Looking back at the past, connecting the world: Vietnamese heritage under an interdisciplinary lens

On the morning of June 27, 2025, at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities - VNU-HCM, a scientific activity with the theme "Research on cultural studies and interdisciplinary scientific activities - Introducing new works of the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History" took place in a vibrant and in-depth atmosphere. The event was organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History in collaboration with the Faculty of Cultural Studies - University of Social Sciences and Humanities and SOAS - University of London (UK), attracting nearly 70 delegates, including international researchers, lecturers, students and students majoring in culture, archaeology, conservation and fine arts.

Việt Nam•02/07/2025

Dr. Hoang Anh Tuan - Director of Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History spoke at the meeting.

International cooperation and bilingual scientific work
At the event, two bilingual research publications jointly produced by the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History and SOAS were officially introduced:
+ Episode 1: From the Red River to the Mekong River – Masterpieces of the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History
+ Episode 2: The Sacred Dragon Takes Flight – Vietnam’s Multicultural Art
The two volumes are the result of six years of interdisciplinary research collaboration between the museum and international academia, with the support of River Books Publishing House (Thailand) - a prestigious publishing house specializing in Southeast Asian heritage and fine arts books. The book introduces typical artifacts in Vietnam's heritage treasure from the perspective of contemporary archaeology, fine arts and cultural studies, demonstrating an academic approach that is both in-depth and close.

Multidimensional academic exchange forum
The event featured presentations from 8 prestigious domestic and foreign researchers, including:
+ Dr. Hoang Anh Tuan – Director of Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History
+ Dr. Peter Sharrock – Regional Partnership Director, Alphawood Programme – SOAS University College, University of London
+ Ms. Narisa Chakrabongse – Director of River Books (Thailand)
+ Dr. Nguyen Khanh Trung Kien - Deputy Director - Southern Institute of Social Sciences
+ Researcher Tran Ky Phuong
+ Dr. Nguyen Thi Tu Anh – Lecturer, Faculty of Cultural Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities
+ Dr. Pham Ngoc Uyen – Deputy Director of Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts
+ Dr. Ngo Anh Dao – Deputy Head of Department of Cultural Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities.

Dr. Peter Sharrock introduces new work

The speakers shared new findings from two books, including: New discoveries about Dong Duong Buddhism and Buddhist architecture in the Central region. Interdisciplinary approach in the study of Champa art - Hinduism. Analysis of typical case studies: Thanh Tron relic ( Binh Phuoc ), Chu Dau pottery in Cu Lao Cham, Kim Long residential and burial sites (Ba Ria - Vung Tau), as well as the phenomenon of cultural exchange between Vietnam - India - Southeast Asia.

Shaping an active role in global knowledge
The scientific event is not only an opportunity to introduce new research results, but also a testament to the effective cooperation model between museums - universities - international publishing organizations. The event marks a step forward in the process of internationalizing Vietnamese heritage, contributing to affirming the increasingly proactive role of Vietnamese research organizations in creating global knowledge about culture and heritage.

International Release The two volumes are being widely distributed by River Books, and will soon be available in libraries, universities and museums domestically and internationally, expanding access to and sharing of Vietnamese heritage to the global academic community.

Delegates and guests taking souvenir photos