TTLA: A study comparing the quality of life in Bangkok and Hanoi using Mercer's index.

Author's name: Do Thi Lien Van

Dissertation title: A Comparative Study of Quality of Life in Bangkok and Hanoi using Mercer's Index.

Field of study of the dissertation: Oriental studies

Major: Southeast Asian Studies Code: 63 31 06 10

Name of the postgraduate training unit: University of Social Sciences and Humanities - Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

1. Purpose and scope of the thesis

1.1. Research Objectives

- Clarifying the theoretical and practical basis of quality of life; urban quality of life.

- Analyze and compare the similarities and differences in the quality of life between Bangkok and Hanoi using 39 Mercer indicators. Clarify the achievements, difficulties, limitations, and causes of each group of indicators. Through this, draw lessons from the successes and failures of Bangkok and Hanoi in the current context.

1.2. Research Subjects

- Research subject: A comparative study of the quality of life in Bangkok and Hanoi using the Mercer Index.

- Research subject: This study compares the quality of life in Bangkok and Hanoi through the state management of sectors and industries related to the quality of life in both cities.

2. Research methods used

2.1. Approach

- Area-based learning approach:In studying quality of life, the author applied a regional studies approach along with interdisciplinary and comparative methods, which are the two main methods of the thesis. The regional studies approach is also a fundamental research method of Oriental studies. This approach becomes even more suitable for the research topic comparing the quality of life of Bangkok and Hanoi through the Mercer Index. Only a regional studies approach can identify scientific arguments about quality of life in a comprehensive and in-depth manner, encompassing many fields and sectors including politics, economics, culture, society, education, health, urban management, etc., under multi-dimensional influences and across different time periods. In particular, the research subject is not only the quality of life issues (indicators) of Hanoi but also transcends national boundaries to include a city in another Southeast Asian country, namely Bangkok. Through interdisciplinary and comparative methods, the similarities and differences in each quality of life indicator between Bangkok and Hanoi will be compared and analyzed using the 39 indicators in the Mercer Index. This is a highly reputable quality of life index worldwide, reflecting many characteristics of North American countries.

In general, regional studies is an interdisciplinary science within the field of international studies. It examines territories outside national borders from social, economic, political, and cultural perspectives in relation to geographical space, aiming to enhance human understanding of the world's diversity and for the common good. A regional studies approach will provide this thesis with a comprehensive view of the similarities and differences, along with the unique characteristics of the quality of life, between two representative, dynamic, and relatively similar cities in Southeast Asia.

2.2. Specific research methods        

- Theoretical research methods:The author uses this to synthesize research works and articles related to the issue of urban quality of life published both domestically and internationally; highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of previous studies while clarifying the research direction of the topic based on inheriting, developing, and supplementing the gaps that previous studies have not addressed.

- Comparative methodAlong with a regional approach, the comparative method was the primary method used throughout the research. Based on the collected data, the author was able to synthesize, analyze, and compare the quality of life in Bangkok and Hanoi to identify similarities and differences in each indicator, while clarifying achievements, difficulties, and limitations; and the causes of these difficulties and limitations. Based on this, some lessons learned from successes and failures can be drawn to contribute to improving the quality of life in Bangkok and Hanoi now and in the coming years. This method helps the author grasp the advantages and limitations of each indicator. Which indicators will be advantageous for Bangkok and which will be advantageous for Hanoi? In particular, which indicators are issues that both cities are concerned about? Which indicators are Bangkok residents most satisfied with? Similarly, which indicators are Hanoi residents most satisfied with?

- A combination of qualitative and quantitative methodsQuantitative research methods complement the accuracy of qualitative research, and qualitative research clarifies the meaning of quantitative research. A comprehensive study on quality of life requires a combination of both research methods to achieve maximum results. Only through a seamless integration of quantitative and qualitative research, linked to social realities, can the overall issues of quality of life be considered more comprehensively and effectively in science. Qualitative research methods can support quantitative research by identifying topics suitable for the survey method. Quantitative research can support qualitative research by generalizing findings to a larger sample or identifying groups requiring in-depth study. Qualitative research can help explain the relationships between variables discovered in quantitative studies.

