VMOST Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities - D
Tạp chí của Bộ Khoa học và Công nghệ
Myanmar’s responses to major power strategies in the Indo-Pacific in the early 21st century
Since 1948, Myanmar has advocated implementing a non-aligned foreign policy to maintain its autonomy in international relations. Throughout the country’s history, Myanmar’s foreign policy towards major powers has resembled a pendulum swinging back and forth between “positive non-alignment” and “negative neutrality”. In the early 21st century, with the foreign policy adjustments of major countries in the Indo-Pacific region (specifically the US, China, India, and Japan), Myanmar has also had to respond with policy adjustments to ensure its own development. In recent years, as they have faced significant international and regional changes, major powers have adjusted their foreign strategies, including those related to the Indo-Pacific region. By employing a combination of historical and international relations research methods, this article aims to analyse the transition from Myanmar’s “positive non-alignment” policy to its “negative neutrality” policy in response to changes in the country’s international, regional, and internal situations. Myanmar’s policies in recent decades may offer references for consideration in Vietnam's foreign policy formulation.
Exploring Joseon history through the royal lives and political roles of Joseon queens: The case of the Yeoheung Min clan
Confucianism not only played a dominant role throughout the 500-year history of the Joseon dynasty but also became deeply embedded in various cultural, political, and social aspects of the kingdom since its establishment. Compared to the preceding Goryeo dynasty, Confucianism gained dominance during the gradual decline of Buddhism due to the “Respect Confucianism, Suppress Buddhism” policy executed by the Joseon ruling classes. However, over its long history, Joseon Confucianism itself underwent significant changes, which were reflected chronologically through the political and social transformations of the period. In this article, the author seeks to explore the royal life and political roles of Joseon queens from the Yeoheung Min clan (present-day Yeoju city, Gyeonggi-do) to shed light on the development and enforcement of Confucianism. Furthermore, this study proposes an approach to understanding Joseon history through the analysis of several influential individuals, consequently contributing to an empirical method of teaching and researching Korean political history.
Colonial rhetorics of modernity in Vietnam: “The New” (Cái mới) in Vietnamese literature during the colonial period
Much of colonial discourse relied polemically on the rhetoric of colonial modernity; meanwhile, behind the discursive and practical power of modernity is colonial exploitation. It asks how notions of the new novel, the new woman, and foreigners reflected and influenced Vietnamese intellectuals’ imagination about the Vietnamese nation and Vietnamese literature. In other words, the concepts of new women, new literature, or foreigners, based on the historicist view of humans and literature, helped to mask colonialism in the discourse of modernity, making it appear desirable and reasonable. This article argues that the participation of theorists, writers, critics, and journalists in metropolitan countries and colonies in articulating modernity went beyond its attached colonialist purpose to think and act for the “real” development of Vietnam intellectually, economically, and politically. This was meant to construct a national culture. As such, this article engages with a deconstructing approach, emphasising the historically specific context of colonial dependence in colonial Vietnam.
Emperor Minh Mang’s policy towards Buddhism (1820-1840)
Emperor Minh Mang was a ruler who left a significant mark on Vietnam’s monarchy with many outstanding achievements in administrative reform, educational and cultural development, territorial unity, and the protection of national sovereignty. While considering Confucianism as the orthodox ideology to assert its unique position, the emperor remained friendly and open to Buddhism. During Emperor Minh Mang’s reign, Buddhism experienced significant development, not only in appearance and scale but also in asserting its role in contemporary political, cultural, and social life. The article aims, through reliable sources, to more clearly reflect the state of Vietnamese Buddhism under Emperor Minh Mang’s reign, contributing to a new understanding of the development of Vietnamese Buddhism during this period, and then to reassess the emperor’s policy toward Buddhism. At the same time, the article will identify the unique characteristics that confirm the positive aspects of Buddhism during this period and clarify the critical role of Buddhism, not only in the past but also in the ongoing process of building and defending Vietnam today.
