Closely linking journalism and scientific research in the new context

On the morning of September 18, The World and Vietnam Newspaper (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) coordinated with the Institute of South Asia, West Asia and Africa Studies (Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences) to organize a thematic meeting and sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two sides.

Attending the program, on the side of The Gioi and Viet Nam Newspaper were Editor-in-Chief Nguyen Truong Son, Deputy Editor-in-Chief Vu Quang Tung, Deputy Editor-in-Chief Hoang Diem Hanh, Intern Deputy Editor-in-Chief Ho Thi Van, heads of content departments and reporters.

On the side of the Institute for South Asian, West Asian and African Studies, there were the participation of Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Xuan Trung, Director; Dr. Phan Cao Nhat Anh, Deputy Director; Dr. Kieu Thanh Nga, Deputy Director, Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Asian-African Studies; Associate Professor, Dr. Dinh Cong Hoang, Head of the Middle East and West Asian Research Department; Dr. Tran Thuy Phuong, Head of the African Research Department; MSc. Pham Thi Kim Hue , Deputy Head of the Middle East and West Asian Research Department... and staff and researchers.

Strategic handshake

Dr. Phan Cao Nhat Anh, Deputy Director of the Institute of South Asian, West Asian and African Studies, delivered the opening speech. (Photo: Quang Hoa)

Speaking at the opening of the seminar, Dr. Phan Cao Nhat Anh, Deputy Director of the Institute for South Asian, West Asian and African Studies, emphasized that in recent times, the Institute and the World and Vietnam Newspaper have had many practical and effective coordination activities. Reporters of the Newspaper regularly attend the Institute's events, support reporting, introducing and spreading the Institute's research results to the public. A typical example is the recent Asia-Africa International Forum 2025, thanks to the Newspaper's timely bilingual news, the activities have reached a wider public. He highly appreciated the role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' media agency in spreading the Institute's research works on South Asia, West Asia and Africa - a large region with an increasingly important role in geopolitical and geostrategic issues, thereby contributing to enhancing the position of social sciences in life.

Dr. Phan Cao Nhat Anh also informed and analyzed the international context and some emerging issues from the situation in the Middle East, Gaza Strip, Iran to Africa, recent fluctuations in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal... The Deputy Director of the Institute commented that South Asia, West Asia and Africa are strategic regions, converging many global issues. Therefore, the Institute has the task of in-depth research to be able to provide information, advice and important references for policy making.

Deputy Director Phan Cao Nhat Anh said that in the current context, cooperation between media agencies and research agencies is very important and the trend of linking research and media is becoming increasingly clear in the world. In Vietnam, this connection is also increasingly close, helping research projects have practical value, while providing the press with diverse and in-depth analysis to make accurate comments, serving foreign affairs and policy making. The expert also hopes that through exchanges like today, the two sides will have more multi-dimensional perspectives, contributing to promoting cooperation between research and media in the coming time.

Editor-in-Chief of the World and Vietnam Newspaper Nguyen Truong Son believes that through close coordination, the two units will promote their strengths. (Photo: Quang Hoa)

Agreeing with the opinion of the Deputy Director of the Institute for South Asian, West Asian and African Studies, Mr. Nguyen Truong Son, Editor-in-Chief of the World and Vietnam Newspaper, expressed his joy when the two agencies had the opportunity to officially meet, considering this a valuable opportunity to open up long-term and substantive cooperation between the two sides.

Editor-in-Chief Nguyen Truong Son shared that the relationship between the two sides started more than two years ago, including initial exchanges related to the Halal industry. The Editor-in-Chief commented that Halal is a typical example showing that the role of media and research must be closely linked. To introduce and explain a concept that is both familiar and difficult like Halal to the public and businesses, it is necessary to combine the foundation of academic research and the dissemination capacity of the press. This is not only true for Halal, but also for many larger issues related to international integration, security, defense and sustainable development of the country.

The Editor-in-Chief hopes that the MOU signed by the two sides is just the beginning, and will not just stop at formality, but will need specific and practical cooperation so that both sides can exploit each other's potential and strengths, especially in research and communication on strategic regions such as South Asia, West Asia and Africa - where there are more than 3 billion people, a lot of potential but also many challenges in approaching and implementing practical cooperation. Editor-in-Chief Nguyen Truong Son hopes that with the concretization of cooperation between the two sides through the signing of the MOU today, the two agencies will promote their strengths and cooperate more closely to complete the political tasks of each side, effectively serving the country's foreign affairs.

Much potential to be exploited

Associate Professor Dr. Dinh Cong Hoang emphasized the urgent need to develop a national Halal industry development strategy. (Photo: Quang Hoa)

Associate Professor, Dr. Dinh Cong Hoang, Head of the Middle East and West Asia Research Department, said that Africa, South Asia and West Asia are vast research areas with more than 70 countries, and are also regions with rich development potential and strategic significance in terms of economy, politics, culture and society. In recent times, the Middle East and West Asia Research Department has carried out many in-depth projects and seminars, notably the research on Halal economics. The activities have gone beyond the theoretical level, gradually entering into practice with the participation of businesses, localities and many ministries and branches.