ButThe survey method combined with in-depth interviews.This method was implemented by the author simultaneously through surveys and interviews using questionnaires to obtain subjective data on the current state of urban life quality and people's satisfaction with that quality of life. In addition, through the survey, the author will obtain opinions from experts and scientists to further deepen the research arguments.

3. Main results and conclusions

3.1. Main results

Scientific significance:This is the first independent, representative scientific research project in Vietnam comparing urban quality of life at the city level. It supplements and clarifies the basic theoretical and practical foundations of urban quality of life; and provides practical data from surveys of Bangkok and Hanoi residents on the quality of life in Bangkok and Hanoi in 2018 (based on the Mercer Index). The research results will serve as valuable reference material for research and teaching.

Practical significance:This study provides scientific data and arguments for each specific group of indicators related to quality of life, such as: economic, political, cultural, social, natural environment, housing, and urban services. Identifying the causes and lessons learned for each city will provide important suggestions for the authorities, experts, and managers of both cities to refer to when developing and determining plans and development roadmaps for each specific sector and field. It will contribute to determining the level of investment each city should make in each sector to improve the quality of urban life and achieve higher rankings in Mercer's periodic quality of life rankings. The research results will serve as valuable reference material to raise awareness and promote a better and more sustainable quality of life for the community and residents of each city. The research findings of this project will enhance understanding and solidarity in building a positive relationship between the two cities of Bangkok and Hanoi, between Thailand and Vietnam, and jointly accelerate the realization of the goals of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community by 2020.

3.2. Conclusion

Research and evaluation of urban quality of life is a crucial objective at every stage for cities, countries, regions, and the world. Urban quality of life is a broad, multidisciplinary topic, directly related to many fields such as security, politics, economics; culture, society, and healthcare; the natural environment, infrastructure, and urban services, etc. Mercer has developed a comprehensive set of quality of life measurement indices comprising 10 industry groups with 39 component indicators. In this study, Mercer's 39 indicators have been grouped into three basic indicator groups, aligning with the three chapters comparing the quality of life in Bangkok and Hanoi.

With a completely new approach to quality of life, unprecedented in any research both domestically and internationally, through an interdisciplinary and systems approach—primarily characteristic of Oriental studies—the author has constructed a vivid picture of the current state of quality of life in Bangkok and Hanoi. The author meticulously analyzes, compares, and interprets the 39 component indicators of the Mercer Quality of Life Index, based on both subjective and objective data. Based on this, the author clarifies the results, limitations, causes, and lessons learned for improving the quality of life in Bangkok and Hanoi both now and in the future. The comparative research method has been applied flexibly and thoroughly across all aspects of the quality of life in Bangkok and Hanoi. The thesis, a comparative study of the quality of life in Bangkok and Hanoi, can be summarized as follows:

(1) Overall assessment of the quality of life indicators of Bangkok and Hanoi through the Mercer Index shows that no indicator is entirely good and no indicator is entirely limited. Each indicator has common points and differences between the two cities. In the three basic indicator groups, there are some indicators where Bangkok has outstanding advantages and some indicators where Hanoi has outstanding advantages. The group of indicators where Bangkok has outstanding advantages includes: Ease of immigration; Banking services; Currency exchange regulations; Hospital services; Medical supplies; Number of schools (international standard); Cinemas; Number and types of restaurants; Housing maintenance and repair; Public transport; Airport. The group of indicators where Hanoi has outstanding advantages includes: Stability; Crime; Mass media and censorship; Climate and weather; Natural disasters. The group of indicators where people in both cities are most dissatisfied includes: Drinking water; Air pollution; household waste; traffic congestion… These are also the indicators that most significantly impact the quality of life today, and they remain topical issues for the nation, region, and the world. In particular, these are issues that city governments need to address with both short-term and long-term plans.

