Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – March 25, 2025 – On March 24–25, the closing event of the “Khơi Nguồn Mer Ước“ (Mer Wishes Source) project took place at FPT University, drawing in more than 400 enthusiastic participants. This impactful two-day event provided a powerful and emotional experience, inspiring attendees to better understand the challenges facing Khmer children in the Mekong Delta in their pursuit of education.
From the moment participants arrived, they were immersed in a thought-provoking journey through the Cham Mer interactive game system. By scanning a QR code, each attendee unlocked a personalized adventure featuring four characters — Son, Lam, Kim, and Thach — each representing real-life educational barriers such as language, economic hardship, and social prejudice.
Insightful and Immersive Stations
Mer Bulletin Board:
Participants began their journey by engaging with real-world data on Khmer children’s education. Through interactive games and information discovery, they gained insight into inequality in the current system and received game codes to progress further in Cham Mer.
Prejudice Barrier Station:
A key highlight of the event was the immersive “Prejudice Barrier” experience. Guests entered a symbolic space filled with black notes (representing prejudice) and pink notes (representing the children’s dreams). With 8D audio simulations and the VR game Beat Saber, they experienced the emotional weight of discrimination firsthand. The character “Kim” introduced a heightened challenge, underscoring the deep-rooted struggles that many Khmer children endure.
Economic Barrier Station:
At this station, participants encountered the harsh realities of educational inequality. Some characters, like Lam and Thach, were given worn-out school supplies and asked to sit on silver trays instead of desks—mirroring the scarcity faced by children in vulnerable communities. By using Power Cards (State, Teacher, Opportunity), players could access support and move forward in their mission.
Language Barrier Station:
Language was presented as a formidable challenge. Without support, players had to complete Khmer exercises unaided. Those holding specific Power Cards received help: a phonetic table from the State card, or interactive AR lessons with the Teacher card. Each layer highlighted the difficulties Khmer children face due to language barriers and the importance of tailored support.
Journey’s End: Visualizing a Better Future
At the final station, players reflected on the challenges they overcame and the tools they used. Using AI, the system generated a vision of what the future could look like for their avatars — symbolizing the brighter future awaiting Khmer children when provided with timely and meaningful support.
Before leaving, participants left their signatures on the backdrop wall — a powerful mark of their commitment to spreading awareness and advocating for equal educational rights. They also received small gifts and advanced to a new level in the Cham Mer game, continuing their advocacy journey.
A Lasting Impact
The “Mer Wishes Source” closing event wrapped up with heartfelt responses and deep impressions from more than 400 students, volunteers, and partners. More than just an event, it sparked empathy, reflection, and a sense of responsibility to support educational equity for all children, regardless of background.
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Contact Information:
Fanpage: Khoinguon Mer Uoc
Email: khoinguonmeruoc@gmail.com
Phone: 0704 703 394
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Source: Vietnam Insider