Introducing a new program: Southeast Asian Studies

A brief overview of Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia has been mentioned in ancient Indian texts under names such as Suvarnabhumi (Land of Gold) or Suvarnadvipa (Land of Gold). The Chinese called it Nanyang, the Japanese used Nan Yo (meaning Nanyang), the Arabs called it Zabag, and the Greeks and Romans, from the mid-2nd century BC, also called it Chryse (Land of Gold). Thus, the world has known about the Southeast Asian cultural region since ancient times. This is because Southeast Asia was an important link on the East-West trade route. Southeast Asia was not only important geographically, serving as a bridge on the East-West trade route, but also as a source of many valuable products (such as gold, ivory, precious wood, camphor, cloves, pepper, etc.) for inter-regional trade.

Today, Southeast Asia is one of the world's most dynamic economic regions. Besides wealthy countries like Singapore and Brunei, which have some of the highest per capita incomes globally, Southeast Asia also includes Indonesia, a member of the Group of Twenty (G20) economies; Malaysia and Thailand, highly competitive economies; and the Philippines and Vietnam, which have been among the world's fastest-growing economies in recent years and are projected to continue growing in the coming years (according to Bloomberg). With a population of over 650 million and a GDP exceeding US$2.6 trillion (in 2018), Southeast Asia's development potential is considered enormous. The World Economic Forum (WEF) forecasts that by 2020, the region will become the world's fifth-largest economy.

Besides its rich cultural and historical heritage and strong economic development potential, Southeast Asia is also becoming increasingly united and cohesive, as evidenced by the formation of the ASEAN Community from late 2015 to the present. The importance and attractiveness of this region have spurred the establishment of numerous research and training centers for Southeast Asian studies around the world. Following this trend, a Bachelor's program in Southeast Asian Studies at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, has recently been established. This program not only meets the labor market's demand for human resources with knowledge of Southeast Asian studies but will also undoubtedly make a significant contribution to Vietnam's integration and development within the ASEAN Community.

Training objectives

• Graduates in Southeast Asian Studies are trained to possess general knowledge of social sciences and humanities, along with systematic, in-depth, modern, and up-to-date knowledge of Southeast Asia in the fields of history, culture, economics, politics, international relations of the region, ASEAN organization, and issues related to Vietnam.
• Upon graduation, students will be proficient in English and a regional language such as Thai or Malay (the national language of Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, and Singapore); they will also possess regional studies research methods and international communication skills.

Foreign language and professional knowledge

• Proficient in English
• Possesses comprehensive, systematic, and up-to-date knowledge of ASEAN and ASEAN countries.
• The main areas of knowledge include:

+ History and Culture of Southeast Asia and ASEAN Countries

+ Economy, society, law, and political institutions of ASEAN countries

+ Travel to ASEAN countries

+ ASEAN press and media

+ Basic native language (Choose Thai or Indonesian)

+ Related supplementary knowledge such as Introduction to Information Literacy, Vietnamese Writing Practice, Introduction to International Relations, Introduction to Office Management, Journalism Skills, etc.

Job opportunities after graduation

Graduates with a Bachelor's degree in Southeast Asian Studies can work at the following places:

• The embassies of ASEAN countries in Vietnam.
• International organizations (UNDP, UNESCO, etc.), and foreign representative offices in Vietnam.
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Southeast Asia Department, Diplomatic Academy, Vietnamese Embassies in ASEAN countries, ...).
• Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of National Defense.
• International Cooperation Departments of Ministries and Agencies in Vietnam.
• Foreign travel companies (especially those from ASEAN countries) and Vietnamese travel companies.
• Universities offer courses on ASEAN, Southeast Asian culture, and so on.
• Research institutes (Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, Institute of World Economics and Politics, etc.).
• Radio and television stations, news agencies, newspapers, etc. related to ASEAN.
• Multinational businesses and companies in ASEAN countries.
• Vietnamese companies, corporations, groups, and businesses.

With abundant job opportunities, Southeast Asian Studies will offer students more career choices and adaptability after graduation.