Delegation in Singapore
This is the result of the 2023 academic exchange between the two schools, and also the culmination of nearly a year of collaborative research by the delegation. The selected students are all outstanding, dynamic students with strong foreign language skills and a good fit for the program, having participated in a competitive and transparent selection process.
Students from the Specialized High School for Social Sciences and Humanities pose for a photo with students from NJC High School.
With the support and guidance of their teachers, 13 students were divided into two research groups with two topics. Group 1, consisting of 7 students, was supervised by Dr. Hoang Thi Thu Huong (Head of the Geography Department, High School for Gifted Students in Social Sciences and Humanities), and conducted research on the topic "Empowering ethnic minority women through community tourism in Hoa Binh province, Vietnam". Group 2, consisting of 6 students, conducted research on the topic "The psychology of the generation gap" under the guidance of Dr. Pham Hai Linh (Teacher of the Literature Department, High School for Gifted Students in Social Sciences and Humanities).
Research Group 1 at the Conference
Research Group 2 at the Conference
Nguyen Vu Anh Thu (a student from the 3rd grade specializing in Geography, representing research group 1) shared her experience during the research process: “This was my first time participating in scientific research and also my first time exploring scientific terms such as ‘literature review, research hypothesis, sociological survey…’ It was also my first time writing a complete scientific report. Participating in the research meant I traveled far from home for the first time, going with my friends and teachers to the field in Hoa Binh. Throughout the preparation stages, many incidents occurred, with numerous late-night meetings, revisions and feedback from the teachers, and many tense debates.”
But all challenges can be overcome when we understand each other better, become more united, and together achieve well-deserved success in Singapore. After the trip, we are extremely proud to have brought the cultural identity of the Vietnamese people in general, and the Thai people in particular, to international friends, and we are honored to have won First Prize for Best Research.”
The research team conducted fieldwork and interviews in Hoa Binh.
According to Vu Bao Chau (a K3 Literature student, representing research group 2), the research period with the members of group 2 brought her many ups and downs: “When we started with a highly theoretical topic focusing on psychology and generational psychology, we initially encountered many difficulties in finding materials and putting the research into practice. However, thanks to the help of Ms. Pham Hai Linh, we had the opportunity to conduct field surveys and direct interviews with diverse groups of people, from the elderly to the young, from urban to rural areas, as well as online interviews and surveys with students from NJC school within the framework of cooperation between the two schools. From there, we gained a better understanding of generational psychology in both countries, and thus arrived at a solution to this problem, which is harmony.”
Group 2 presented their research findings to the judging panel at the conference.
Arriving in the beautiful country of Singapore on the afternoon of July 30, 2023, after a flight from Hanoi, the group of students and teachers from the High School for Gifted Students in Social Sciences and Humanities received a warm and enthusiastic welcome from National Junior College (NJC). During their six-day stay, the group had the opportunity to visit famous tourist attractions in Singapore and experience learning alongside students at NJC.
Students from the Specialized School of Humanities experience indoor rock climbing at NJC School.
Recounting the valuable experiences and lessons learned during her time in Singapore, Phung Gia Khanh (a student in the 3rd grade specializing in Geography) shared: “The trip to Singapore with my teachers and friends from the High School for Social Sciences and Humanities brought me many interesting experiences and memorable moments. Among them, I think the cross-border, cross-national friendships, regardless of gender, religion, or ethnicity, that we and our Singaporean friends built together in a short time, have truly left an indelible mark on me.”
Khanh Linh, a student from the K3 class (CLC program), added: “We have created many beautiful memories together that we will cherish forever, even memories that we will carry with us for a lifetime. In the not-too-distant future, my Singaporean friends and I will have the opportunity to meet again in Vietnam, and I look forward to the day when I can meet them again and introduce the wonderful things that can only be found in Vietnamese culture and the identity of the Faculty of Humanities to my close international friends.”
Students from both schools exchange ideas, interact, and strengthen friendships.
Sharing his experiences and personal growth in Singapore, Dang Gia Tien (a K3 History major student) confided: “The trip to Singapore provided me with new research skills and knowledge. Through direct interaction and work with NJC students, we were exposed to their open research methods, starting with simple questions and then developing them into complete research topics. I also observed and understood the openness in communication and learning approaches of Singaporeans, demonstrating their sharpness when facing unfamiliar problems.”
As for Dinh Pham Huong Giang (K3 Specialized Literature 2), the experience also brought her equally meaningful lessons: “One of the most meaningful things I learned from the trip was improving my soft skills, especially map reading and communicating with people around me. Even though it was only 6 days, I felt that reading maps and finding directions became much easier.”
Students confidently give presentations and answer questions in English with teachers and international friends.
"Study hard - Play hard," not only did the research team from the High School for Gifted Students in Social Sciences and Humanities achieve outstanding results in their first overseas trip, presenting their research at the 2023 International Conference on Humanities (IHS). Outperforming 33 research groups from 14 schools, both research projects were highly praised and awarded the Best Research Prize. First prize was awarded to the research on "Empowering ethnic minority women through community tourism in Hoa Binh province, Vietnam," and third prize to the research on "The psychology of the generation gap."
Both research projects by the teacher and students of the Specialized School of Humanities were highly praised and honored with the Best Research Award.
Although the Singapore exploration trip has ended, the memories, lessons learned, and wonderful relationships that the teachers and students of the High School for Social Sciences and Humanities have forged over the past six days will surely remain in the minds of each member of the delegation. This also serves as a strong impetus and a solid foundation for the High School for Social Sciences and Humanities' journey to "reach out to the world."
Ms. Mai Mai, Coordinator of Cooperation Activities from the High School for Gifted Students in Social Sciences and Humanities, presented a symbolic image of Vietnam to Ms. Lucy Toh, Principal of National Junior College, Singapore.
