Centre for ASEAN Human Resources Research and Training closely linked to HCMC’s development goals in the ASEAN setting.
The world is currently facing numerous significant changes: the digital transformation, the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), non-traditional security issues, and especially the ongoing pandemic. Production methods are being replaced, workers will be made redundant, whereas new initiatives and jobs will emerge.
Studies have shown that in the next 10-15 years, one-third of current jobs will be replaced by machines and artificial intelligence (AI), while approximately 40% of workers will have to acquire new skills to meet their job requirements. These numbers will be even higher in ASEAN countries. A study by the International Labor Organization (ILO) in five ASEAN countries anticipates that 56% of jobs in these countries could be severely impacted or replaced by automation within the next few decades.
Especially in 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic has affected 2.7 billion workers (about 81% of the global workforce). In the second quarter of 2020, there were 480 million jobs lost globally, and over 42 million in the ASEAN region.
Since society is changing, the problem of researching and training ASEAN human resources in the 4IR has become more urgent than ever. As such, ASEAN has been making efforts to implement important initiatives, such as empowering women in the digital era (The ASEAN Leader's Special Session on Women's Empowerment in the Digital Age, the 36th ASEAN Summit, 2020), promoting the implementation of ASEAN Smart Cities Network – ASCN (adopted at the 32nd ASEAN Summit in 2018 in Singapore) towards sustainable development.
However, with its 2025 vision in developing the ASEAN community, the current research status in Vietnam on contemporary issues like socio-cultural, economic, and political – security of the ASEAN is still limited. There aren’t many joint publications by USSH, VNU - HCM and ASEAN universities. In addition, training programs through linkages with ASEAN professionals are essential to the production of high-quality human resources in the context of ASEAN integration.
As a research university, USSH, VNUHCM is set to achieve financial autonomy from 2022. It aims to not only provide HCMC and Vietnam in general with a highly-skilled workforce but also strengthen the solidarity between Vietnam and ASEAN countries.
Thus, the Centre for ASEAN Human Resources Research and Training (CAHRRT) under USSH, VNUHCM was established on April 29, 2021 by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Hong Xuan (Director, Chair of the HCMC Vietnam – ASEAN Friendship Association).
Aspiring to be a center of innovation and development in the ASEAN community, with the core values of Creativity, Aspiration, Heart, Responsibility, 4IR, and Talent, the Center aims to: (1) Offer professional research and training activities to produce highly-qualified individuals in the context of the 4IR; (2) Foster a culture of teamwork, collaboration, creativity and responsibility for our society.
The CAHRRT undertakes and disseminates various research activities:
(1) Conducting a wide range of research that promotes awareness and understanding of cultural heritages of Vietnam and ASEAN ethnic groups;
(2) Organizing seminars and conferences that focus on the three pillars of ASEAN (most recently is the ‘Preserving architectural heritage in Vietnam's urban areas: the theoretical framework and lessons learned from ASEAN countries’ seminar);
(3) Publishing yearbooks for researchers and practitioners around the globe.
In addition, through linkages with other academic institutions and universities from all over the world, the Center provides online and offline training programs, as well as courses on leadership skills, adaptability, and personal development for digital transformation.
Other activities include:
(1) Funding individual research, training, and exchange programs on Vietnam - ASEAN cultural heritage for scholars and practitioners.
(2) Providing feedback and recommendations to individuals, as well as domestic and international organizations and agencies.
(3) Coordinating with the Vietnam – ASEAN Friendship Association and ASEAN’s Consul General to organize ASEAN cultural festivals;
(4) Organizing delegation visits to learn about the culture, history, and smart cities in ASEAN countries.
The CAHRRT aspires to be a center of excellence and prestige that provides high-quality training for individuals, organizations, and corporations interested in ASEAN’s people and culture.
My Phung & Như Quynh
