On the occasion of the working visit to Ho Chi Minh City by MA Michael Tiing Soon Ling, an international expert in urban planning and development, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Hong Xuan – Dean of the Faculty of Oriental Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City, arranged for the expert to exchange with graduate students in the module "Religion and belief in Asia".
With over 20 years of experience working in many countries and cultural regions, MA Michael Ling provided an interdisciplinary perspective on the relationship between religion – culture – community – urban space. In particular, his experience participating in the Oxford Islamic Studies Centre – Malaysia Auditorium project added practical insights into how religion is manifested in architecture and social space.
Under the guidance of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Hong Xuan, students discussed the boundaries between religion – belief – custom – culture, as well as the adaptation of religious practices in the context of urbanization and multicultural society in Asia.
The exchange contributed to bringing international practice into the classroom, helping students approach religion and belief not only through doctrines and rituals but also through community life, architecture, space, and the changes of contemporary Asian society.
