Faculty of Arts & Design at Van Lang University participated in the International Symposium of Asia Academy of Culture (AAC)

On September 26, 2024, a delegation of lecturers from the Faculty of Arts & Design attended and presented at the International Symposium organized for the first time by Asia Academy of Culture (AAC) at Bangkok University, Thailand. Student projects from Van Lang University were also honored to be featured in the AAC's International Symposium Journal.

Asia Academy of Culture, dedicated to the study of Asian cultures, was established by the International Cultural Foundation (ICF) in Seoul, which has been publishing Korean studies books for libraries worldwide for the past 57 years, under the leadership of Chairman Chun Hong-duck. Chairman Chun stated, “The AAC aims to enhance understanding of Asia's cultural diversity through the participation of scholars, civic organizations, cultural institutions, and politicians, providing a dedicated platform for ongoing international symposiums to promote collaboration and coordination.”

On September 26, 2024, the first AAC International Symposium, themed "Asian Culture and Cultural Diversity," was successfully held at Bangkok University, Thailand. This event brought together scholars and cultural researchers from five countries: South Korea, China, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Five lecturers from Van Lang University attended and presented at this conference, led by Dr. Nguyen Dac Thai – Vice Dean of the Faculty of Arts & Design.

The symposium featured distinguished speakers, including Mr. Chun, Hong-duck (President of AAC), Prof. Chun Hyun-jin (Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, China/President Asian Cultural Landscape Association), Prof. Rittirong Chutapruttikorn (Bangkok University, Thailand), Dr. Erwin Ismu Wisnubroto (Vice President of Tribhuwana Tunggadewi University, Indonesia), Ms. Daisy Radnawati (Head of Public Relations at the National Institute of Science and Technology, Indonesia), Prof. Nurhayati (IPB University, Indonesia), among others. Over 80 scholars, along with political figures participated in passionate discussions to share new perspectives based on the cultural diversity of Asia.

The first AAC International Symposium served as a platform for cultural exchange and academic collaboration, focusing on "Asian Culture and Cultural Diversity." Prominent scholars from various fields provided insights and sought solutions to future societal issues from the perspectives of "Heritage - Continuity - Sustainability." In his welcoming address, Chun Hong-duck emphasized, "The AAC International Symposium is a space for sharing Asia's diversity and creativity, aiming to connect 'Asian Wisdom with the Future.' This platform will enable Asian scholars to discuss research on various regional cultures." He expressed gratitude to Bangkok University for facilitating the event, noting their ongoing collaboration since last year with the Asia Cultural Design Contest.

Vice President Somyot Watanakhamolchai (Bangkok University) remarked, "The AAC Symposium aims to bring together scholars from across Asia to explore in-depth research and discussions on Asian culture, seeking solutions to diverse societal challenges. This approach will help rediscover the unique values and meanings of Asian culture and contribute to building a better future." He also highlighted Bangkok University's role as one of Thailand's oldest and most prestigious private universities, providing a platform for cultural exchange and collaboration with the ICF and AAC to enhance mutual trust and promote future development in Asia.

The AAC international symposium was divided into four main topics: 

(1) Diversity and Wisdom of Asian Culture;
(2) New Research Perspectives on Asian Culture;
(3) Exploring Methods to Enhance Cultural Diversity;
(4) The Role of Asian Culture in Building a Peaceful World. 

The five presentations by representatives from the Faculty of Arts & Design, Van Lang University, received positive feedback for their academic contributions:

Following the symposium, the 2nd Asia Cultural Design Contest (ACDC) took place on September 27, featuring presentations from university and graduate students from five Asian countries who reinterpreted their cultures through design. ACDC saw the participation of 50 teams, showcasing designs that effectively conveyed cultural elements over mere aesthetics.

VLU Faculty of Arts & Design students was proud to have nine projects featured in the 2nd Asia Cultural Design Contest (ACDC) Proceedings. Since its inception, Faculty of Arts & Design has emphasized traditional culture in its training process, recognizing it as a source of rich and distinctive creative ideas for Vietnamese graphic products and as a bridge between traditional and modern applied arts. Courses such as "Research on National Heritage" and "Research on Traditional Architecture and Interior Design" have become signature subjects, inspiring passion and pride among students and lecturers in the Design programs at the Faculty of Arts & Design, Van Lang University.

In addition to the two main academic events, the group of Interior Design lecturers from Van Lang University engaged in exchanges with lecturers and toured the teaching and learning spaces for Architecture and Interior Design at Bangkok University. The significant similarities between the two training programs could serve as a foundation for future academic activities and student exchanges between the two institutions in this field.

Faculty of Arts & Design 
Photo: AAC