Summary of the 2021 International Conference on Social Sciences and Humanities (USSH-ICSSH 2021) - Asian Studies Sub-committee

On September 9, 2021, assigned by the University, the Faculty of Oriental Studies successfully organized the Asian Studies Sub-committee of the 2021 International Conference on Social Sciences and Humanities (USSH-ICSSH 2021) with nearly 400 attendees, including scholars, researchers, lecturers, graduate students, and students from both inside and outside the University.

Figure 1: Dr. Ho Minh Quang - Dean of the Faculty of Oriental Studies speaking

At the opening ceremony of the sub-committee, despite the simple format and brief proceedings, the Asian Studies Sub-committee was honored to welcome many distinguished guests, including Dr. Phan Thanh Dinh - Deputy Secretary, Vice President of the University; Dr. Ho Minh Quang, Dr. Nguyen Thanh Tuan, and MA. Van Kim Hoang Ha, who are the Dean and Vice Deans of the Faculty of Oriental Studies; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hoang Van Viet - Director of the Center for Thai Studies; Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Mai - Dean of the Faculty of Korean Studies; Dr. Nguyen Thi Hoai Chau - Vice Dean of the Faculty of Japanese Studies, along with representatives from some University departments such as the External Relations and Scientific Research Management Office, the Graduate Studies Office, and heads of departments under the Faculties of Oriental Studies, Korean Studies, and Japanese Studies. In addition, at the discussion sessions, the Sub-committee was also honored to welcome many distinguished guests, such as Dr. Le Thi Ngoc Diep - Chairwoman of the University Council, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Huynh Ngoc Thu - Dean of the Faculty of Anthropology, MA. Pham Thi Thuy Trang - Vice Dean of the Faculty of Sociology, MA. Nguyen Thu Huong - Former Vice Dean of the Faculty of Japanese Studies... and many others who attended.

Figure 2: The opening session of the conference at Sub-committee 5A (Asian Studies)

The Asian Studies Sub-committee received a total of 43 papers with diverse research topics, ranging from politics, diplomacy, economics, and society to literature, art, religion, and ethnicity...; at the same time, they were interesting in content. If classifying research subjects by country and region, one can mention: Australia with Dot Painting indigenous art, Vietnam with the Bawean community of Indonesian origin..., Korea with the Yushin regime, "Muslim street"..., India with Mehndi art, Look East policy..., Japan with Abenomics, Halal tourism..., China with "Eight Groups of Deities" (Bat bo chung) in literature, landscape art... After a serious and careful review process, 30 papers were selected for presentation at the 3 sessions of the Conference with 6 independent councils at the Asian Studies Sub-committee, including:

Council 1A: Dr. Ho Minh Quang (Chair), Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Mai (Member), MA. Le Thi Sinh Hien (Secretary)

Council 1B: Dr. Nguyen Thanh Tuan (Chair), Dr. Nguyen Thi Hoai Chau (Member), MA. Nguyen Thi Loan Phuc (Secretary)

Council 2A: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hoang Van Viet (Chair), Dr. Nguyen Thi Hoai Chau (Member), MA. Le Dang Thao Uyen (Secretary)

Council 2B: Dr. Tran Cao Boi Ngoc (Chair), Dr. Doan Thi Quynh Nhu (Member), MA. Ly Vu Nhat Tu (Secretary)

Council 3A: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Tien Luc (Chair), Dr. Nguyen Hoang Yen (Member), MA. Chau Khanh Tam (Secretary)

Council 3B: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hoang Van Viet (Chair), Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Mai (Member), Dr. Le Hoang Bao Tram (Secretary)

Figure 3: Graduate students presenting in session 1 at sub-committee 5B

The conference at the Asian Studies Sub-committee took place successfully in a vibrant academic atmosphere with many rounds of interaction and debate. The members of the presiding committees and many audience members impartially evaluated the achievements of the papers, as well as seriously pointed out the limitations and shortcomings that the authors need to invest effort and time into, to further perfect their research. The presenters fulfilled their role in presenting their scientific research achievements obtained during their studies and research at the Faculty of Oriental Studies in particular and the University of Social Sciences and Humanities - Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City in general, while also excellently completing the task of receiving feedback, discussing, and answering questions posed by the members of the presiding committees and the audience attending the conference.

Figure 4: Presiding committee, graduate students, and interested researchers attending session 2 at sub-committee 5B

Figure 5: Presiding committee, graduate students, and interested researchers attending session 3 at sub-committee 5A

The conference was held online for the first time, and the organization work thus became more difficult than ever. However, thanks to the close guidance of the University leadership, timely attention from relevant departments, and enthusiastic support from technicians, the technical limitations in implementation by the organizing team at the Faculty of Oriental Studies and the confusion in presenting papers on the Google Meet platform by the presenters were all overcome in a timely manner, helping the Asian Studies Sub-committee basically ensure the organizational progress as planned.

Therefore, it can be said that this conference was a precious experience for everyone involved in all positions. Although the journey of the conference has temporarily stopped here, the academic gains and practical experience gained from the organization work will be an important foundation for continuing to organize subsequent conferences.

The Asian Studies Sub-committee sincerely thanks everyone who contributed to the complete success of the conference and looks forward to seeing you again!

Best regards!