(2) In addition to subjective factors affecting the quality of life in Bangkok and Hanoi, the quality of life in cities is also strongly influenced by objective indicators (factors) such as: globalization and international integration; natural and social characteristics; scientific and technological revolution; migration from rural areas; climate change, natural disasters… This is also why cities in Southeast Asia in general, Bangkok and Hanoi in particular are facing five interdependent challenges such as: need to promote economic growth and employment; need to develop urban infrastructure and services; need to reduce urban poverty; need to protect the environment, mitigate and adapt to climate change; need to develop a culture that enhances urban life and improves urban sustainability, while maintaining typical indicators and values ​​for the region.

(3) Currently, the quality of life in Bangkok and Hanoi is not significantly affected by some indicators in Mercer's Index such as: consumer goods supply; airports; banking services; currency exchange regulations; number of restaurants; theaters, cinemas… Some indicators have a strong impact and are also pressing issues for the two cities, namely: drinking water; air pollution; household waste; traffic congestion; public transport; climate and weather; natural disasters. In fact, there are some other important indicators for the quality of life in cities that Mercer's Index has not mentioned, namely: political institutions; administrative management apparatus; employment index; unemployment; labor productivity index; tourism service index; population aging index; middle class index…

(4) The quality of city life always depends on the overall quality level of many groups of indicators. According to the current assessment of people in the two cities, there are many indicators that have a great impact on the quality of life but people are dissatisfied, such as: water source index; air pollution; wastewater; waste; traffic congestion; climate change; natural disasters; health services; housing, public transport;… These are considered pressing issues for many years that cities still have not had effective solutions to.

(5) The quality of life in Bangkok and Hanoi is directly proportional to the urbanization rate of each city. This is specifically shown by the fact that Bangkok's urbanization rate is always higher than Hanoi's, which explains why Hanoi's ranking in terms of quality of life has always been lower than Bangkok's in terms of quality of life over the years. Similarly, it also explains why developed cities always occupy high rankings in Mercer's ranking, mainly because developed cities always have a much higher urbanization rate than cities in developing countries like Thailand and Vietnam.

(6) Urbanization and economic growth are inevitable processes for cities, and they always occur in parallel with improving the quality of city life.High rates of urbanization and economic growth facilitate the division of labor, create jobs and increase income, leading to a more comfortable standard of living. The urban population also becomes more diverse, increasing its size and density, making it easier for people to access public and social services such as education and healthcare. However, the impacts of urbanization and economic growth are not all positive. The high concentration of people in urban areas engaged in economic activities can lead to overloaded infrastructure, traffic congestion, environmental pollution, widening wealth inequality, and increased crime.

Rapid urbanization and high economic growth do not necessarily translate into a high quality of life. In fact, excessively rapid urbanization and economic growth can lead to negative consequences affecting the quality of urban life in cities, such as traffic congestion, flooding, environmental pollution, and overloaded infrastructure. This explains why Hanoi's economic growth rate in recent years has consistently been among the highest in the world, yet its quality of life ranking remains below average. Similarly, Bangkok currently maintains an average economic growth rate while ranking higher than Hanoi in terms of quality of life. This is also why Hanoi, like many other cities worldwide, experiences high economic growth but is not highly rated for its quality of life.

To improve the quality of life, urbanization and urban development in cities need better management. This requires changes in policies and legal frameworks, as well as decentralization of power to local authorities, giving them greater autonomy in mobilizing human and financial resources to improve urban infrastructure and services. It demands changes in personnel management and an improvement in the capacity of local government at all levels in urban development and management. Simultaneously, national governments need to reaffirm their responsibility to ensure coordination and cooperation between local authorities in redistributing resources between wealthier and poorer regions of the country.

Overall, the quality of urban life is a comprehensive issue involving many sectors and fields. Therefore, improving the quality of life in cities today requires attention from all levels of government, as well as awareness and responsibility from the people. Without one of these factors, achieving the goal of improving the quality of life will not yield good results. However, depending on the socio-economic development conditions of each locality and the challenges posed by objective factors, cities in ASEAN countries, including Bangkok and Hanoi, will have to find their own solutions to effectively cope with risks and complexities, thereby ensuring their strategic goals of sustainable development. The valuable experiences of cities that have been developed for a longer period will be very useful for cities entering a phase of accelerated industrialization and rapid urbanization like Hanoi today. In the future, with the specific development strategies outlined in the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community goals, both Bangkok and Hanoi have reason to hope for the future development of modern, sustainable, and distinctive cities in the region, making them desirable places to live for people around the world.