China and India in the race for leadership of the Global South: Current status and international relations challenges
This research examines the escalating competition between China and India for leadership in the Global South, highlighting their differing approaches to expanding influence across the region. The research focuses on their economic, political, and diplomatic strategies, particularly concerning the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) by China, while India emphasises soft power, democratic values, and cultural diplomacy. The research method is primarily qualitative, using comparative analysis of China’s and India’s foreign policies to assess the broader geopolitical implications. The research explores the impact of this rivalry on regional and global governance, examining how it shapes the political and economic trends of the Global South. As both nations strive for dominance, the research considers the challenges and opportunities that such competition presents for smaller and emerging countries, as well as the potential risks of deepening divides within multilateral institutions.
Zambalataya: Where are the 21st-century faithful today? A narrative inquiry
Zambalataya is a blended phrase referring to the people of Zambales (Zambaleño) and Faith (Pananampalataya). This qualitative study seeks to investigate the evolving experiences of the faithful concerning their religiosity and spirituality. Employing narrative inquiry as the research design, the study engaged novena devotees and laypersons who served as church volunteers as its participants. Data were collected through the focus group discussions (FGD) method. The findings reveal that the 21st-century faithful in the Filipino society hold faith in high regard as integral to their lives and identity, acknowledge the evolving nature of faith traditions, and demonstrate a strengthened faith amidst societal changes. Religious faith is nurtured even through the evolution of showcasing faith. The material aspects of religion change, but its non-material aspect cultivates more from its origins, as exposed by the rising number of young faithful involved in rituals using different media to display modern religiosity. These findings significantly enhance our understanding of dynamic religiosity as reflected in personal spiritual expressions. Findings also foster ecumenism as they uncover the evolving religious and spiritual practices of the 21st-century faithful.
Insights into English as a foreign language students’ engagement in English medium instruction classes
English medium instruction (EMI) has gained significance in English language education; however, research on English as a foreign language (EFL) students’ engagement in EMI classes in different contexts, such as Vietnam, has not been extensively explored. This study aims to investigate EFL students’ engagement in EMI classes. One hundred and eighty students from various majors were sampled from a higher education institution in Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam. A quantitative approach was employed, utilising a closed-ended questionnaire for data collection. Data were analysed using SPSS software for descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings demonstrated that EFL students exhibited a high level of engagement in EMI classes across three aspects: behavioural, cognitive, and emotional engagement; however, students showed their cognitive engagement at the highest level, followed by emotional and behavioural engagement. Notably, the study revealed a significant difference in EFL students’ engagement in EMI between hard sciences and soft sciences. This study suggests several pedagogical implications for enhancing student engagement in EMI classes at the context of higher education institutions in Vietnam and other similar ones.
A digital transformation approach from traditional to virtual practice: A case study of gas welding corner-welding
The digital transformation context has opened up many new opportunities in the field of education and training, allowing learning to take place in multiple environments with rich experiences. Converting the traditional vocational training model to virtual vocational training will bring many benefits, creating a flexible learning environment, improving knowledge and skills for learners, and reducing training costs. The article focuses on analysing the current situation of vocational training and teaching activities at vocational training institutions in the current period, therefore proposing solutions to digitally transform vocational training models, contributing to improving vocationcal training quality and enhancing competitiveness in the labour market. The article selects a pilot project to build a virtual vocational training model for virtual practice on the metal corner welding method using gas welding techniques. The virtual practice has been tested with 40 experts, scientists, teachers, and 270 students studying at five colleges and vocational secondary schools in Thai Nguyen province (before the administrative merger) that provide training in electricity, mechanics, welding, etc., and the results have shown its effectiveness when digitally transforming traditional professional practice models.
