Dr. Tran Huu Son received the French Order of Knight of the Academic Palms

Attending the ceremony were Mr. Hoang Dao Cuong, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism; Mr. Ly Binh Minh, Vice Chairman of Lao Cai Provincial People's Council; leaders of Lao Cai Provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and many delegates, guests, and colleagues of Dr. Tran Huu Son.

As Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Lao Cai province from 2002 to 2015, Dr. Tran Huu Son initiated and coordinated many programs to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of ethnic minorities associated with sustainable tourism development, research on the application of culture to economic development and environmental protection. He is the author of many valuable scientific works, including 8 separate publications on customs and practices of ethnic minorities in Lao Cai province, scientific editor of 15 thematic collections and participated in dozens of research projects applied to practice.

French Ambassador to Vietnam Olivier Brochet awarded the French State's Chevalier of the Academic Palms Medal to Dr. Tran Huu Son. (Photo: Dan Viet Newspaper)

In particular, he has made many contributions to international cooperation, especially with French partners. He has cooperated with Dr. Christian Culas (Aix-Marseille University) - who was invited by the Nouvelle Aquitaine region to be a consultant on Lao Cai tourism planning since 2001. Along with that is the support of Dr. Philippe Le Failler of the French School of the Far East (EFEO) in the project of preserving ancient Dao books and ancient stone carvings in Sa Pa.

In recent years, he has also collaborated with ethnologist Emmanuel Pannier on projects in Nghia Do (Bao Yen district) and Bat Xat district (Lao Cai province). These programs are not only of academic significance but also contribute to deepening the friendly relations between Vietnam and France.

In addition, thanks to his efforts and those of his successors, many cooperation programs between Lao Cai province and the University of Bordeaux and the Aquitaine region (France) have been maintained continuously for nearly two decades. Relations with UNESCO, the Ford Foundation, the French Development Agency (AFD), and the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) have also been expanded with many practical projects.

The Chevalier des Palmes is a noble award of the French Government, awarded to individuals who have made special contributions to the fields of education and culture. The awarding of the medal to Dr. Tran Huu Son once again affirms the role of a cultural bridge between Vietnam and France that he has persistently built throughout his career.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Tran Huu Son said that the noble award is not only a personal honor for him but also a recognition of the joint efforts of researchers, cultural managers and those who have continuously fostered the friendship and educational and cultural cooperation between Vietnam and France.

“This is also an honor for the ethnic artisans of the Northern mountainous region who have helped me in my field trips over the past 40 years. The stories, historical documents, and warm feelings have given me more confidence and sincere affection. I will bring this Medal back to my village and to the ethnic people,” Dr. Tran Huu Son shared.

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/tien-si-tran-huu-son-nhan-huan-chuong-hiep-si-canh-co-han-lam-cua-phap-213511.html