On February 1, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City (USSH-VNUHCM) welcomed representatives from the Association for Asian Studies (AAS). The meeting focused on the role of the social sciences and humanities as societies across the region and the world confront new challenges, while also exploring opportunities for academic collaboration under the Cultivating the Humanities & Social Sciences (CHSS) Initiative.
At the meeting, Professor Ngo Thi Phuong Lan, President of the University, emphasized the essential role of the social sciences and humanities in today’s rapidly evolving world. As advances in science, technology, and innovation accelerate, she noted, these fields help deepen understanding of their social, cultural, and human implications. She added that strengthening research in the social sciences and humanities not only advances academic scholarship but also contributes to policy development, public dialogue, and sustainable development.
Professor Ngo Thi Phuong Lan shares insights on regional and international research in the social sciences and humanities - Photo by: KHANH MY
She also highlighted the University’s commitment to regional knowledge exchange, the advancement of locally grounded perspectives, and amplifying the presence of Vietnamese scholarship in international research forums. This approach has consistently shaped USSH’s participation in international programs and collaborative initiatives in the social sciences and humanities.
Professor Nancy Peluso, President of AAS, praised USSH-VNUHCM for its contributions to the region’s academic network, highlighting the University’s openness, strong collaborative engagement, and proactive role in organizing international scholarly activities. She also noted AAS’s commitment to amplifying scholarly voices from Southeast and South Asia while supporting early-career researchers in advancing their research and academic publishing.
Professor Nancy Peluso highlights the importance of flexible collaboration between coordinating centers and regional hubs for the effectiveness of the CHSS Initiative in Southeast and South Asia - Photo by: MINH THU
Professor Nancy Peluso also noted that collaboration with institutions such as USSH-VNUHCM, known for their strengths in the social sciences and humanities, can help broaden perspectives in Asian studies while fostering lasting academic partnerships. She expressed hope that the two sides will continue expanding cooperation through initiatives such as conferences, academic dialogues, joint publications, and scholar exchanges.
The meeting also included discussions on the CHSS Initiative, funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and coordinated by AAS, which also manages the initiative’s financial administration. The initiative focuses on strengthening research capacity, building regional academic networks, and supporting early-career scholars across Southeast and South Asia, particularly in conflict-affected and post-conflict contexts. For USSH-VNUHCM, participation in the CHSS network represents an important opportunity to expand research collaboration while further reinforcing the University’s standing within the region’s social sciences and humanities community.
Representatives discuss cooperation priorities under the CHSS Initiative, aimed at strengthening sustainable regional academic networks grounded in real-world contexts - Photo by: KHANH MY
The visit by AAS representatives marked an important academic engagement, strengthening international exchange and collaboration while highlighting USSH-VNUHCM’s role as a regional center for research, education, and knowledge exchange in the social sciences and humanities.
Representatives pose for a commemorative photo - Photo by: MINH THU
NGUYEN MINH THU - THAO TIEN - KHANH MY
Translated by: My Phung
