USSH promotes cooperation with ICCS (India), implements phase 2 of the Cham documentary heritage digitization project
On the afternoon of June 9, 2026, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City, held a meeting and working session with Professor Amarjiva Lochan – Secretary General of the International Centre for Cultural Studies (ICCS, India) during his business trip to Vietnam.
Attending the meeting, on behalf of the University, were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Luu Van Quyet – Vice President; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Huynh Ngoc Thu – Head of the International Relations and Science Management Office; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Hong Xuan – Head of the Faculty of Oriental Studies; along with representatives from the International Relations and Science Management Office, the Vietnam – ASEAN Cultural Exchange Center, the Indian Studies Department, and related units.
The meeting took place in a cordial and open atmosphere, focusing on discussing cooperation directions in the field of conservation, research, and promotion of cultural heritage values, especially the digitization of the Cham people's ancient document system – a precious source of information reflecting the history, language, beliefs, and cultural life of the Cham community in Vietnam.
At the meeting, both sides evaluated the initial results achieved from phase 1 of the Cham document digitization project and discussed the implementation contents for phase 2 in the coming time. Based on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on May 4, 2026, between Gyan Bharatam (GB), the Ministry of Culture of India, and the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City, the parties agreed to continue expanding cooperation in research, training, academic exchange, and human resource development activities in the fields of history, culture, language, religion, and anthropology.
Besides promoting the digitization, storage, and exploitation of Cham documents using modern technologies, the two sides also discussed the possibility of implementing joint academic programs, international conferences, interdisciplinary research, and new cooperation projects to enhance connections between Vietnamese and Indian researchers. This is considered an important step in linking social sciences and humanities research with digital transformation, contributing to bringing traditional cultural values closer to the domestic and international community.
On behalf of the University Board of Rectors, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Luu Van Quyet expressed his appreciation for the contributions of Professor Amarjiva Lochan in connecting cooperation programs between Vietnam and India, especially in the field of cultural heritage conservation. The Vice President affirmed that the University of Social Sciences and Humanities always values building an international cooperation network with prestigious partners to promote research, training, and disseminate Vietnam's cultural values in the context of global integration.
The Cham documentary heritage digitization project not only contributes to preserving and promoting the traditional cultural values of ethnic minority communities but also makes a practical contribution to the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 4 – Quality Education through promoting research and knowledge sharing; SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities through cultural heritage conservation; and SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals through strengthening academic and cultural cooperation between Vietnam and India.
The working session opened up many new prospects for cooperation between the University of Social Sciences and Humanities and Indian partners in the fields of research, training, and cultural heritage conservation. This is also an important milestone, continuing to affirm the pioneering role of the University in connecting knowledge, digital technology, and cultural heritage conservation, contributing to preserving national cultural memory and promoting sustainable development in the digital age.
