TVU – Tra Vinh University is the only institution in the country tasked with the national priority of training professionals in Southern Khmer Language, Culture, and Arts. This mission is crucial in meeting the cultural and social development needs of Tra Vinh province and the entire Southern region. The university continuously innovates and improves the quality of education and preserves and promotes local cultural values while fostering economic development through community projects.
Prof. Dr. Pham Tiet Khanh, Chairman of the University Council, presents flowers to congratulate Venerable Danh Ut on successfully defending his doctoral dissertation in Cultural Studies, specializing in Southern Khmer Culture.
Tra Vinh University has made significant contributions to preserving and promoting the cultural values of the Southern region through research programs and practical projects carried out by faculty, students, and alumni. Among the notable individuals, Dr. Ta Duy Linh, Director of the Institute for Economic and Tourism Development Research in Ho Chi Minh City, is a former Cultural Studies doctoral student who stands out for his practical contributions from theory to practice. Dr. Linh has successfully implemented numerous community development projects linked to tourism activities in the Southern region, including community-based tourism models such as Con Ho, Con Chim, and Con Ong in Tra Vinh province. He is also behind the Thieng Lieng community tourism model in Can Gio district, Ho Chi Minh City. These models promote sustainable local economic development and play an important role in preserving and promoting the cultural values of ethnic groups in the Southern region. Through these projects, Dr. Linh helps build brands and images for local communities in the context of international integration and raises community awareness about the importance of culture in tourism development. His efforts have helped connect unique cultural values with economic activities, creating an effective and meaningful tourism model that benefits both the community and tourists.
Dr. Ta Duy Linh and many other alumni actively contribute to cultural development. Dr. Son Cao Thang, a former Cultural Studies doctoral student, establishes the Thuon Bach Thang Facility, specializing in restoring Khmer antiques and producing cultural products such as performance masks, temple models, and Ghe Ngo boats, supplying the entire region. This facility contributes to preserving cultural heritage and creates job opportunities for local people, helping spread ethnic and cultural values. This is concrete evidence of the university’s training outcomes, where students can apply knowledge to social practice.
Similarly, Ms. Ho Thi Thuy Hang, a Master’s graduate in Cultural Studies and former TVU student, has found development opportunities after graduating from Tra Vinh University. She is currently the director of Giong Noi Viet Communication Company, where her knowledge of culture and civilized communication skills help her confidently engage in various fields, from research to communication services. This once again affirms that the University always aims to improve the quality of education, not only in knowledge and professional skills but also in creating conditions for students to develop comprehensively.
Conference on Southern culture at Tra Vinh University
In addition to training, Tra Vinh University also creates academic forums for students and faculty to connect with scientists to develop research and promote creativity. Conferences such as “Southern Culture – Theoretical and Practical Issues,” research on Southern Khmer art forms, etc., are organized annually, creating a vibrant learning and research environment. Ongoing research topics on the Con Ho and Con Chim tourism models are typical examples of applying academic knowledge to practice, contributing to the economic and cultural development of the province and region.
Furthermore, the university’s efforts to preserve and promote ethnic minority cultures within the national unity bloc are beginning to be recognized by the international academic community. Tra Vinh University makes a strong impression by ranking TOP 1 in Cultural Value in the 2024 WURI World Ranking. The World Universities with Real Impact (WURI) alliance has just announced ranking universities with real influence. Accordingly, Tra Vinh University continues to rise in 2024, ranking 42nd in the Top 100 WURI Ranking of schools with positive influence and contributions to society. This is the 5th consecutive year that Tra Vinh University continues to rise in the top 100. Notably, this year, Tra Vinh University makes a strong impression by ranking TOP 1 in Cultural Value in the B5 component index group (culture/value) thanks to its research values, preservation promotion of the Southern Khmer language, culture, and arts, promoting innovation and creativity in students, faculty, university management, promoting collaborative thinking with learners and the business community instead of just focusing on the school and faculty.
With continuous efforts, Tra Vinh University has been and is fulfilling its role in training high-quality human resources for the region and the country. The achievements of alumni in preserving and developing social culture are clear evidence of the University’s training quality, contributing to building a sustainable culture and economic development in Tra Vinh province and the Southern region. The University continues to be a place to nurture generations of knowledgeable students with aspirations to contribute to society.
By TD
ĐL-MN
