December 14, 2016, the GMS – ASEAN Conference 2016 was held at the Lotus Pang Suan Keaw Hotel in Chiang Mai, Thailand, themed: “China and Southeast Asia: Transnational Nexus of Politics, Economics and Cultures” with a view to strengthening the relationship between ASEAN and the major partners including China and offering opportunities for academic and cultural exchanges among the countries in the region.
Representatives of the participating delegations in the GMS – ASEAN Conference 2016
The conference was attended by various scholars and guests from universities in Hong Kong, Thailand, China, Laos, Cambodia, Taiwan and Vietnam and representatives from China and The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific.
Topics presented during the Conference includes socio-economic development of the ASEAN member countries as well as the partnerships between China and the other countries in the region with respect to trade, finance, tourism, development policies and cultural and foreign policies, etc., among the countries.
Participating in the Conference, Associate Professor, Doctor Vu Anh Dzung, Vice Rector of VJU, delivered a keynote speech on the results of a study named “Vietnam’s trade dependence on China and impacts on socio-economic issues: Case study of Ha Giang Province”. As indicated by the study, the huge share of cross-border trade between Ha Giang province and China has led to several socio-economic issues such as product and sector structures, product quality, exploitation of natural resources, environmental pollution, etc.
Associate Professor Doctor Vu Anh Dzung, VJU Vice Rector delivering his speech at the Conference
On the sidelines of the Conference, representatives from 8 participating universities in the ASEAN countries held various cultural exchanges. The exchanges of knowledge on ASEAN in general and the Greater Mekong Region in particular exposed the students to useful insights and united students from different regions together.
The cultural exchanges were brightened by performances with unique cultural value and identity: The impressive “Cheer Leading” act by students from Chiang Mai University in Thailand opened the performances; this was followed by songs with tender melody such as “From Vietnam with love” or “Hello Vietnam” sang by Vietnamese students or dances performed by Vietnamese students in the traditional Ao Dai costumes; the Lam Vang traditional dance by the Cambodian students; the ethnic fashion show by the Myanmar students, etc.
Associate Professor Doctor Vu Anh Dzung (far right) and two VJU students at the Conference
Sharing his experience participating in the Conference, Nguyen Anh Hao, a Business Administration student at VJU stated: “The conference is one of the most memorable events in my life as a student. I was exposed to valuable understanding of China, ASEAN in general and the Greater Mekong Subregion in particular. In addition to the academic activities, the cultural exchanges were very fascinating and unique.”
Nguyen Quynh Nga, a Public Policy student, shared her experience: “The annual GMS Conference offers scholars and students in the region opportunities to exchange ideas on and learn about the major regional issues in a straightforward manner. The event offers the scholars opportunities to express their expectations of the sustainable development economically, politically and socially. I personally think that these practical and interesting exchanges should be further encouraged.”
Students in the region participating in a contest on understanding of ASEAN and the Greater Mekong Subregion
As a well-prepared event, the Conference was successfully completed. Moreover, through the cultural and other exchanges among the students, the students’ interest in cultures of the countries in the Greater Mekong Subregion as well as the hospitality of the Thai students to their guests were well reflected.
According to Associate Professor, Vu Anh Dzung, the involvement in the network of activities within the Greater Mekong Subregion – ASEAN helps strengthen the scientific studies and exchanges among the students and more importantly, it takes VJU to a new level in its pursuit of becoming one of the leading universities in Asia.