SUMMARY OF DOCTORAL THESIS

The author's name: Do Thi Lien Van

Thesis title: The study compares the quality of life Bangkok and Hanoi through Mercer's index.

Scientific branch of the thesis: Eastern learning

Major: Southeast Asia studies Code: 63 31 06 10

The name of postgraduate training institution: University of Social Sciences and Humanities - Hanoi National University.

1. Research methods

1.1. Approach

Approach to study area: When studying the quality of life, the author has applied the study area approach with the interdisciplinary method and the comparison method are the two main methods of the thesis. The regional approach is also the basic method of research in the oriental discipline. The study area approach is becoming more relevant to the research topic comparing the quality of life of Bangkok and Hanoi through Mercer's Index. Only the approach to the study area can identify the scientific evidence of the quality of life in a comprehensive and comprehensive way, including many fields and sectors including: political, economic, cultural, society, education, health, urban management ... under multi-dimensional impact and through many different times. In particular, the object of research is not only issues (indicators) of Hanoi's quality of life but it also surpasses the national boundary to a city of another country in Southeast Asia that is Bangkok. Through interdisciplinary and comparative methods, in turn the similarities and differences in each quality of life index of Bangkok and Hanoi will be collated, disseminating the 39 indicators in Mercer's Index. A set of indicators of high quality of life in the world and many characteristics of North American countries.

In general, the area of ​​study is an interdisciplinary science subject in the field of international research, it studies territories outside the national borders on social, economic, political and cultural dimensions in relations with geospatial space, to enhance people's awareness of the diversity of the world and for the common good. And the study area approach will give the thesis a comprehensive view of the similarities and differences along with its own characteristics of the quality of life of two typical cities, dynamic and with the distribution quite similar in Southeast Asia.

12. Specific research methods

- Theoretical research method: used by the author to synthesize research works, articles related to the quality of urban life published both at home and abroad; The positive and negative aspects of previous studies also clarify the research direction of the topic on the basis of inheriting, developing and supplementing the gaps that previous studies do not yet have.

- Comparison method: along with the study area approach, the comparison method used is the main method during the study process. Based on the collected data, the author can synthesize, analyze and compare the quality of life of the two cities of Bangkok and Hanoi to draw the similarities and differences of each indicator and clarify it. achievements, difficulties and limitations; The causes of difficulties and limitations. On that basis, some successful and unsuccessful lessons can be drawn to contribute to improving the quality of life of Bangkok and Hanoi today and in the following years. This method can help the author capture the advantages and limitations of each indicator. Which indicators will be Bangkok's advantages and which indicators will be the advantage of Hanoi. In particular, the indicators are all issues that both cities are interested in. Which indicators Bangkok's residents feel most satisfied. Likewise, will Hanoi people feel more satisfied about which indicators?

- Qualitative method of combining quantitative: Quantitative research methods complement the accuracy of qualitative research and qualitative research to clarify the meaning of quantitative research. In a comprehensive study of quality of life, there is a need for coordination between these two research methods to yield maximum results. Only the combination of quantitative and qualitative research can be combined with new social realities, the overall issues of quality of life are considered in a more comprehensive and effective way in science. Qualitative research methods can support quantitative research by identifying topics that are consistent with the survey method. Quantitative research can support qualitative research by generalizing the findings of a larger sample or identifying groups that need to be studied in depth. Qualitative research can help explain the relationships between variables discovered in quantitative studies.

- Methods of survey and survey combined with in-depth interviews: This method was performed by the author simultaneously in the process of investigation and surveying and interviewing by questionnaires to obtain subjective sensory data of people on the status of city life quality and people's satisfaction on quality of life. In addition, through the survey, the author will gain the opinions of experts and scientists to deepen the research points.

