Asian History and Trade Relations Research Group

1.1. List of key members
 

Established in 1999, the "Group of Asian Commercial Studies" (USSH, VNU) is a continuation of the tradition and academic foundation of the Faculty of History, Hanoi University, now the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi. The group was founded on the basis of several members from the Department of World History, Faculty of History. Throughout its development, the group's membership has expanded, but it primarily consists of graduates from the Department and Faculty of History.

The "Asian History and Trade Relations Research Group" (AS&T Group) was recognized as one of the 16 Strong Research Groups at Hanoi National University in the first round of 2014. Based on the Group's activities and research achievements, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities - Hanoi National University established the Center for Marine and Island Studies (CSIS) in July 2016, with the core members being the Asian History and Trade Relations Research Group.*To date, after 20 years of establishment and development, the Group has achieved certain accomplishments in the fields of research, training, and international cooperation.

1.3. Research Orientation

Since 1990, the domestic and international situations have undergone many changes. Faced with new historical conditions and the demands placed on researchers, for the development of the country and the inherent needs of various academic disciplines, many scientists and university lecturers, including those teaching and researching world history, recognized the need for innovation in thinking and action. In our understanding, we believe that we must quickly adapt and integrate with the regional and international academic environment, while boldly delving into new research areas, contributing to clarifying the typical characteristics and position of Vietnam as a member of the global community.

Adhering to the principle that world history research must originate from Vietnam's perspective, placed within the context of and for Vietnam's interests, the Group for Research on World History & Maritime Relations has identified its fundamental and in-depth research direction as focusing on trade, especially maritime trade, between Vietnam and East Asian countries and the world. This research orientation not only contributes to clarifying the tradition of maritime exploitation, the development of the maritime economy, and maritime trade relations in Vietnamese history, but also contributes to a comprehensive view of Vietnamese history and culture. Beyond focusing on maritime trade, the Group also pays attention to researching the process of exploration, establishment, and protection of Vietnam's maritime sovereignty. Throughout its training and research, the Group always prioritizes the acquisition and development of theoretical systems and methodologies, and consistently connects theory, methodology, and research methods with practice to build and strengthen fundamental foundations for the long-term development of the Group and this new research field.

Over the past period, members of the Department of World History and the NCLS&QHTMCA Group of the Faculty of History, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, have made many efforts in training, research, and international cooperation activities.

Regarding research, the Group focuses on the following issues: 1. The maritime exploitation traditions of Vietnam and the communities in the region; 2. The maritime mindset and thinking of the Vietnamese people and the communities living in Vietnam; 3. Maritime cultures, cultural spaces, characteristics and roles of maritime cultural spaces; 4. The formation, operation and role of port cities, island ports and their relationship with river ports, domestic and international economic and political centers; 5. Maritime institutions and their relationship with agricultural and forestry institutions; 6. The relationship between the sea and the land, the formation of trade routes, and sources of commodities; 7. Maritime trade activities of the Vietnamese people and the relationship between the Vietnamese people and the Eurasian merchant communities; 8. The process of interaction, dissemination and social and cultural response. 9. Establishing and defending the sovereignty of our nation's seas and islands throughout history; 10. Building a source of documents and information on the seas and islands and the economic and foreign trade activities of Vietnam as well as countries in the region and countries with traditional relations with Vietnam...

The research directions outlined above contribute to a more complete and comprehensive understanding of Vietnamese history, as well as Vietnam's position and role in international relations. These research directions will also clarify the potential of Vietnam's maritime economy, preparing the scientific basis and arguments for formulating policies and strategies for maritime economic development, exploiting and promoting marine resources, protecting maritime sovereignty and islands, and successfully implementing Vietnam's Sustainable Maritime Development Strategy.

1.4. Key research directions
Asia is a vast world; therefore, over the past 20 years, the Group's main research focus has been on East Asia, with an emphasis on clarifying the maritime traditions, marine exploitation potential, and maritime trade relations of Vietnam and other countries in the region. To date, members of the Group have produced numerous research works on the Northern, Central, and Southern regions of Vietnam. In addition, many members have conducted interdisciplinary research and examined Vietnam's traditions and trade relations within the regional trade system.

