Continuing the series of seminars "New Research on Japan and Asia" 2016

The seminar was attended by Mr. Fujita Shinya, Chief Representative of Toshiba Corporation - Asia Pacific in Hanoi; Mr. Namekawa Fumihiko - Former Chief Representative of the Toshiba International Foundation in Hanoi; Prof. Dr. Mai Ngoc Chu (Faculty of Oriental Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities), and Dr. Nguyen Tuan Anh (Head of the Faculty of Oriental Studies). This series of seminars provides a platform for young researchers to present their research and exchange expertise with scientists from within and outside the university to enhance their research capabilities. This activity is sponsored by the Toshiba Foundation (Japan).

Mr. Namekawa Fumihiko delivered the opening remarks at the seminar.

At the seminar, delegates heard two scientific reports: "Legislative Reform in Indonesia from 1999 to the Present" by Dr. Ho Thi Thanh (Faculty of Oriental Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities) and "The Ideology of Ishida Baigan (1685-1744) and the Trend of Revival of the Sekimon Shingaku Movement from the Post-World War II to the Present" by Ms. Kieu Hong Hanh (Culture and Communication Department, Embassy of Japan in Vietnam).

Overview of the seminar

Dr. Ho Thi Thanh's report clarified Indonesia's legislative reform process through the following points: the basis for legislative reform since 1999; amendments to the organizational structure and role of the legislature, including the People's Consultative Assembly, Indonesia's highest power body; reforms in the practical organization and operation of the legislature; and finally, some limitations in the organization and operation of the Indonesian legislature from 1999 to the present. The author concludes that the amendment of the 1945 Indonesian Constitution fundamentally contributed to a significant change in the organizational structure and operational mechanisms of this body compared to the New Order period. The bicameral structure of the parliament, with members directly elected from the general election, helped the legislature during this period to perform its functions effectively. Although there are still some limitations, legislative reform has contributed to promoting the democratization process of Indonesia from 1999 to the present.

Dr. Ho Thi Thanh presented the report "Legislative Reform in Indonesia from 1999 to the Present".

In the comments section, Professor Nguyen Dang Dung (Faculty of Law, Vietnam National University, Hanoi) stated that the essay had relatively fully analyzed the content of legislative reform in Indonesia through various constitutional amendments, clarifying the reduction of the president's role in legislation, and finally analyzing the position and role of the DPD (People's Representative Council). However, the report was somewhat rambling and fragmented due to unnecessary headings such as "the concept of the legislative body," section 3 of "Amendments to legal regulations on the organizational structure and role of the legislative body," etc. For his part, Dr. Nguyen Thanh Van (Institute of Southeast Asian Studies - Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences) argued that the author had created a comprehensive "picture" of the legislative reform process in Indonesia. He added that ASEAN's success in perfecting the ASEAN Community depends heavily on the stability of its member states, especially countries like Indonesia. Therefore, studying reforms in Indonesia will help Vietnam in particular and ASEAN in general to better understand this country and draw lessons for themselves.

Ms. Kieu Hong Hanh's report addressed the fundamental aspects of Ishida Baigan's thought through his work "Dobi Questions and Answers," while also providing a general overview and analysis of the Seikimon Shingaku revival trend from after World War II to the present. According to the author, his thought emerged at a time when Japanese bourgeois society was in a state of stagnation. By attributing economic and social issues to the heart and attitude of each individual, Baigan's thought overcame the passive attitude of the general public. By embodying the positive traditional moral values ​​of the merchant class in particular and the Japanese people in general, the Seikimon Shingaku movement initiated by Baigan revived the righteous spirit of a country deeply wounded after World War II. It helped Japan steadily develop its trade activities worldwide, allowing them to be proud of the "Made in Japan" brand today.

Ms. Kieu Hong Hanh presented a report titled "The Ideology of Ishida Baigan (1685-1744) and the Trend of Revival of the Sekimon Shingaku Movement from World War II to the Present."

According to Associate Professor Pham Hong Thai (Institute of Northeast Asian Studies, Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences), Ms. Kieu Hong Hanh's report has provided new knowledge and made a significant contribution to the research process and the enhancement of understanding of Japanese culture in general and the history of Japanese thought in particular in Vietnam. Associate Professor Pham Hong Thai highly appreciated the author's use of quantitative statistics to analyze Ishida Baigan's thought, as well as the use of clearly sourced materials. The author was encouraged to continue research that relates and compares with the history of Vietnamese thought to make even greater contributions. Dr. Nguyen Duong Do Quyen (Institute of Social Science Information – Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences) believes that this topic has practical relevance to Vietnam, as the issue of balancing economic growth with ethics, social responsibility, and professional ethics is becoming increasingly urgent. Specifically, the research topic examines a historical lesson from Japan in building business ethics and culture, which has enabled corporations across generations to achieve sustainable growth and maintain international prestige. However, the topic requires some revisions to terminology, a deeper exploration of the ideological foundations that influenced Baigan, and further discussion of the connection between Baigan's academic and educational activities and the government, as well as other socio-political and cultural organizations and structures.