5th International Conference on Asian Local Studies opens in Malaysia: LHU affirms its role as co-organizer

On August 6, 2026, the 5th International Conference on Asian Local Studies officially opened in George Town, Penang, Malaysia, with LHU serving as a co-organizer. Held under the theme "Public Discourse and Theoretical Construction of Cultural Heritage", the event was initiated by the Daoli Academy (Malaysia) in collaboration with several international academic institutions.

The conference, held from August 6 to 10, 2026, brought together a large number of scholars and researchers from various countries and territories, including China, Malaysia, Vietnam, the United Kingdom, the United States, South Korea, and Thailand, to engage in academic exchange, share experiences, and discuss the future development of local studies in the context of globalization.

Representing LHU at the conference were Dr. Nguyen Thi Hoang Oanh and Dr. Hoang Tien Dung - Head and Deputy Head of the Office of International Affairs, respectively; Dr. Phan The Anh, Head of the Chinese Language Program; and Dr. Luong Van Huy, Head of the Chinese Language Division. The delegation’s active participation not only demonstrated LHU’s role in international academic activities but also contributed to enhancing the position of Vietnamese higher education in the region.

Notably, during the opening session, Dr. Nguyen Thi Hoang Oanh, representing LHU, a co-organizer of the conference, delivered remarks on behalf of the ASEAN countries. In her remarks, Dr. Nguyen Thi Hoang Oanh emphasized the role of cultural heritage as a bridge between the past and the present, while highlighting the importance of promoting the value of heritage in the modern context to foster sustainable development and strengthen regional connectivity.

LHU’s participation as a co-organizer of this international conference marks an important milestone in a series of activities leading up to the University’s 30th anniversary (1997–2027). This not only affirms the University’s capacity for international integration but also demonstrates its strong commitment to advancing scientific research, academic collaboration, and the development of high-quality human resources in the new era.

In his opening remarks, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow emphasized that local studies is not only academically significant but also plays an important role in policymaking, economic development, and cultural preservation. He noted that a thorough understanding of the historical, social, and cultural characteristics of each locality can help inform appropriate development strategies, contributing to improved quality of life and sustainable development.

This year’s conference is regarded as a major academic forum with significant scale and influence in the region, helping strengthen connections among researchers, promote international collaboration, and open up new approaches to local studies research.

LHU’s presence and role as a co-organizer of the conference not only reaffirm its academic reputation on the international stage but also open up numerous opportunities for future collaboration, research, and development.