Using grey models for forecasting Vietnam’s renewable energy consumption
Vietnam has actively pursued its commitments under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and has been an engaged participant in the Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP21). One of Vietnam’s key obligations is to drive a significant energy transition aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The development of renewable energy sources is an essential global endeavour, given their crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting the environment, and decreasing reliance on fossil fuels. This study employs grey forecasting models (GM(1,1), NGBM(1,1), and DGM(1,1)) to predict Vietnam’s renewable energy consumption from 2023 to 2030. The analysis reveals a substantial increase in renewable energy demand, with forecasts indicating considerable growth: GM(1,1) predicts 632.2 TWh, DGM(1,1) anticipates 602.5 TWh, and NGBM(1,1) projects 557.7 TWh by 2030. Among the models, DGM(1,1) yields the most accurate results, with the lowest mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 6.76%. This forecast aligns with Vietnam’s ambitious renewable energy development goals, aimed at diversifying its energy mix and meeting climate mitigation targets. The findings highlight the importance of continued investment in renewable energy technologies, infrastructure, and supportive policies to secure a sustainable energy future while balancing economic growth and environmental preservation. This research offers valuable insights for policymakers in shaping Vietnam’s energy transition strategies over the coming decades.
Consumer attitudes and intentions toward safe pork in a frontier market: A theory of planned behaviour analysis
Growing food safety awareness in Vietnam’s urbanising regions has heightened interest in safe pork consumption, yet the behavioural drivers remain underexamined. This study employs the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to explore the factors shaping safe pork adoption among consumers in Gia Lam commune, a frontier market. Survey findings indicate that attitude most strongly influences purchase intention, followed by subjective norms and perceived behavioural control, with intention serving as a key predictor of purchase behaviour. These results underscore the primacy of health-driven motivations moderated by access limitations and provide a fresh application of the theory in an emerging context. The research offers insights for public health initiatives and food labelling strategies, identifying critical leverage points for producers and policymakers to promote safe pork uptake while highlighting the need for broader investigations across Vietnam’s diverse markets.
The factors influencing persuasion knowledge and purchase intentions on live-streaming commerce platforms among Generation Z consumers in Vietnam: The moderating role of anticipated inaction regret
In recent years, the rapid growth of live-streaming commerce in Vietnam has transformed consumer behaviour, with streamers playing a pivotal role in purchase decisions. Live streamers have had a profound impact on shaping consumers’ purchasing decisions. This study explores the self-presentation behaviours of live streamers within the context of e-commerce live-streaming and examines their impact on consumers’ purchase intentions. A survey of 264 Generation Z consumers in Vietnam reveals that helpful and empathetic behaviours exhibited by live streamers positively influence consumers’ purchase intentions. These findings offer both theoretical contributions to digital persuasion literature and practical strategies for Vietnamese e-commerce platforms. Moreover, derogatory behaviour and exaggerated behaviour displayed during broadcasts can significantly enhance persuasion knowledge regarding consumer purchases. Additionally, anticipated inaction regret (AIR) serves as a moderating factor in the relationship between persuasion knowledge and consumers’ purchase intentions. Furthermore, AIR significantly moderates this process, suggesting that emotional anticipation of regret can override consumers’ scepticism driven by persuasion knowledge, thereby increasing their purchase intention. However, the use of convenience sampling and the predominance of urban respondents may limit the generalisability of the findings.
Mental health and attitudes toward seeking professional help among students of Vietnam National University - Ho Chi Minh City
The study on mental health and attitudes towards seeking professional help among students at the Vietnam National University - Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM) is the result of a cross-sectional survey conducted in October 2023, with the participation of 8,383 students. This research aims to assess the levels of risk for mental health problems among students at VNU-HCM. Additionally, the study explores the current attitudes towards seeking professional help among students when they face mental health problems in their academic and personal lives. The results indicate that students were at risk of experiencing depressive symptoms (from mild to severe levels, 77.7%) and anxiety symptoms (58.8%) to varying degrees; however, they rarely seek professional help (M=1.66; SD=0.75). VNU-HCM students’ attitudes towards seeking professional assistance reveal that while they can endure the stigma associated with mental health, they remain hesitant to discuss these issues with others. They recognise the need for psychological therapy and have trust in professionals, yet they lack the initiative to seek help. These findings indicate the need for measures, including enhanced communication and the integration of multimedia platforms, to raise awareness and encourage students to seek professional help when needed.