Over the years, the NCLS&QHTMCA Group has received attention and investment from Hanoi National University for research on Van Don trading port and the port system in the northeastern region. In the future, the Group will focus on researching trading ports in the Central region, with the goal of clarifying the cultural foundation, the continuous development and transformation from Champa ports to Dai Viet ports, and clarifying the relationship between seaports and river mouths with regions/centers supplying raw materials and goods deep inland; the relationship between seaports and the ruling regime with the leaders of the Truong Son - Tay Nguyen region, with neighboring countries in the region; the formation of domestic and international trade routes; and the role of merchant communities (especially China, India, Southeast Asia, and the West...) in economic activities and social life. After completing the research program on Central Vietnam, the group will implement a research plan on Southern Vietnam, focusing on typical trading ports such as Oc Eo, Dong Nai, Saigon, and Ha Tien...
Over the past three years, the research group has compiled and published several research works, including:

1.6. Facilities, equipment and related conditions
The majority of the current members of the Group are lecturers at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities. The Group has always received many favorable conditions from the University in its activities. The Group has utilized digitized learning resources, organized seminars, workshops, and discussions in the multimedia room; accessed artifacts from the Museum of Anthropology, archival materials at the Faculty of History, the Vietnam National University Library, and regularly interacted with domestic and international researchers. Over the years, 100% of the Group's members have had the opportunity to study, exchange, and conduct research at international universities and research institutes. Due to its serious scientific activities, the Group has received attention and support from many international scientists in seeking scholarships (Master's, PhD, internships...), being introduced to participate in training courses and scientific workshops and seminars, and supporting international research projects.

2. SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES IN THE LAST 10 YEARS
Over the past 20 years, many members of the Group have truly matured. Many have made remarkable progress. To date, all official members of the Group (aged 30 to 45) have attained Associate Professor, Doctor of Philosophy, and Master's degrees, and many are currently pursuing doctoral studies. In the next 10 years and beyond, most members will earn their PhDs, and some will achieve Associate Professor status. Several members of the Group have already received or will receive their PhDs and Master's degrees abroad.

Through formal training and self-training, many members of the Group are able to use two or three foreign languages ​​in communication and research. All key members have had the opportunity to study (Master's, PhD) or participate in scientific exchanges, research, and teaching abroad in countries such as the Netherlands, Germany, France, Australia, Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, etc.

In collaboration with and with the support of the University and the Faculty of History, the Group organized and participated in numerous scientific conferences and seminars. Notable among these were the conferences: Vietnam in the Asian trade system, Van Don trading port - history, economic potential and cultural exchanges, and Four centuries of Vietnam-Netherlands relations... The research results and conference outcomes have a high social impact and have been cited in many research works, scientific management, and policy-making.

By early 2019, the Group's key members had published over 500 works, including books and research papers, in domestic and international scientific journals. Several members are currently lecturers and researchers at universities and research institutes. Throughout their work, all members have regularly participated in domestic and international scientific activities. Many members have graduated and are pursuing doctoral programs at Leiden University (Netherlands), National Taipei University (Taiwan), National University of Singapore, Hunan Normal University (China), Inha University (Korea), etc. Over the past 10 years, seven doctoral candidates have successfully defended their dissertations, and three members of the Group have been appointed Associate Professors (one in 2012 and two in 2017).

Over the years, 100% of the Group's members have had the opportunity to participate in scientific research projects at various levels. All members demonstrate a high sense of responsibility when participating in research projects led by the Group and other leading scientists. The Group's training and research objectives are focused on in-depth training and professionalism, aiming to produce experts in various academic fields.

With the support and encouragement of the Dean's Office of the Faculty of History, the Board of Directors of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, and many domestic and international experts, the Asian History and Trade Relations Research Group is striving to study, research, teach, and integrate internationally in order to contribute its small part to the overall development of the country and the field of study.
Regarding training: The group has successfully supervised 8 doctoral candidates (6 main supervisors, 2 co-supervisors); is currently training 8 doctoral candidates; Number of master's degree holders trained: 40; Number of master's degree holders currently under training: 5.
           
