On the morning of November 7, 2026, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City (USSH, VNU-HCM) in collaboration with the Association for Asian Studies (AAS) held the Opening Ceremony of the international workshop series on “International Writing and Publishing” and “Digital Methodology”. The event aims to enhance research capacity, support scholars in completing and publishing scientific works in international publications, and update advanced research methods for scholars.
The program brings together a team of seven experienced experts and two teaching assistants from prestigious training and research institutions in Vietnam, Thailand, Australia, Canada, and Germany to teach, share experiences, and guide participants in developing research projects and completing international manuscript drafts. The two workshops attracted 31 lecturers, researchers, and postgraduate students from universities and research institutes in Vietnam.
In his opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Luu Van Quyet, Vice President of the University, extended his respectful greetings to the speakers, faculty members, and domestic and international scientists who accepted the invitation to accompany the program. He emphasized that the international workshop series, within the framework of the CHSS project, is a highly practical academic initiative aimed at accompanying and supporting young researchers and postgraduate students in enhancing their international publication capacity, accessing modern research methods, and gradually integrating deeply into the global academic network.
Responding on behalf of the partners, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hilary V. Finchum-Sung - Executive Director of the Association for Asian Studies (AAS) - affirmed that the CHSS project is a practical resource helping scholars overcome barriers regarding publication capacity and research conditions. She emphasized the importance of mastering academic writing skills and approaching digital methodology with critical thinking, while expressing her belief that the greatest value of the workshop series lies in the dialogues, connections, and sustainable cooperation opportunities among scientists.
Continuing the program, Dr. Krisna Uk, Director of Beyond Asia Limited, provided further information about research grants expected to open in early 2027. These grants are aimed at supporting fieldwork and translation, thereby affirming that language is not a barrier for scholars presenting in Vietnamese.
Regarding program details, Dr. Truong Thi Thu Hang, Head of the Anthropology Division, Faculty of Social Work - Anthropology - Sociology, and Head of the CHSS Project Coordination Board at USSH, VNU-HCM, introduced 4 key resources to support students: Fieldwork and translation grants, grants for attending and presenting at the AAS in Asia international conference, the Mentors data system, and the regional young scholar networking system. Emphasizing the long-term orientation of the program, she stated: “USSH, VNU-HCM has participated in this project since phase 2, starting in 2026. The goal is not just workshops like these but to accompany and support young researchers.” She also emphasized the importance of focusing on practical impact and citation levels of research, rather than just focusing on the rankings of Q1 and Q2 scientific journals.
After the opening ceremony, the workshop series continued with two intensive training sessions. The topic “International Writing and Publishing” focused on developing scientific writing and international publication skills, from building literature reviews, theoretical frameworks, and research methods to applying artificial intelligence responsibly and ensuring academic integrity. In particular, exchange activities and direct mentoring created conditions for students to receive in-depth feedback to continue perfecting their research drafts. The topic “Digital Research Methodology” introduced new approaches in social science research by exploring digital research methods, tools, and techniques. The training sessions not only focused on technological application capabilities but also encouraged critical thinking, considerations of research ethics, and the suitability of methods for each specific research context.
The training content was implemented bilingually in English and Vietnamese, combining thematic presentations with practical activities. Students had the opportunity to exchange, discuss, and receive feedback from speakers through individual guidance, group work, and peer review. These activities contribute to helping young researchers develop research skills, improve draft quality, and expand international academic connections.
Through the practical values brought about, the series of activities promises to effectively support young researchers in enhancing their individual capacity. This is also a solid premise for building sustainable transnational academic relationships in the future.
The 2026 CHSS international workshop series takes place from October 24 to November 8, 2026. This training activity is within the framework of the CHSS Project funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA). This is an activity following the success of the International Scientific Conference: “Overcoming social crisis and conflict - Voices from Southeast Asia and South Asia” held in January 2026. The program features guidance, professional sharing, and accompaniment from domestic and international experts and lecturers: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Quang Dai Tuyen, Van Lang University; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mark Stephen Felix, Mahidol University, Thailand; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Catherine Earl, RMIT University, Vietnam; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Nguyen Hoang Giang, Thompson Rivers University, Canada; Dr. Max Müller, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Germany; Dr. Truong Thi Thu Hang and Dr. Le Thi Ngoc Phuc, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU-HCM |
