Donated over 3,000 books on Southeast Asian studies by the late Professor Nicholas Tarling.

Professor Nicholas Tarling (1931-2017) was a historian and scholar specializing in Southeast Asian studies. Born in England, he received his PhD from Cambridge University and began teaching Southeast Asian studies at the University of Auckland (New Zealand) in 1965. He served as Head of the Faculty of Arts and Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Auckland.

Professor Nicholas Tarling is considered New Zealand's scientific ambassador and the father of Southeast Asian studies. He researched and wrote about Malaysia, North Borneo, the Philippines, and Laos in the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly in relation to foreign involvement in these countries. In the 1960s, when this field of study was still not widespread in New Zealand, Professor Nicholas Tarling argued that close and strong ties with Southeast Asia were essential for the nation's development.

Professor Nicholas Tarling's significant contributions and influence to Southeast Asian studies are demonstrated by his long-standing membership at the New Zealand Asian Institute, his role in the founding of the New Zealand Asian Studies Association in 1974, and his four-decade tenure as Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the New Zealand Asian Studies Journal. In 2008, he chaired a meeting at the National University of Singapore (NUS) with representatives from leading Southeast Asian universities such as Chulalongkorn and NUS to establish the Nicholas Tarling Southeast Asian Studies Association.

Professor Nicholas Tarling is also a social activist and a writer. In 2016, it was estimated that he had written over 50 books, not including hundreds of articles and scientific papers.

Associate Professor Hoang Anh Tuan (Vice Rector of the University) - who has a close relationship with the scientist - shared: Professor Nicholas Tarling was a charismatic individual and an outstanding lecturer. He had been connected with Vietnam for a long time, but did not visit Vietnam frequently due to the war. Later, the University had the opportunity to connect with him through activities promoting Southeast Asian studies in many countries in Southeast Asia. At the end of 2007, Professor Nicholas Tarling expressed his wish to donate a set of 3,000 books to the University after his death, and “he wanted a continuation of what he had written about Southeast Asia.”

In her tribute to the dedicated and talented scientist, Ambassador Wendy Matthews praised his contributions to Southeast Asian studies in New Zealand, primarily for his "vision and passion": "He has almost changed New Zealand's perception of Southeast Asian studies." Not only did he establish the New Zealand Asian Studies Association, but his role at the Faculty of Arts shaped the field of Southeast Asian studies and encouraged colleagues and students to take an interest in it.

Ambassador Wendy Matthews stated that Professor Nicholas Tarling also had "a life full of passion." The scientist inspired many in the academic community. He was not only passionate about history, but also interested in the arts, such as theater. He participated in classical music programs on radio, chaired numerous arts organizations; was an actor and the founder of the Mercury Theatre.

The ambassador emphasized: Let us reflect on Professor Nicholas Tarling and, as administrators, diplomats, scientists, and students, find ways to further develop his vision and passion.

On behalf of the University, Professor Pham Quang Minh, the Rector, received the valuable gift from Professor Nicholas Tarling and stated: "This rich and valuable resource comes to the University at a time when Southeast Asian Studies is becoming a promising field of study with strong development opportunities in Vietnam and around the world. The University will carefully preserve this collection of books and share this knowledge with its professors and students, as well as with other universities. Certainly, Professor Nicholas Tarling's dedication and efforts will inspire those involved today to feel a responsibility to continue writing about Southeast Asia and to further strengthen Vietnam-New Zealand relations."