On the evening of August 13, 2024, the final of Social Pioneers 2024—a social marketing competition for students aged 15 to 24 at high schools, universities, and colleges nationwide—took place at National Economics University (NEU).

Social Pioneers is a nationwide social marketing competition organized by NEU’s Youth Union, Student Association, and Faculty of Marketing for students aged 15 to 24, giving them the opportunity to fully demonstrate their knowledge and ability to address social issues.

The national final of Social Pioneers 2024 was a resounding success

Representing NEU at the final were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Huy Thong, Dean of the Faculty of Marketing; and representatives of the leadership of its member schools, departments, faculties, institutes, and centers. Also attending were representatives of businesses and sponsors, along with a large number of students and audience members from universities across the country.

Over more than two months, Social Pioneers 2024 attracted considerable interest from promising students with a passion for social marketing. Round one, Covered, attracted more than 750 teams, with a total of over 2,200 contestants from 100 high schools and universities nationwide. After three challenging and demanding rounds, the four best teams reached the national final to compete for the championship.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of NEU, delivers remarks

Speaking at the event, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of NEU, said: “In its second year, Social Pioneers 2024 attracted more than 2,200 contestants and over 750 teams to its first round, Covered, demonstrating the competition’s appeal and credibility. The four teams advancing to the final represent reputable universities across the country.” Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Thanh Hieu expressed his hope that the contestants would give their all and deliver complete performances. He also thanked the delegates, faculty members, businesses, sponsors, press and media organizations, competing teams, and audience members for supporting Social Pioneers 2024.

The final opened with the Breakthrough round. Each team had 20 minutes to present its prepared proposal addressing one of four briefs on energy conservation and women’s health. Demonstrating confidence, knowledge, and composure, THI LA, FLASHLIGHT, DALL, and Marketing Chameleon each delivered an outstanding project presentation. At the end of the Breakthrough round, the top two teams were revealed: FLASHLIGHT and Marketing Chameleon, whose victories brought them one step closer to the championship.

THI LA delivers an outstanding performance

FLASHLIGHT delivers a confident performance

DALL presents an impressive message

Marketing Chameleon wins over the audience with its presentation

In the next round, the warriors of light had to overcome the Homerun challenge to determine the overall winner. The theme focused on raising young people’s awareness of reducing plastic waste when consuming milk tea and other beverages, while encouraging the public to change their behavior to minimize the consequences of excessive use of plastic products in daily life. The teams presented their central campaign ideas and specific activities, making a strong impression on the judging panel and the entire audience in the hall.

FLASHLIGHT and Marketing Chameleon advance to the Homerun round

With its outstanding performance, Marketing Chameleon won the hearts of the judging panel, receiving a shower of praise and enthusiastic applause from the audience. The team thus proved itself worthy of lighting the way toward a better society, winning the overall championship with a total prize package worth up to VND 300,000,000, including VND 10,000,000 in cash, internships, and other valuable prizes.
FLASHLIGHT was named runner-up, receiving a total prize package worth VND 250,000,000, including VND 7,000,000 in cash, internships, and other valuable prizes.
THI LA and DALL delivered outstanding performances to secure third place, with a total prize package worth VND 175,000,000, including VND 4,000,000 in cash, internships, and other valuable prizes.

THI LA and DALL take third place overall

FLASHLIGHT delivers an outstanding performance to finish as runner-up

Marketing Chameleon takes the competition’s top spot

The teams’ victories officially brought an emotional season of Social Pioneers to a close, filled with both tears and smiles. Each contestant surely gained valuable knowledge and lessons, as well as unforgettable experiences.

Delegates and judging panel members attend the Social Pioneers 2024 final

Article and photos: Faculty of Marketing and Department of Communications

This is an automated translation. If you notice any errors, please contact the Department of Communications, National Economics University at phongtruyenthong@neu.edu.vn.