31, 2026) was more than just an extracurricular activity; it was a true journey of experience.

Here, the knowledge gained in the classroom—event planning, communications, content production, and technical operations—was "activated" in a real-world working environment. This helped students gain a deeper understanding of the profession and their roles within a professional production crew.

These Countdown programs also provided an opportunity for members of the B303 Technology & Application Club and T&A Lab to work in an authentic event-organizing environment, guided and supported by Lac Hong University and in partnership with the 161 Event Agency.

Countdown Event Stage in Long Khanh

Teamwork Experience: More Than Just Dividing Tasks, It’s About Companionship

One of the greatest values the Countdown programs offered was the experience of working as a team in a high-pressure environment. During the process, we didn't just "each do our own thing"; we had to:

• - Coordinate closely between the content, technical, and media teams.

• - Standardize workflows under tight deadlines.

• - Proactively support one another when unexpected issues arose on-site.

Time pressure, program requirements, and differing perspectives were inevitable. However, it was in those moments that the entire team learned how to listen, adapt, and prioritize common goals over individual egos. When the program ran smoothly, all the exhaustion was replaced by a sense of pride for having overcome a genuine, real-world project together.

Countdown Event Stage in Tran Bien

Real-World Experience at Countdown: Pressure, Responsibility, and Emotion

The atmosphere of a Countdown night is entirely different when viewed from an organizer's perspective compared to that of an audience member. In an operational role, students had to:

• - Follow the minute-by-minute timeline strictly.

• - Monitor technical equipment, content, visuals, and media output.

• - React swiftly to unexpected on-site situations.

Every minor error could affect the entire program; therefore, a sense of responsibility and focus were paramount. The moment the stage lights flared, the sound roared, and the audience immersed themselves in the festive atmosphere—that was when we realized all the days of preparation, rehearsals, and continuous working hours were completely worth it.

The event crew operating on-site

Support and Bond from Clubs, the University, and Partners

Throughout the organization of Countdown Long Khanh and Countdown Tran Bien 2026, the involvement of the B303 Technology & Application Club and T&A Lab played a vital role in creating a true "learning by doing" environment for students.

Furthermore, Lac Hong University did more than just facilitate organization; the university actively encouraged students to engage in practical activities and gain direct exposure to professional working environments—an essential factor for Multimedia Communications students.

Collaborating with the 161 Event Agency also provided us with valuable lessons regarding organizational processes, professional conduct, and the standards of a large-scale event—experiences that textbooks alone cannot fully convey.

Students accessing and working with professional equipment

Lasting Values After the Event

After the Countdown programs concluded, what remained was not just beautiful photos or memorable footage, but long-term values:

• - Teamwork and cross-departmental coordination skills.

• - Resilience and the ability to adapt to real-world pressures.

• - Organizational thinking, task management, and problem-solving.

• - A strong sense of accountability for assigned roles.

Most importantly, students understood that practical experience is a crucial stepping stone that helps them mature and better prepares them for professional careers in media, events, and creative content.

Students gaining hands-on experience with professional equipment

Conclusion

The Countdown Long Khanh & Countdown Tran Bien 2026 programs were not just New Year’s Eve celebrations; they were significant milestones in the academic and experiential journey of Multimedia Communications students at Lac Hong University.

This serves as clear evidence that when students are given the opportunity, trust, and proper guidance, they are fully capable of creating real, meaningful, and sustainable value for themselves and the community.