Receiving and working with the delegation from the University of South Australia (Australia)

During the meeting, Professor Pham Quang Minh introduced the main achievements in training, scientific research, and the main research directions of the University; emphasizing the goal of building a research university, strengthening research projects, especially international publications. The University is a leading training and research center in the Vietnamese higher education system and wishes to expand cooperation with the University of South Australia and Australian universities in general in many fields.

Dr. Shamsul Khan welcomed the University of Social Sciences and Humanities and proposed that the two universities cooperate through activities such as student exchanges, joint research projects, and joint seminars. In particular, he suggested implementing joint research projects and collaborative training programs in journalism and communication, and international relations at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The Faculty of Journalism and Communication and the Faculty of International Studies would serve as the liaison between the University of Social Sciences and Humanities and the School of Communication, Research and International Languages, University of South Australia (Australia).

Professor Pham Quang Minh (Rector of the University) and representatives of the University presented gifts and took commemorative photos with the delegation from the University of South Australia.

Continuing the program, Dr. Shamsul Khan and Ms. Lena (Department of International Relations, Faculty of International Studies) gave a presentation to students of the Faculty of International Studies on the topic "The Rise of China, the Post-Obama United States, and the East Asian/Southeast Asian Security Structure." The presentation outlined the current geopolitical and geo-economic context in relation to the security structure in Southeast Asia, particularly with ASEAN countries, and proposed several options for ASEAN countries to improve this structure. Currently, the power of the United States and the order...Peace relies on the United States.(Pax Americana) has declined, OrderPeace based on China(Pax Sinica) is gradually emerging alongside China's ambitions to expand its influence. Meanwhile, under Putin's leadership, Russia wants to promote a new security structure in Europe, while simultaneously forming an "equal and open security structure" with China in the Asia-Pacific region, thereby moving towards the goal of becoming a global power.

Dr. Shamsul Khan delivered the presentation.

Against this strategic backdrop, ASEAN countries have various options for dealing with the relationship between major powers. According to Dr. Shamsul Khan, ASEAN could temporarily “avoid” tension and conflict when the United States loosens its security involvement in Southeast Asia; or “prevent” conflict and tension through institutional networks with like-minded countries within and outside the subsystems; or establish intricate networks of relationships with countries outside the subsystems; or initiate a process of soft multilateralism. Regardless of the choice, ASEAN countries must consider the impact of the geopolitical and geo-economic context on their security structure.

At the end of his presentation, Dr. Shamsul Khan posed questions about the future of East Asian/Southeast Asian security architecture, such as: Will the "hub and spoke" system built by the United States through bilateral relations still exist in the Donald Trump era? Will the power vacuum or shift in Asia increase intense competition among East Asian powers? And will Russia expand its geopolitical influence in Asia through its gradual rise and cooperation with China to limit the Western presence? These questions were discussed enthusiastically and frankly by the faculty and students in the audience.

Professor Pham Quang Minh poses a question to Dr. Shamsul Khan.

Overview of the seminar

The University of South Australia (UniSA), located in Adelaide, was established in 1991. Over the years, UniSA has grown to become one of the eight universities in the GO8 group (the group of eight best universities in Australia). UniSA has eight research institutes, thirteen research centres, and a staff of 2,287. Each year, approximately 34,000 students study here, one-third of whom are international students from 160 different countries. Its School of Communication, International Studies, and Languages ​​received a 5-star rating in the QS World University Rankings 2014.