Le Minh Cong, Nguyen Van Tuong*, Nguyen Hoang Anh Thu
Factors affecting young people’s avoidance of advertisements on social media platforms: A case study in Can Tho city
This study investigates the factors contributing to the avoidance of social media advertisements among young individuals in the Mekong delta region of Vietnam, employing reactance theory as the guiding theoretical framework. Data were collected from a sample of 232 young participants residing in Can Tho city, a pivotal urban centre within the Mekong delta. The analysis utilised descriptive statistics and a Chi-square test to evaluate the prevalence and behavioural patterns associated with social media advertising avoidance. To examine the influence of various determinants on ad avoidance, a multiple linear regression analysis was conducted, focusing on five key constructs: goal impediment, ad clutter, negative experiences, privacy concerns, and perceived personalisation. Additionally, an independent sample T-test was performed to compare ad avoidance behaviours across the platforms of YouTube and Facebook. The results indicate that goal impediment, ad clutter, and negative experiences positively correlate with the avoidance of social media advertisements, with negative experiences emerging as the most significant determinant. Conversely, perceived personalisation negatively influences the relationship between ad avoidance and social media platforms, while privacy concerns do not exhibit a significant effect on ad avoidance among the youth in the Mekong delta. Furthermore, the findings reveal that advertisements on YouTube are more frequently avoided than those on Facebook. This study provides key insights for crafting marketing strategies that effectively reduce ad avoidance behaviours among consumers on social media platforms.
The concepts of filial piety and factors affecting filial piety of Vietnamese people
“Filial piety” is a fundamental moral value of the Vietnamese people, expressing the respect and gratitude of children towards their parents. It also embodies gratitude towards one’s roots, preserving the esteemed values of ancestors. Filial piety is a personal value that governs behaviour within the family and community. It has been revered in various beliefs and religions, particularly in ancestor worship. Originating from a culture that values emotions and gratitude, Vietnamese filial piety towards parents, ancestors, and loyalty to the country has been transmitted through generations since ancient times. The Vietnamese have integrated patriarchal norms, family values, and religious rituals of filial piety from Buddhism, Taoism, and especially Confucianism, further enriching and expanding the meaning of Vietnamese filial piety. This study aims to address questions regarding the viewpoints and practices of filial piety in traditional society; identify the factors shaping filial piety; and examine contemporary elements influencing Vietnamese filial culture. The study reveals that, in addition to moral values within the family, Vietnamese filial piety embodies community values and notably fosters patriotism rooted in village culture and national history. The approaches of Vietnamese and area studies are employed to comparatively analyse and synthesise the concepts and practices of filial piety in folklore, beliefs, and religions; and to discern differences in Vietnamese filial piety compared to the core values of filial culture influenced by Confucianism.
Characteristics of the cultural personality of Indians in the North and South of India
Recognised globally as one of the most ancient and geographically vast epicenters of human civilisation, India possesses an immensely rich cultural heritage. Although considerable academic attention has been devoted to investigating the general effects of Indian culture on the diverse cultures within Southeast Asia, a significant lacuna remains within the existing body of scholarship. Specifically, there is a conspicuous deficiency of academic articles or dedicated works that precisely clarify and differentiate the distinct cultural influences stemming separately from the northern and southern sectors of the Indian subcontinent on Southeast Asian nations. Therefore, this article seeks to bridge this knowledge gap. By strategically utilising established theories pertaining to cultural ecology, the concept of cultural regions, and cultural typology, and employing a rigorous comparative method combined with an interdisciplinary framework and qualitative data synthesis and analysis, this study aims to illuminate the fundamental causes and key characteristics underpinning the cultural differences between northern and southern India. In doing so, it provides essential reference materials indispensable for future scholarly investigations focused on discerning the divergent influences originating from these two major Indian cultural zones on the multifaceted cultures across Southeast Asia.
