The seminar aims to clarify theoretical and practical issues concerning culture, ethnicity, and religion in the context of Vietnam's development, modernization, and international integration. The presentations will assess the current state, trends of change, and impact of development policies on these areas, while also identifying opportunities and challenges.
Furthermore, the conference also aims at other objectives including sharing experiences, research results, and proposing policy solutions to promote the role of culture, strengthen national unity, and ensure freedom of belief and religion. Through this, the conference hopes to contribute to building a sustainably developed Vietnamese society. This is also an opportunity to honor the historical, cultural, and social values and achievements of the Vietnamese nation over the past 80 years.
The main content of the workshop will revolve around four major thematic subcommittees, with in-depth presentations:
Subcommittee 1: Culture:The discussions will focus on cultural characteristics, cultural exchange, and cultural transformation in the context of national development. Specific research topics include: “Gender impact of the redevelopment of the Truc Bach Lake area according to the creative city model”, “Visual illusion of the ancient stone face of Suoi Co (Hoa Binh) and the ritual economic basis of the heritage”, “Tracing the origins of village deities after the renovation – the case of Kim Luy village in Dien Chau (Nghe An)”, and promoting the value of the Tam Phu Mother Goddess worship heritage in tourism development.
Subcommittee 2: Ethnic Groups:The research delves into ethnic relations, policies, and the practical implementation of ethnic policies in the context of development and integration. Issues presented include: institutionalizing indigenous knowledge in the development of ethnic minority areas, shifting from a "grant and support" policy to a "partnership and creation" policy, and the cultural transformation of indigenous ethnic groups in the Central Highlands.
Subcommittee 3: Religion:The conference will discuss religion and its transformations in contemporary life, and the trend of religion's engagement with the world in the context of contemporary society. Notable presentations include: the shift in the Vietnamese Party and State's perception and approach to religion during the Doi Moi (Renovation) period; an assessment of obstacles in leveraging religious resources in Vietnam when religion is considered a socio-cultural resource; and the transformation of beliefs and religious practices within Hoa Hao Buddhism.
Subcommittee 4: Contemporary Issues:This subcommittee will explore contemporary, multidisciplinary topics. Presentations will include: “Revolutionary Music, Performing Arts Troupes, and Jazz in the New Era of Vietnam,” “Marketplace Shopping” in Vietnamese Social Life: The Transformation of Socio-Economic Space in the Contemporary Context,” and the Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Religious Life in Vietnam. The subcommittee will also discuss the religious practices of the inhabitants of Ly Son Island (Quang Ngai) to strengthen spiritual security and cultural landmarks, along with an assessment of development effectiveness among some ethnic groups in the border region.
The workshop will be attended by experts and scholars from many prestigious institutions such as the Ministry of Ethnic Minorities and Religion; Vietnam National University, Hanoi; domestic research and training institutions; and international experts such as Prof. Christina Schwenkel from the University of California, Riverside, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Stan BH Tan-Tangbau from Nanyan Academy of Arts, Singapore…
The conference also received numerous full papers from scientists, researchers, lecturers, and postgraduate students. Qualified papers will be selected for publication in the proceedings with an ISBN number, scheduled for June 2026.
Time and location of the workshop:
Time: From 08:00 - 12:00, Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Location: Rooms 302, 304, 307, 506, Building E, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, 336 Nguyen Trai Street, Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi.
The organizing committee cordially invites scientists, lecturers, students, and media representatives to attend and report on the event.
PRESS CONTACT INFORMATION:Contact person: Ms. Thuy Dung - Communications Department, Training Division, University of Social Sciences and Humanities
Phone number: 0988.456 101
E-mail:
buithidung@vnu.edu.vn