2. Major results and conclusions

2.1.The major results

Scientific significance: It is the first independent and nature-based scientific research project in Vietnam on the study of comparing the quality of urban life at the city level; Supplement and clarify the basic and practical rationale for the quality of life of a city (urban); Provide practical data from survey of Bangkok and Hanoi residents about the status of the quality of life of Bangkok and Hanoi in 2018 (built based on the Mercer Index Set). Research results will be valuable reference documents for research and teaching.

Practical significance: Provide data and scientific arguments for each specific indicator group on quality of life such as economy, politics, culture, society, natural environment, housing and urban services. Drawing on the causes, lessons learned for each city will be important suggestions for the government, experts and managers of the two cities to consult in building and defining plans. , development roadmap for each industry, each specific field; Contribute to determine each city's level of investment in each area to improve the quality of urban life, improve the ranking of Mercer's Periodic Ranking of Quality of Life. ; The results of the study will be a good reference to contribute to raising awareness and awareness of improving the quality of life of the community, the people in each city are getting better and more sustainable and more sustainable; Research results of the thesis will increase understanding and solidarity in order to build a good relationship between Bangkok and Hanoi, between Thailand and Vietnam as well as speeding up the process of realizing the goals of ASEAN Cultural and Social Community by 2020.

2.2. Conclusions

Researching and evaluating the quality of city life (urban) is one of the important objectives through each stage of each city, country, region and the world. The quality of urban life is a wide and multidisciplinary content, directly related to many areas such as security, politics and economy; culture - society and health care; Natural environment, infrastructure and urban services, etc. These issues have been developed by Mercer into a complete set of life quality measurement indicators including 10 industry groups with 39 component indexes. In this study, Mercer's 39 indicators were grouped together into three basic index groups, consistent with the three-chapter structure comparing the status of life quality of Bangkok and Hanoi.

With a completely new approach to quality of life that is not yet available in any study both at home and abroad through an interdisciplinary approach and systematic approach, are the main approaches of the Oriental Studies specialties, the author has created a vivid picture of the current status of the quality of life of Bangkok and Hanoi. In turn, the 39 component indexes of Mercer's Quality of Life Index were analyzed, compared, and interpreted by the author based on data both subjective and objective. On that basis, the author clarifies the results, limitations as well as the causes and lessons learned to improve the quality of life in Bangkok and Hanoi today and in the next step. The comparative research method has been applied flexibly and thoroughly by the author in all aspects of the quality of life of Bangkok and Hanoi. The thesis compares the quality of life in Bangkok and Hanoi to summarize the following main points:

(1) Overall assessment of the quality of life indicators of Bangkok and Hanoi through Mercer's Index, no indicators are completely good and no indicators are limited. Each indicator has the same common points and different points between two cities. Among the three basic indicator groups, there are Bangkok indicators that have outstanding advantages and have the Hanoi index with outstanding advantages. Bangkok index group has the advantages of: Easy entry and exit; Banking services; Currency exchange regulations; Hospital services; Medical supplies; Number of schools (international standards); Cinema; Number and type of restaurants; Maintenance and repair of houses; public transport; airport. airport. The Hanoi index group has superior advantages including: Stability; Crime; Mass media and censorship; Weather climate; Natural disasters. The group of indicators that people in both cities feel most unhappy with include: drinking water; air pollution; domestic waste; Traffic congestion ... These are also indicators affecting the quality of life today and it is also topical for both national, regional and worldwide. In particular, these are also issues that city governments need to build for both short-term and long-term plans.

(2) In addition to the subjective factors affecting the quality of life of Bangkok and Hanoi, the quality of life of cities is strongly influenced by the indicators (factors) of customers. such as: globalization and international integration; natural and social characteristics; revolutionary science and technology; migrate from the countryside; Climate change, natural disasters ... This is also the reason why cities in Southeast Asia in general, Bangkok and Hanoi in particular are facing five interdependent challenges such as: promoting growth economics and employment; need to develop urban infrastructure and services; need to reduce urban poverty; need to protect the environment, mitigate and adapt to climate change; It is necessary to develop a culture that enhances urban living and improves urban sustainability, while maintaining typical regional targets and values.