Minh Giang Nguyen*, Thi My Linh Tran, Thi Uyen Nhi Luong, Thi Bich Nhi Nguyen, Quynh Nhu Nguyen
The Other Ones: Inter-generational conflicts over non-conforming romantic relationships of the 1.5- and second-generation in Vietnamese diaspora in the Czech Republic
To comprehend how varying levels of acculturation and diverse socio-cultural values generate different forms of otherness within the Vietnamese diaspora residing in the Czech Republic, this article examines two types of intergenerational conflicts: those related to inter-ethnic heterosexual relationships and those related to inter-ethnic same-sex relationships. Drawing on analytical data obtained through in-depth and semi-structured interviews with individuals from the first, 1.5, and second generations, the article posits that the majority of first-generation Vietnamese individuals in the Czech Republic strongly oppose the inter-ethnic heterosexual relationships of the 1.5 and second generations. Members of the first generation believe that such inter-ethnic relationships can disrupt the socio-cultural unity of the family and jeopardise their transnational family business networks. They also exhibit pronounced homophobic tendencies, perceiving homosexuality as a contagious illness, a curse, or a consequence of the parents’ bad karma. Nevertheless, to conceal their children’s homosexuality from the diaspora and the rest of the family in Vietnam, parents prefer same-sex inter-ethnic relationships over co-ethnic ones.
Improving the quality of education in Korean Studies and Korean Language through the analysis of graduates’ employment outcomes
Approximately 50% of universities in Vietnam offer formal education in Korean Studies and Korean Language and Culture, with a significant concentration of prominent institutions in this discipline located in the southern region, particularly in Ho Chi Minh city. However, studies on the employment outcomes of graduates majoring in Korean-related disciplines are scarce, especially in the context of Ho Chi Minh city. Existing research often lacks comprehensive analyses that integrate the perspectives of both employers and graduates, alongside actionable recommendations for enhancing instructional standards in specific disciplines within training institutions. This study provides an overview of the employment landscape for graduates specialising in Korean Studies from universities and colleges in Ho Chi Minh city in recent years. Additionally, it incorporates the perspectives of employers who recruit graduates from Korean-related majors and the feedback of alumni who have undergone training in these disciplines, offering insights for improving the quality of education and alignment with labour market needs.
Thi Hanh Dung Nguyen*, Minh Tung To, Trung Hieu Nguyen
The impact of digital transformation on human resource management: Survey evidence in Vietnam
The digital economy is regarded as a long-term developmental orientation for many countries globally. The Fourth Industrial Revolution has introduced significant changes in the design and operation of human resource management. Vietnam is among the countries with substantial potential in accessing, exploiting, and applying digital transformation within human resources. This research aims to evaluate the impact of digital transformation on human resource management. To analyse this impact, the author assessed the relationship between digital transformation and human resource management factors. The proposed research model includes one dependent variable and three independent variables, referencing previous studies: human resource development, talent management, and work performance. The research method combines qualitative approaches through in-depth discussions with experts and quantitative methods based on multivariate regression analysis. Survey data, including 500 employees and managers in the human resources sector in Vietnam, utilised a 5-level Likert scale. The research results indicate a positive impact of digital transformation on human resource management. Furthermore, the impact on work performance is the strongest, followed by talent management, and finally, human resource development. This research is valuable not only in raising organisational awareness about digital transformation but also in providing a deeper understanding for human resource management policymakers on how to approach digital transformation in organisational operations.
Do tourists’ experiences have impacts on behavioural intentions? A case study in Hoi An ancient town, Vietnam
Tourist experiences are gaining increasing attention due to their essential role in shaping visitor satisfaction and contributing to the overall success of tourism destinations. This study aims to explore how multidimension of tourists’experiences influence their behavioural intentions, to develop and to test a framework in Hoi An ancient town, Vietnam which is located in the central coastal province of Quang Nam and recognised as a UNESCO world cultural heritage site. Based on data collected via an online survey, the findings from 361 tourists who visited Hoi An city in the past year reveal that different aspects of tourist experiences - such as emotional, sensory, behavioural, social, and cognitive factors - have a significant impact on behavioural intentions, particularly in terms of word-of-mouth (WOM) and revisit intentions. Additionally, revisit intention is found to be positively influenced by tourists’ WOM intention. The study also offers insights into how enhancing tourists’ experiences can foster positive behavioural outcomes, encouraging their intentions to revisit and promote Hoi An city as a travel destination.