Associate Professor Dr. Dinh Cong Hoang also emphasized the need to promote the development of the national Halal industry, removing bottlenecks to pave the way for Vietnamese goods to penetrate the large Halal markets of this very potential region. Besides Halal, Associate Professor Dr. Dinh Cong Hoang noted that the Middle East-West Asia region has special geopolitical significance, every development has a direct or indirect impact on the world and Vietnam. Research on this region can contribute to making quick responses to global issues, while supporting Vietnam's foreign affairs, trade and investment promotion.

Dr. Kieu Thanh Nga, Deputy Director of the Institute for South Asian, West Asian and African Studies, proposed that the two sides increase information exchange. (Photo: Quang Hoa)

For her part, Dr. Kieu Thanh Nga, Deputy Director of the Institute for South Asian, West Asian and African Studies, particularly appreciated the significance of the meeting between the "three forces": Researchers, diplomats and journalists. According to Ms. Kieu Thanh Nga, this coordination will create a synergistic strength, helping research projects to be more closely linked to policy implementation practices, while expanding social influence.

Regarding the specific content of cooperation, Dr. Kieu Thanh Nga suggested that the two sides could increase information exchange: the Institute for South Asia, West Asia and Africa with its research strengths could provide in-depth sources of materials for the World and Vietnam Newspaper , while the Newspaper could support the Institute in accessing practical information. In addition, coordinating to participate in research and survey missions abroad would also bring practical results, helping both sides share resources and supplement the most comprehensive perspectives.

The Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Asian-African Studies shared that the Institute's Journal currently mainly publishes in-depth academic research but the scope of dissemination is still limited. Dr. Kieu Thanh Nga wishes to cooperate closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Newspaper to have modern, attractive and effective press products, in order to improve the quality of academic communication work, contributing to bringing research results closer to domestic and foreign readers.

Dr. Tran Thuy Phuong, Head of the African Research Department (Institute of South Asia, West Asia and Africa Studies) hopes that after today's meeting, the two sides will have more joint works published and posted. (Photo: Quang Hoa)

Dr. Tran Thuy Phuong, Head of the African Research Department, said that Africa is a large region, which is both favorable for research and poses many challenges. In recent years, the African Research Department has carried out a number of typical research projects, along with many ministerial-level topics clarifying innovation and development policies in North African countries. Dr. Tran Thuy Phuong shared that the research orientation of the Department will continue to closely follow the general policy of the Academy and the Institute of South Asian, West Asian and African Studies, including contents related to strategic resolutions of the Party and State. Particularly in the field of Vietnam's investment in South Asia and Africa, the Department is also carrying out research to clarify the potential and challenges in economic cooperation.

The researcher hopes that in the coming time, the two sides will continue to coordinate more closely to have collaborative products that are both academic and have media influence. Thereby, strengthening connection, cooperation and contributing to the understanding of Africa as well as to the common interests of both agencies and the country.

Ms. Pham Thi Kim Hue, Deputy Head of the Middle East and West Asia Research Department, said that the press plays a very important role in communicating, raising social awareness, and spreading practical experiences from businesses and localities when participating in the process of converting production to meet Halal standards. (Photo: Quang Hoa)

In her speech, Ms. Pham Thi Kim Hue, Deputy Head of the Middle East and West Asia Research Department, highly appreciated the effective cooperation between The World and Vietnam Newspapers , and emphasized that the attention and companionship of the Newspapers had created an open space for exchange, suggesting many new ideas for both sides. She said that the press plays a very important role in communication, raising social awareness, and spreading practical experiences from businesses and localities when participating in the process of converting production to Halal standards.

In addition, the Deputy Head of the Middle East and West Asia Research Department also mentioned the importance of South-South cooperation and trilateral cooperation, considering this one of the bright spots in Vietnam's international relations, especially with African countries. In the coming time, the two sides can coordinate to implement joint columns or projects with South Asian, West Asian and African countries in potential areas such as agriculture, energy security and education.

In addition, affirming that education is a promising direction for cooperation, MSc. Pham Thi Kim Hue pointed out that currently, many African students have expressed their desire to study in Vietnam, which is also an opportunity to enhance the international status of Vietnamese universities, while creating "people's ambassadors" to contribute to connecting bilateral relations. According to her, the development of educational cooperation, combined with communication and research, will open up new space for Vietnam's international cooperation.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Xuan Trung, Director of the Institute of South Asian, West Asian and African Studies, highly appreciated the organization of the thematic meeting and the signing of the MOU. (Photo: Quang Hoa)

Speaking at the signing of the agreement, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Xuan Trung, Director of the Institute of South Asia, West Asia and Africa Studies, highly appreciated the organization of the thematic meeting and the signing of the MOU. This meaning. Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Xuan Trung shared that this plan has been discussed and nurtured by both sides for a long time, and at the same time, he said that successful implementation does not stop at the "signing ceremony", but more importantly, it is necessary to turn the cooperation agreement into concrete actions, avoiding leaving the document "on paper".

