Throwback to ▪#NationalDirector Nguyễn Vĩnh Hà Phương and Trường Đại học Khoa học Xã hội và Nhân văn - Đại học Quốc gia Tp. HCM are very happy and honored to be present in the report on the Department of Urban Studies, AkiQuang school received by Ms. #WongChiaChiann - Consulate General of #Malaysia, Deputy Consulate General of Malaysia for Tourism - Mr. #NorisyamBin They took it away, miss PGS. Phan Thi Hong Xuan Secondary School, Secondary School. NCS #PatickCampell. As Ambassador of #Kebaya Asia, 4th Runner-up KBJ Ratu Kebaya 哥峇雅美后选美赛 • Miss #HaPhuong officially carried out the mission to contribute to building a good relationship between Vietnam and Malaysia in particular and promote Malaysian Kebaya costume images to the Asian countries in 2022 to 8/2023 through activities and events from the Foreign Consulates 🌹 On the morning of 21/9/2022, the Center for ASEAN Human Resources Research and Training (CAHRRT) collaborated with the Department of Culture and Urban Community Development (Faculty of Urban Study) - University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University - Ho Chi Minh to organize a seminar titled “From Urban Issues in Vietnam to Urban Issues in Malaysia under Urban Anthropology Perspective”. The invited guests of the event included: Ms. Wong Chia Chiann – The Consul-General of Malaysia in HCMC; Mr. Norisyam Odzali – Vice-Consul (Tourism), Vice-Director of Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board in HCMC; M.A. Patrick Campell – Ph.D student from the University of Bristol (UK); Miss Nguyễn Vĩnh Hà Phương – 4th Runner-up of Miss KBJ Ratu Kebaya International 2022 and Miss Kebaya Asian 2022 Ambassador; Mr. Aki Quang – Country Director in Vietnam of KBJ Ratu Kebaya International 2022 together with the staff from the Malaysian Consulate-General in HCMC, CAHRRT personnel, lecturers, and students from Urban Anthropology class, Faculty of Urban Studies. In the lively atmosphere of the lecture hall, the guests had a session to share with the lecturers and students of the Urban Anthropology class on the following main topics: Ethnographic Field Research Methods (Assoc. Prof. - Dr. Phan Thi Hong Xuan); Research Project on Land and Property Development in Peri-urban Vietnam (Mr. Patrick Campbell); Malaysia’s 2022 Theme and Symbol (Ms. Wong Chia Chiann); Cultural identity of Kebaya costumes (4th runner-up Nguyen Vinh Ha Phuong) and Global Citizens (Mr. Aki Quang). Under the direction of Assoc. Prof. - Dr. Phan Thi Hong Xuan, students evaluated the fieldwork methodology and research findings of Gordon Ramsay in learning Vietnamese culinary culture. Students learned how to construct and execute a research project through Mr. Patrick Campbell’s presentation. Campbell, who had previously spent two years in Vietnam, observed that the appearance of his research region had changed significantly upon his return. On land that was previously vacant, there are now construction projects. Some preliminary findings from his observations indicate that low-income and high-income individuals dwell in the same region, rather than being separated by socio-economic status. Campbell stressed that his research not only evaluates the economics of urbanization but also focuses on the psychophysiology of individuals, whether they are content and at ease during the socio-economic change. Obviously, the research results will only be applicable to the study region and will not be representative of the entire population. Ms. Wong Chia Chiann – Consul-General of Malaysia spoke, as part of the curriculum for Applied Urban Anthropology, the logo’s symbolic significance and the nation’s message, which is widely transmitted throughout Malaysia. The slogan “Keluarga Malaysia Teguh Bersama”, which can be roughly translated as “Malaysian Family, Stronger Together” is meant to strengthen the unity of Malaysian people. This begins with the nuclear family and spreads through the neighborhood, business, country, and beyond racial, religious, and cultural barriers to the world. The term “Keluarga Malaysia” refers to individuals who are unified, live in harmony, and are cared for and appreciated. The term “Teguh Bersama” refers to the formation and maintenance of a strong connection of unity. To reflect this idea, Malaysia’s national logo for this year is the Wifi symbol. The Wifi icon signifies the evolution of communication and digitalization infrastructure consisting of 3 bands of blue, yellow, and red representing “Keluarga Malaysia” which consists of people of many races and ethnicities living in harmony. This is also the color of Malaysia’s national flag. Alternating dots on each color band symbolize openness, diversity, and difference as a nation moves forward. The bottom red dot, however, depicts patriotism, national spirit - the basis for a sovereign nation - and foresight. With such a Theme and Symbol, Malaysia and Vietnam’s relationship resembles that of an ASEAN family. The two nations have a great deal of potential for cooperation and collaboration. Miss Nguyen Vinh Ha Phuong also described the steps she took from the moment she began preparing till she won the 4th runner-up in the Malaysian contest. “Mang chuông đi đánh xứ người” (Bring your skills to the competition and make a living in a foreign country) and attaining a high level of accomplishment is the result of her effort in learning, studying, and performing. It can be said that understanding the costume’s cultural identity and origin of the hosted nation has a significant impact on her reputation. This procedure demands not only self-study but also the assistance of professionals. In addition, she thanked the Vietnam - ASEAN Friendship Association (VAFA) in HCMC for linking her with the Consulate-General of Malaysia in HCMC for guidance and for sharing her knowledge of Malaysian cultural identity and the Kebaya costume, which she was privileged to represent. Through sharing and cultural exchanges, the guests encouraged the students to strive, and equip themselves with the necessary knowledge and abilities to become global citizens when traveling abroad. More than ever, make the most of one’s time in the lecture hall to effectively prepare for the future.