International Conference “Religion, Economy and the ASEAN Community”

Attending the workshop were (i) Mr. Duong Ngoc Tan (Deputy Head of the Government Propaganda Department), Dr. Le Ba Trinh (Former Vice Chairman of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front), and Mr. Nguyen Van Thanh (Head of the Religious Affairs Department, Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front) from relevant agencies; (ii) Professor Pham Quang Minh (Rector of the University), Professor Nguyen Van Kim (Vice Rector), Professor Do Quang Hung (Head of the Research Group on Religion & Law), along with numerous scientists, administrators, religious dignitaries, and representatives from relevant central agencies.

Conference scene

Speaking at the conference, Professor Pham Quang Minh emphasized the importance of the conference's theme: the role of religion in economic development and the close relationship between these two factors. This theme not only attracted the attention of scientists and scholars but also sparked interest among businesspeople, religious leaders, and policymakers. The conference was also organized from the perspective of the ASEAN Community. Given that the ASEAN Economic Community was established nearly two years ago (December 2015-October 2017), ASEAN needs to ensure a balance between economic development and political, social, and religious fields. Professor Pham Quang Minh believes that the conference will provide valuable experiences and lessons for policymakers in ASEAN in the process of building a common community.

Concurring with Professor Pham Quang Minh, Professor Brett G. Scharffs (Deputy Director of the Centre for Law and Religion Studies, Brigham Young University School of Law) affirmed that a healthy and dynamic economy is closely linked to a nation's approach to religious issues. If there is religious repression or discrimination, a nation's economic growth will be significantly harmed. He stated that there are currently two common conceptions of religion: firstly, viewing religion as an obstacle to be addressed and resolved; secondly, viewing it as an opportunity to contribute to development. While acknowledging the existence of both conceptions, he emphasized national policies following the second approach. Specifically for ASEAN, this region boasts a rich diversity of religions, with three major representatives: Islam, Buddhism, and Christianity. To realize its full potential, the ASEAN community needs to create religious harmony, meaning positive and fair treatment of all religions. This is especially important given the continued existence of religious conflicts within each country and among ASEAN nations.

Professor Brett G. Schaffs speaks at the conference.

Speaking on behalf of the strong research group on Religion & Law, Professor Dr. Do Quang Hung stated that the idea of ​​organizing a conference on religion and economics in Southeast Asia has been around for a long time. According to him, new terms have emerged in research circles such as "religious-economic capital" and "economics of religion." This demonstrates the role religion plays in business activities. Therefore, this conference aims to delve deeper into the relationship between these two elements. The conference is also special because, in addition to scientists, managers, and businesspeople, it includes the participation of religious leaders such as Venerable Thich Bao Nghiem of the Vietnam Buddhist Association and Knight of the Holy Cross Le Duc Thinh. This provides a complementary voice in the exchange between the economic and religious sides.

Professor Dr. Do Quang Hung delivered a speech at the conference.

The workshop will take place over two days, October 23-24, 2017, with six subcommittees.

Subcommittee 1:Religion and Economics: Approaches

Subcommittee 2:The Economy of Religion in Southeast Asia Today

Subcommittee 3:Businesspeople, religious leaders, politicians, and researchers: Harmonizing religious and social life in the development of the ASEAN Community.

Subcommittee 4:Religion and Law in Southeast Asia: Dependent and Independent Variables

Subcommittee 5:The Economy of Religion in the Socio-Political Context of Southeast Asia

Subcommittee 6:Religion and the Economy in Southeast Asia: Issues and Prospects