(3) Currently, the quality of life Bangkok and Hanoi is not much affected by some of the indicators in Mercer's Index, such as: supply of consumer goods; airport; banking services; currency exchange regulations; number of restaurants; Theaters, cinemas ... Some of the indicators have a strong impact and are also pressing issues for the two cities: drinking water; air pollution; domestic waste; traffic congestion; public transport; Weather climate; Natural disasters. In fact, there are some other important indicators of the quality of city life that Mercer's Ministry of Indicators has not mentioned yet: Political institutions; Administrative management apparatus; employment index; unemployment; labor productivity index; indicators of tourism services; indicators of population aging; index of middle class ...

(4) The quality of city life always depends on the overall quality level of many indicator groups. According to the people of the two cities today, there are many indicators that are having great impacts on the quality of life, but people feel dissatisfied such as: water resources index; air pollution; wastewater; trash; trash; traffic congestion; Climate Change; natural disasters; health services; housing, public transportation, etc. This is said to be pressing issues for many years but cities still have no effective solutions.

(5) The quality of life of Bangkok and Hanoi is directly proportional to the urbanization rate of each city. This is expressed in detail through the urbanization rate of Bangkok is always higher than the rate of Hanoi urbanization, which explains the ranking of Hanoi's quality of life in recent years is always low. more rankings on Bangkok's quality of life. Similarly, it also explains why developed cities have always occupied high rankings in Mercer's Ranking because the main reason is that developed cities always have a higher rate of urbanization than cities. developing countries like Thailand and Vietnam.

(6) Urbanization and economic growth is an inevitable process of cities and it always happens in parallel with improving the quality of city life. If the rate of urbanization and high economic growth rate will facilitate the division of labor, create jobs and increase income, create conditions for material life to be more complete. The number, density and population of urban areas are also more diverse, making it easier for people to access public services and social services such as education and health care. However, the impact of urbanization and economic growth does not only bring positive things. As the number and density of highly concentrated urban populations in economic activities can lead to overcrowding in infrastructure, traffic congestion, environmental pollution, diversification of rich and poor and increasing crime. increase. increase.

Speed ​​of rapid urbanization and high economic growth does not mean high quality of life. Even if the speed of urbanization and the economic growth rate is too fast, too hot will cause many consequences affecting the quality of urban life of cities such as traffic congestion, flooding. , environmental pollution, overload of infrastructure, etc. That explains why Hanoi's economic growth in recent years has always been at a high level of the world but the quality of life standards is always low average. Similar to Bangkok at the present time, the economic growth rate remains at a moderate level while the ranking of quality of life is still higher than that of Hanoi. And that is why Hanoi and many other cities in the world have high economic growth but are not appreciated for the quality of city life.

In order to improve the quality of life, urbanization and urban development of the city need to be better managed. This requires changing policies and legal frameworks as well as decentralizing the rights of local governments to decide on the mobilization of human and financial resources to improve infrastructure and urban services. Marketing. It requires changes in personnel work and enhances the capacity of the local government apparatus at all levels in urban development and management. At the same time, national governments need to reaffirm their responsibility to ensure coordination and cooperation between local governments in redistributing resources between richer and poorer localities. country. country.

In general, the quality of city life (urban) is an overall problem of many sectors and schools. Therefore, in order to improve the quality of life of cities today, it is necessary to have the attention of the authorities at the same time, and also the awareness and responsibility of the people. Without one of the above factors, implementing the goal of improving the quality of life will not bring good results. However, depending on the socio-economic development conditions of each locality as well as the challenges from the impact of objective issues, the cities of ASEAN countries including Bangkok and Hanoi will have to find your own solutions to effectively deal with risks and complications, thereby ensuring the goals of your sustainable development strategy. The valuable experiences of cities that have developed in the past will be very helpful for cities that are entering a period of shortening industrialization and rapid urbanization like Hanoi today. In the future, with the specific development strategy stated in the goal of forming the Socio-Cultural Community of ASEAN, Bangkok and Hanoi, there is a right to hope for the future development of modern cities. sustainable and regional identity, is a place worth living for many people around the world.