East-West Dialogue at the Temple of Literature - Suggesting the value of educational heritage in the integration period

VHO - On November 3, at Thai Hoc House - Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam, Hanoi, the discussion "Eastern - Western Educational and Cultural Heritage" brought together Vietnamese and American scholars to discuss the core values ​​of the two educational systems. The event is within the framework of the Thang Long - Hanoi Festival 2025, contributing to clarifying the role of educational heritage in the current development flow and affirming the position of the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam as a symbol connecting knowledge between tradition and modernity.

Speaking at the opening of the seminar, Ms. Le Thi Anh Mai, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, emphasized: The Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam was established in the late 11th century under the Ly Dynasty, a place to honor saints and sages and also the highest educational center of the ancient country.

Ms. Le Thi Anh Mai, Deputy Director of Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, spoke at the seminar.

Through the dynasties, this place has become a symbol of Vietnamese education, a place that has trained thousands of talented people for the country, while also fostering precious traditional values ​​such as respecting teachers, respecting talented people and loving learning.

According to Ms. Le Thi Anh Mai, the educational ideology at the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam focuses on self-cultivation and takes the word "Humanity" as the root . That system of values ​​not only contributes to the formation of the identity of Vietnamese philosophy but also leaves to posterity a huge educational heritage - from thousands of famous scholars to profound humanistic life principles and knowledge, which still have value in contemporary society.

In the context of Vietnam entering a new era of development, she believes that innovation in thinking, especially in the field of education, is an urgent requirement. Learning from the educational experiences of developed countries is a way to approach modern educational thinking, while continuing and promoting traditional quintessence.

Professor, Doctor of Science Vu Minh Giang, Chairman of the Science and Training Council of Hanoi National University, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Historical Science Association spoke at the seminar.

One of the highlights of the discussion was the participation of Columbia University (USA) - a typical Western educational model, standing out with its liberal philosophy and promoting personal autonomy.

The academic dialogue between experts from the two Eastern and Western educational systems is expected to open up opportunities for cooperation, experience exchange and spread the spirit of continuous learning in the Vietnamese educational community.

Ms. Le Thi Anh Mai affirmed: “The scientific discussion between the Center for Cultural and Scientific Activities of the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam and scholars of Columbia University is a valuable opportunity to learn about the value of two Eastern and Western educational systems through two typical symbols: Quoc Tu Giam Thang Long and Columbia University.

This is also an opportunity to raise awareness of the role of educational heritage in shaping national identity and promoting academic cooperation in the context of globalization."

The youthful colors of Hanoi through the exhibition "Thanh Tan Hanoi"

VHO - On November 2, at Ho Van (Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam), the painting exhibition "Thanh Tan Hanoi" opened, introducing more than 90 paintings by the "I Draw" Club. The event was organized by the Center for Cultural and Scientific Activities of the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam in collaboration with Nhau Studio, as part of the series of activities of "Thang Long Festival 2025 - Journey of Heritage Convergence".

Attending the seminar were many prestigious scholars from Vietnam and the United States, including: Professor, Doctor of Science Vu Minh Giang, Chairman of the Science and Training Council of Hanoi National University, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Historical Science Association; Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Kim, Vice Chairman of the National Cultural Heritage Council, Deputy Secretary General of the Vietnam Historical Science Association; Dr. Dinh Thanh Hieu, Head of the Department of Han Nom, Faculty of Literature, Hanoi University of Social Sciences and Humanities...

Delegates attending the seminar

At the seminar, the speakers focused on analyzing, comparing and discussing three major groups of topics:

The organizational model and educational methods of Quoc Tu Giam and Columbia University, in which Eastern education emphasizes etiquette, morality, self-cultivation and social service, while Western education emphasizes critical thinking, self-control, creativity and the ability to combine knowledge with practice.

The role of the teacher in imparting knowledge and cultivating morality, aiming at a well-rounded person, with both professional competence and community responsibility.

Connecting knowledge and culture through the fields of Han Nom, literature and humanities research, expanding the direction of cooperation between Vietnamese universities and research institutes and Columbia University in the future.

Most delegates agreed that both Eastern and Western education systems have core values ​​that need to be respected and absorbed.

View of the Seminar

While the East emphasizes morality, courtesy, self-cultivation and community, the West tends towards autonomy, creativity and practical efficiency – all with the common goal of developing a well-rounded person who is useful to society.

The East-West Cultural and Educational Heritage Dialogue is considered an open academic space where traditional heritage is illuminated by the spirit of modern dialogue. The event not only contributes to spreading cultural, educational and intellectual values, but also demonstrates Vietnam's efforts in the journey of international integration - both inheriting tradition and absorbing the quintessence of humanity for sustainable development in the future.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/van-hoa/doi-thoai-dong-tay-tai-van-mieu-goi-mo-gia-tri-di-san-giao-duc-trong-thoi-hoi-nhap-178868.html