3. PROJECTS THE GROUP PARTICIPATED IN AS LEADER OR MEMBER (over the past 3 years)
3.1. Project Leader[1]
- The colonial struggle between the Netherlands and Britain in Southeast Asia: A case study of Sumatra (Indonesia), 1824-1914. Scientific project funded by the Asian Research Support Fund – Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Decision No. 65/QD-NCCA, Contract No. 13/2014/HDDT. (2014-2016).
- The Role of Vietnam and Indonesia in Japan's Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere: A Comparative Study of the Japanese Economic Policies in Vietnam and Indonesia during the World War II. Project sponsored by Sumitomo Foundation (2015-2016).
- Economic models in Southeast Asia during the colonial period: a comparative study of the cases of Vietnam and Indonesia. National University of Hanoi research project, code QG.16.38 (2016-2018).
- The current state of human resources in Social Sciences and Humanities. Group A scientific research project (Key project), Vietnam National University, Hanoi. Project code: QGTĐ 13.18, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, 2013-2015.
- Quang Ninh and the implementation of Vietnam's maritime strategy. Scientific research project under the Asia Research Support Fund - Vietnam National University, Hanoi. Decision No. 66/QD-NCCA, Contract No. 14/2014/HDDT (Project Leader, completed and accepted).
- History of Vietnam, Volume 3 (179-905). Scientific project under the National Project “Research and Compilation of the History of Vietnam” (Project Leader, Co-Editor), Ministry of Science and Technology, 2015-2018. Decision No. 197/QD-HDQL-NAFOSTED dated November 6, 2015 of the Management Board of the National Science and Technology Development Fund.
- Ensnared in War: The Koreans and Vietnamese in World War II. Korea Foundation for Academic Research (2017-2018).
- The process of spreading Islam in Southeast Asia, 13th-17th centuries. University-level research project, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (2018-2019).
- Research on solutions for preserving and promoting the value of the Dam San epic poem. A science and technology research project at Vietnam National University, Hanoi, 2017. Project code: QG 17.58, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, 2017-2019.
- The issue of crowd effect in social development management in Vietnam today. Part of the National Key Science and Technology Program 2016-2020: “Research on key issues in social sciences and humanities serving socio-economic development” (code KX.01/16-20) (2019-2020).
3.2. Participation and membership in the project.[2]:
- History of Vietnam (Northern Vietnam, 1593-1771), Volume X. State-level research project in Social Sciences and History of Vietnam.10/14-18 (2014-2018).
- History of Vietnam (Northern Vietnam, 1593-1771), Volume XII. State-level research project in Social Sciences and History of Vietnam.12/14-18 (2014-2018).
- History of Vietnam (1802-1858), Volume XIII. State-level research project in Social Sciences and History of Vietnam.13/14-18 (2014-2018).
- Vietnamese Encyclopedia: History of Vietnam - Volume 21. Project for Compiling the Vietnamese Encyclopedia (established by the Prime Minister) - Steering Committee for Compiling the Vietnamese Encyclopedia (2016-2023).
- National Geographical Survey of Vietnam - Geographical Area. Special National-level Task (2019-2022).
- National Geographical Survey of Vietnam - Administrative Sector. Special National-level Task (2019-2022).

See the team's achievements here.

V. AWARDS

- Award for Outstanding Scientific and Technological Work of Vietnam National University, Hanoi in 2014 for the work: “Van Don - Vietnam's International Commercial Port”. Decision No. 4675QD-VNU-HN dated December 11, 2014, of the Director of Vietnam National University, Hanoi. Award for Best Book of the Vietnam Publishers Association in 2015.
- Tran Van Giau Science Award for the collective authors of the work "The Southern Region of Vietnam - The Process of Formation and Development", (Prof. Phan Huy Le, People's Teacher, Editor); 2 volumes, National Political Publishing House, Hanoi, 2016; Decision No. 07-17/GTTVG of the Tran Van Giau Science Award Committee, 8th time, 2017.                                                                                                          

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