The Institute and the Newspaper have many things in common in their activities, but also possess their own strengths to complement each other: The mouthpiece of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advantages in information and quick response, while the Institute has depth in social science research, long-term trend analysis and comparison.

Director Nguyen Xuan Trung said that cooperation will help spread research products more widely, especially basic topics that are often neglected due to small scale. Through the press, research results can be synthesized and summarized into topics, contributing practically to society. He also proposed a regular coordination mechanism, in which research departments in the Institute send situation reports to the Newspaper for exploitation, thereby creating more channels to spread scientific knowledge.

Linking journalism and science

Intern Deputy Editor-in-Chief of The World and Vietnam Newspaper Ho Thi Van emphasized that lack of understanding or incomplete understanding will hinder international cooperation. (Photo: Quang Hoa)

On behalf of The Gioi and Viet Nam Newspaper , Ms. Ho Thi Van, Intern Deputy Editor-in-Chief, also highly appreciated the profound opinions shared at the thematic session, especially on the situation in South Asia, West Asia and Africa - current strategic hotspots in the world.

From her practical experience working in India, she commented that international press and media often tend to emphasize the negative aspects, while the positive values ​​and cultural and social beauties of these countries are less widely spread. Therefore, according to the Deputy Editor-in-Chief, the press and researchers have a shared responsibility in improving communication effectiveness, helping businesses, people and management agencies have a more comprehensive view of these areas.

Emphasizing that lack of understanding or incomplete understanding will hinder international cooperation, Ms. Ho Thi Van affirmed that closer connection between research and journalism is extremely necessary. If well implemented, it will contribute to promoting correct awareness, strengthening trust, thereby expanding cooperation between Vietnam and countries in South Asia, West Asia and Africa, not only at the government level but also in the business community and society.

Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the World and Vietnam Newspaper Hoang Diem Hanh proposed to build a regular coordination mechanism between the two agencies, such as sharing thematic reports and research data to serve information and analysis work. (Photo: Quang Hoa)

Deputy Editor-in-Chief of The World and Vietnam Newspaper Hoang Diem Hanh emphasized that organizing the thematic meeting combined with signing the MOU is a meaningful initiative, opening up a space for academic exchange as well as new motivation for the two agencies. According to the Deputy Editor-in-Chief, although the Newspaper and the Institute both operate in the field of "writing", each side has its own strengths. This difference is an important foundation for the two sides to complement each other, creating a resonant strength.

Ms. Hoang Diem Hanh especially emphasized that signing the memorandum of understanding is just the beginning, "the important thing is to turn the agreement into concrete actions". Accordingly, one of the feasible directions is to take advantage of the strengths of the press to spread research results, especially small-scale, basic topics. Just by being compiled, summarized and disseminated in the form of topics, these research products can become valuable sources of information for society. Deputy Editor-in-Chief of The Gioi va Viet Nam Newspaper also proposed to build a regular coordination mechanism between the two agencies, such as sharing thematic reports and research data to serve information and analysis work.

Editor-in-Chief Nguyen Truong Son and Director of the Institute for South Asia, West Asia and Africa Studies Nguyen Xuan Trung signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the two sides. (Photo: Quang Hoa)

The cooperation agreement between the two sides not only contributes to improving the effectiveness of external information work but also creates conditions to promote academic dialogue. (Photo: Quang Hoa)

Within the framework of the program, the World and Vietnam Newspaper and the Institute of South Asian, West Asian and African Studies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on bilateral cooperation. The cooperation agreement not only contributes to improving the effectiveness of foreign information work but also creates conditions to promote academic dialogue, contributing to deepening the relationship between Vietnam and countries in the region, while opening up opportunities for closer connection between scientific research and foreign journalism, aiming at the goal of disseminating knowledge, enhancing the position of Vietnam's international academic and media.

Two units took a souvenir photo. (Photo: Quang Hoa)

Editor-in-Chief Nguyen Truong Son introduces the publication of The Gioi va Viet Nam Newspaper to Director of the Institute for South Asia, West Asia and Africa Studies Nguyen Xuan Trung. (Photo: Quang Hoa)

Implementing the policy of promoting cooperation with domestic and foreign press agencies, The World and Vietnam Newspaper has signed cooperation agreements with press agencies such as Thai Nguyen Newspaper , Korea Times (Korea), Zougla (Greece), Colombo Times (Sri Lanka)... In particular, in order to continue expanding cooperation with training and research agencies serving professional work, The World and Vietnam Newspaper has been coordinating with agencies of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, Diplomatic Academy, Academy of Journalism and Communication... to exchange information, research, invite speakers to participate in talk shows, seminars... contributing to improving the depth of press products, spreading research values ​​into social life. Last month, the Newspaper signed an MOU with the Center for Indian Studies, Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/gan-ket-chat-che-giua-bao-chi-va-nghien-cuu-khoa-hoc-trong-boi-canh-moi-328067.html