75 Years of Tradition at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities - The School and the Flow of Time
The University of Social Sciences and Humanities, part of the Vietnam National University, Hanoi, was formerly the Hanoi University of Literature (established by Decree No. 45 signed by President Ho Chi Minh on October 10, 1945), and subsequently the Hanoi University (established on June 5, 1956). On December 10, 1993, the Prime Minister issued Decree 97/CP establishing the Vietnam National University, Hanoi, which included the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, founded on the basis of the social science faculties of the Hanoi University.
For 75 years of its development, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities has always been considered by the Vietnamese government as a leading center for training and research in social sciences and humanities, tasked with training highly qualified basic science personnel to serve the cause of national construction and defense. This institution has instilled and ignited passion and a sense of responsibility in its faculty for many generations, keeping the flame of love for teaching burning brightly. And it is this flame that has illuminated the dreams of thousands of students, so that one day they will be proud of their university, and the university will be proud of them. All of this is encapsulated in two words that resonate with pride – “Humanities”.
The Department of Oriental Studies - the "flame" that preserves the essence of Eastern culture.
In a small corner of that university, the Faculty of Oriental Studies has always quietly followed and contributed its knowledge and efforts to the development of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities. Compared to some other units, although it has only a 25-year history of formation and development, the Faculty of Oriental Studies has gradually affirmed its position, becoming an indispensable part, contributing to the overall development of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities. In 1995, along with the strong trend of internationalization and globalization, the need to understand countries around the world, especially countries in the Asian region (Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia), was becoming increasingly urgent; the Faculty of Oriental Studies was established with the aim of training and researching Area Studies, providing knowledge about Asian countries. At the Faculty of Oriental Studies, students receive comprehensive education covering the history, culture, literature, geography, economics, politics, and diplomacy of Eastern countries. In particular, students learn the native languages, equipping them for future careers. Beyond focusing on expanding educational levels and improving the quality of training to provide high-quality human resources for the country, the Faculty of Oriental Studies is also a dynamic and proactive unit, always actively establishing and developing international cooperation.
To date, after 25 years of formation and development, the Faculty's position in society is increasingly being affirmed. The Faculty of Oriental Studies has successfully fulfilled its initial mission and tasks, helping to realize the dreams of 28 cohorts (from K38 to K65) with thousands of undergraduate students, dozens of master's and doctoral graduates, leaving their mark on the path to success both domestically and internationally.
A vibrant and colorful traditional China, a beautiful and dynamic Korea, a dazzling and enchanting Thailand, a mysterious yet lively India, a traditional yet modern Japan, and a Southeast Asia united in diversity… All of these have created the Faculty of Oriental Studies – a bridge connecting Vietnam with countries in the region and the world. And we, the lecturers and students of the Faculty of Oriental Studies, are constantly striving to preserve, transmit, and promote the essence of these national cultures not only through teaching, learning, and research, but also through traditional activities that affirm the youthful spirit of Oriental Studies in particular and the humanities in general.
Besides its training and research responsibilities, one area that cannot be overlooked is the diverse and rich cultural activities of the Faculty of Oriental Studies. The biennial Oriental Night, the Oriental Film Week, music festivals, and cultural festivals showcasing the cuisine and costumes of countries in the region are all distinctive and vibrant cultural activities that leave a positive impression, gain recognition from society, and contribute to enhancing the prestige of the university and the faculty. Through these cultural activities, students not only experience the culture of their respective Oriental Studies majors but also develop a sense of national pride and an awareness of building, preserving, and developing their national culture.
Oriental Night – a traditional festival unique to the Department of Oriental Studies, held every two years, brings together the incredibly diverse cultural colors of Eastern countries. Each participating student will be a multi-talented artist, each country with its own unique characteristics, colors, and historical journey, yet all blending together to create a truly "Oriental" beauty. Participants, in just one journey, will directly experience and immerse themselves in the vibrant world of music and festivals of Eastern civilizations. Towards the 25th anniversary of the Department of Oriental Studies, along with other special activities, the 9th Oriental Night program, themed "Time to Shine," promises to be a truly memorable evening.
Looking back over the past quarter century, the Department of Oriental Studies has affirmed its solid position with positive contributions to the development of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities. As a "flame" preserving the essence of Eastern culture, the Department of Oriental Studies will continuously strive, promising further innovations and stronger advancements to fulfill its mission of training and research in regional studies.
Source:Department of Oriental Studies
