Dear Ambassador Olivier Brochet!Distinguished leaders of central agencies, current and former leaders of Hanoi National University, former Rectors and Vice-Rectors of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities; esteemed international and Vietnamese colleagues, and dear students!
Receiving the Order of Academic Palms from the French Government is a great honor in a lifetime of scientific work. While this prestigious award is given to an individual, I am deeply and sincerely aware that I am simply fortunate to represent the scientific community in receiving this honor. For me, this is especially true because, since beginning my studies more than 30 years ago, I have never had the opportunity for long-term training in France, nor am I a specialist in French studies; my research on French history and culture is still quite modest compared to many of my colleagues…
Therefore, from the bottom of my heart, I sincerely thank the Ambassador and my French colleagues for their kind suggestion that the French Government award me the prestigious Order of Academic Palms today!
And, allow me to mention by name one person with respect and gratitude, even though that person is not present here: Professor Philippe Papin (Head of the Vietnamica Project) - an outstanding Vietnamologist, a beloved teacher, a dear brother and friend of those who study Vietnamese classical and cultural studies!
Professor Hoang Anh Tuan delivered a speech at the ceremony awarding the Order of the Academic Palm Branch.
Ladies and gentlemen!Personally, I didn't have the opportunity to fully experience the French education system like many of my colleagues. However, I was fortunate to study at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, which has special ties to the French education system, and to be taught by professors deeply connected to the French university system.
Our generation is very proud of the Faculty of Literature established by President Ho Chi Minh in October 1945; of the opening ceremony of the first university of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam in November 1945, with the speech by Professor Nguyen Van Huyen - Director General of University Affairs and Director of the French School of Far Eastern Studies - delivered in the presence of President Ho Chi Minh. I mention President Ho Chi Minh and Professor Nguyen Van Huyen because they were two revolutionary intellectuals, two exemplary cultural figures with strong ties to French science, education, and culture in different ways. The very headquarters of the Vietnam National University in 1945 - where President Ho Chi Minh and Professor Nguyen Van Huyen attended the first opening ceremony - was also the building of the University of Indochina from 1906.
When Hanoi University was founded in 1956, its first Rector – Professor Nguy Nhu Kon Tum – was a renowned physicist who had studied in France; its first Dean of the Faculty of History – Professor Tran Duc Thao – was a world-famous philosopher who had also received a French education! When the University of Social Sciences and Humanities was established in 1995, its leaders paid special attention to scientific and educational cooperation with French partners: Rector Phung Huu Phu, Rector Pham Quang Long, and Rector Pham Xuan Hang diligently laid the foundation; Rector Nguyen Van Khanh and Rector Pham Quang Minh elevated the relationship through research projects, scientific conferences, international publications, joint training programs, and student exchanges… It is a great honor for me that the former Rectors and Vice-Rectors are all present in this Faculty of Literature Hall! Thank you very much, Professors!
Over 30 years of studying and working at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, I and many of my classmates were fortunate to receive direct instruction from or read the outstanding works of renowned professors deeply connected to French science and education, and who were awarded prestigious honors by France: Professor Le Hong Sam and Professor Dang Thi Hanh were awarded the Order of the Academic Palms for their outstanding contributions in the field of linguistics and literature; Professor Phan Huy Le was appointed Corresponding Member of the French Academy of Inscriptions and Fine Arts and awarded the Order of the Academic Palms for his outstanding achievements in culture and history… Many educators dedicated their entire professional lives to Vietnam-France scientific and educational cooperation programs, such as Professors Dinh Xuan Lam, Tran Quoc Vuong, Ha Van Tan, Do Duc Hieu, Ton Gia Ngan… and many other teachers whose names I cannot list completely.
Throughout the 80-year history of this university, the administrative team has never ceased striving to cultivate a strong relationship with French science and education; the scientific community has never stopped creating opportunities for generations to come. These persistent efforts and boundless dedication have formed the foundation upon which generations of "non-French majors," like Associate Professor Nguyen Tuan Cuong and myself, have had the opportunity to grow and experience the joys we enjoy today. I respectfully express my gratitude to my predecessors; and sincerely thank my colleagues for their contributions to creating an ideal academic environment, building the reputation of the Faculty of Literature, General Studies, and Humanities!
Dear Ambassador!Many Vietnamese universities are fortunate to have received the attention and support of the Embassy of the Republic of France over the years, especially the kind affection from His Excellency the Ambassador! As the Ambassador of a nation that cherishes culture, he has brought to Vietnam the profound intellect of an outstanding diplomat and the warm heart of a dedicated historian. The blend of scientific knowledge and passion for history has propelled the Ambassador far on his path to discovering the beauty of Vietnam's heritage and culture! We sincerely thank the Ambassador for everything!
More than two hundred years ago, Emperor Napoleon I – the founder of the prestigious Order of the Academic Palms, awarded to French and international scientists who have contributed to science, education, and culture – wrote: “History is the version of past events that people agree on.” Indeed! For decades, French and Vietnamese scientists have agreed on this, committing to collaborative research to continue writing history, honoring cultural values, and striving for a brighter future for both nations! Truly admirable and worthy of respect!
Stemming from that spirit, the two projects on Vietnamese history and culture, which the Ambassador personally supported, in collaboration with the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, the Institute for Advanced Studies (EPHE), the Francophone University Organization (AUF), and many French-Vietnamese scientific and educational institutions, have been more successful than expected, bringing prestige to each participating unit and elevating the relationship between the French and Vietnamese social sciences and humanities to a new level. If the Vietnamica Project – quoting the Ambassador – “is a digital epigraphic project of European stature… not only to digitize stone slabs, but also to save voices, to restore life to the men and women who inscribed their eras into material objects,” then the Heritage Journey Project (headed by Dr. Nguyen Thi Hiep) has truly reconstructed the paths of cultural heritage, giving Hanoians and visitors from all over the world the opportunity to experience walking along the golden paths of memory and nostalgia for an old Thang Long - Hanoi!
Vietnamica is a large-scale, independent project, but it is a continuation of the tradition of Vietnamese classical research that many generations of French and Vietnamese scientists have diligently collaborated on, most notably the research and publication program of the collection of Vietnamese Han Nom stelae. Many French and Vietnamese scientists have made a name for themselves through their research projects in Vietnamese classical and cultural studies, making significant contributions to the research, preservation, and promotion of Vietnamese historical and cultural values over the years.
In the context of Vietnam's recent issuance of Resolution No. 80/NQ-TW aimed at revitalizing culture, the study of archaeology plays an even more crucial role. Only when built upon a solid foundation of archaeology can the application of culture be truly effective and sustainable. With its educational philosophy of "Cultural Heritage - Modernity - Enlightenment," the University of Social Sciences and Humanities is committed to continuing to prioritize the study of archaeology and cultural studies. We sincerely hope that the French Embassy, especially Ambassador, will continue to provide support so that the University can implement future projects, further building on the tradition of effective cooperation in the social sciences and humanities with French partners.
Once again, I would like to express my honor and gratitude for being awarded the prestigious Knight's Order of the Academic Palms by the French Government! I wish His Excellency the Ambassador, His Excellency the Counselor, my French colleagues, the leaders of Vietnam National University, the leaders of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities throughout the years, the esteemed teachers, colleagues, and students abundant health, happiness, and success!
Thank you very much!
