Textile and Garment Engineering Department

1. Introduction

Department of Textile and Garment Engineering was established in 1977 and is one of the long-standing departments closely associated with the development of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT) – Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM).

Over nearly 50 years of establishment and development, the Department has expanded significantly from its initial mission of training engineers in textile machinery and conducting research to support textile equipment. Today, it is responsible for educating two majors: Textile Engineering and Textile – Garment Technology. The programs provide in-depth knowledge ranging from fiber, yarn, and fabric formation to dyeing, finishing, and surface modification processes, with an emphasis on sustainable development. In addition, students are equipped with technical knowledge in fashion design, management of industrial garment production lines (from pre-production to product completion), and the development of fashion business strategies. The curriculum focuses on design and new product development technologies, lean production management, and supply chain optimization to improve quality, reduce costs, and enhance efficiency in the textile and garment industry.

With the mission of training highly qualified human resources for the textile and clothing sector in Ho Chi Minh City, southern industrial clusters, and nationwide, the Department currently manages the following programs: PhD in Textile – Garment Technology; Master’s in Textile – Garment Technology; Bachelor’s in Textile Engineering; and Bachelor’s in Textile – Garment Technology.

2. History of Formation and Development

Department of Textile and Garment Engineering was founded in 1977, originally under the name “Department of Textile Machinery.” From the late 1980s, and especially throughout the 1990s, as Vietnam’s textile and garment industry entered a period of renovation and international integration, the Department expanded its training scope to cover the entire technological chain: spinning, weaving, printing–dyeing, finishing, garment technology, and fashion product design.

The curriculum was gradually aligned with international standards, incorporating modern and digital technologies, and addressing the growing demand for sustainable development.

Over nearly 50 years, the Department has trained thousands of engineers, technical graduates, master’s degree holders, and PhDs. Many alumni currently hold key positions in major domestic and international textile and garment corporations.

Heads of Department over the years:

  • Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Lan (1977–1992)
  • Assoc. Prof. Dr. Huynh Van Tri (1992–2003)
  • Dr. Ho Thi Minh Huong (2003–2013)
  • Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Mai Huong (2013–2024)
  • Dr. Le Song Thanh Quynh (2024–present)

3. Major Research Directions

a. Novel and Green Materials

  • Plant-based cellulose composites (e.g., bamboo composites, aerogels), nanocellulose derived from plant cellulose.
  • Functional composite materials (oil-repellent, UV-resistant, self-cleaning, antibacterial, flame-retardant).
  • Naturally color-producing silk.

b. Functional Textile Materials and Textile Modification

  • Functional finishing and property enhancement using modern technologies (waterproof, flame-retardant, wrinkle-resistant fabrics).
  • Natural dyes with antibacterial and UV-resistant properties.
  • Fabrics with reduced water retention after washing.
  • Application of nanomaterials in textiles.
  • Plasma treatment for textile surface modification.

c. Sustainable Dyeing and Printing

  • Natural dyeing using green resources.
  • Optimization of natural color extraction methods.
  • Dyeing and color fixation techniques for natural dyes.

d. Garment Technology and Fashion Design

  • Apparel and fashion design, including digital design tools.
  • Development of garment and anthropometric databases.
  • Simulation of garments and fashion products.

e. Production Management and Emerging Technologies in Textiles and Clothing

  • Quality assessment and evaluation in textiles and clothing.
  • Optimization and enhancement of production management efficiency.
  • Digitalization and transformation in design, simulation, manufacturing, and production management.
  • Applications of new technologies, data science, and artificial intelligence in production and management.
  • Green and sustainable production practices.
  • Development of decision-support systems for improving productivity, quality, and process optimization toward sustainability.

4. Key Activities

a. Conferences and Specialized Workshops

Notable recent events include:

  • “German Technology Meets Vietnam Textile and Garment Industry” and “Italian–Vietnamese Textile Technology” seminars (2017).
  • Annual seminar “Precision is in our Nature” co-organized with Groz-Beckert Vietnam, held regularly for ten years until 2024.
  • “GSDCOST in Fashion Supply Chain” workshop (2024), co-hosted with Coats Digital (a member of COATS Group).
  • “3D Design Applications in Fashion Product Development” workshop in collaboration with Hoa Sen Textile & Garment Co., Ltd.
  • “Colored Yarn Production Technology in the Textile Industry” seminar, co-hosted with Brotex Vietnam Co., Ltd.
  • “Trends and Applications of Leather in Fashion Design” workshop.
  • “New Life Cycle for Recycled Products” competition in cooperation with Goodwill Vietnam Social Enterprise Co., Ltd.

b. Collaboration and Partnerships

  • Strong partnerships with universities and research institutes in Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan.
  • Exchange programs for students and researchers.
  • Career fairs, seminars, and recruitment events with industry partners.

c. Student Activities

  • TEGA Club (Textile and Garment Club).
  • Company visits and internships.
  • Student-led scientific research projects.

5. Achievements

  • Human resource training: More than 95% of graduates secure employment upon graduation.
  • Scientific research:
    • Hundreds of publications in prestigious national and international journals.
    • Numerous projects funded at ministerial, national, VNU, and international collaboration levels.
  • Awards and Recognition:
    • Phan Ngoc Hung, alumnus and now lecturer at the Department, received the National Student Research Award (2018), jointly organized by the Ministry of Education and Training, the Central Youth Union, the Ministry of Science and Technology, and the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations.
    • Nguyen Phuong Man Tue and La Thi Bich Tuyen won second prize at the 26th Ho Chi Minh City Technical Innovation Contest (2019–2020).
    • Three students in Textile Engineering and Textile & Garment Technology received certificates as part of the Top 38 Outstanding Finalists in the International Leather Creative Design Competition at the Real Leather. Stay Different. Vietnam 2025 award ceremony.

In addition, the Department has earned numerous awards in the VIFOTEC Scientific and Technological Innovation Contest, Ministry- and university-level student research awards, as well as achievements in fashion design and talent competitions at various levels.