Thi Bich Thuy Nguyen, Tran Bao Tran Nguyen*
The impact of knowledge management on innovation in small and medium enterprises in Vietnam
This article aims to examine the impact of knowledge management processes - acquisition, creation, sharing, storage, and utilisation - on innovation within small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Vietnam. Using a quantitative approach, we collected primary data from SME managers via a structured questionnaire and employed multiple regression analysis to test our hypotheses. The findings indicate that all knowledge management processes positively influence innovation, with knowledge sharing exerting the most significant impact. This highlights the crucial role of facilitating knowledge exchange among employees and external stakeholders in driving creativity and improving business performance. Based on these findings, the study offers practical recommendations for SME managers, emphasising the need to develop structured knowledge-sharing systems, invest in knowledge storage mechanisms, and effectively leverag existing expertise to promote innovation. Furthermore, policymakers are encouraged to create supportive environments that enable SMEs to effectively implement knowledge management strategies. By strengthening these processes, Vietnamese SMEs can enhance their innovation capacity and achieve long-term sustainability in an increasingly competitive market.
Challenges and adaptation strategies for Vietnam’s wood export industry in the face of EU carbon border regulations
Vietnam’s wood export industry, while crucial to the national economy, faces significant challenges from the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). With small and medium enterprises (SMEs) comprising 90% of the sector, the industry must address high carbon emissions, external market dependence, and evolving environmental regulations to maintain competitiveness. This research analyses CBAM’s impact on Vietnam’s wood industry and identifies effective adaptation strategies under new environmental standards. Using an inductive theory-building approach, the study integrates economic theories on carbon pricing and international trade with empirical assessments of production emissions. Findings reveal the sector’s current emissions of 220-280 kg CO2 e per cubic meter, highlighting the urgent need for technological innovation and sustainable practices. The research identifies key adaptation strategies: implementing heat pump kilns that reduce emissions by 45%, developing blockchain-based supply chain traceability, diversifying markets, and strengthening EU partnerships. These measures support the industry’s commitment to reduce emissions by 45% by 2030 compared to 2020 levels. Recommendations focus on three pillars: technology adoption through cooperative frameworks for resource-limited SMEs, market diversification, and enhanced policy support for green transitions. The study contributes to understanding how developing economies’ traditional industries can adapt to evolving global environmental standards while maintaining economic viability. The findings underline the importance of proactive adaptation to international environmental regulations for sustaining economic viability in developing economies. By adopting innovative technologies and diversifying markets, Vietnam’s wood export industry can mitigate the adverse impacts of CBAM, ensuring long-term competitiveness and contributing to global sustainability goals.
Voluntary insurance for rapid growth bank-led digital banking: Seeking the attention of bank management in the Vietnam financial sector
Vietnam, a country where 87% of the population is under 54 years of age, appears to be the leader in the race of financial digitalisation among Southeast Asian countries. However, the psychological risk-factor has been undermining the progression-trends of bank-led e-transactions. As a result, the current growth-trends of e-transactions are slower than expected in Vietnam. Even though Fintech claims it to be a secure-service, people mostly in rural areas feel it to be the opposite. To overcome this dilemma, having voluntary insurance (VI) as a product under Akim’s model in e-banking services can be instrumental. This new and growing value of the product will keep the bank growing. It can ensure risk-free e-banking services. So, the policy proposal adoption can enhance the number of e-banking-users in Vietnam. For assessing an effective price of the VI in the e-banking service market, this study uses welfare analysis for ensuring cost-effective VI products in the operation. Thus, the VI product becomes attractive to the parties involved. Having a third party as an insurance-provider in the e-banking service-market, the welfare cost evolves from inefficient pricing and will be small. Once the VI is in place, it will spread from bankers to e-banking customers. So, its growth trend, the S-curve, will capture revenue and productivity growth against time. In the beginning, the trends will be slow. But at some point, digital banking-users will begin to demand it. This expected progression will ensure a higher number of e-transactions by attracting probable customers. Therefore, the prompt efforts of policymakers can play significant roles, which can ensure a cashless Vietnamese society soon.
A pathway to digitising Vietnamese mango value chains to facilitate international export growth
Recent growth in global demand for fresh mangoes has created an attractive export opportunity for Vietnam’s mango industry. However, accessing international markets requires adherence to stringent quality, safety, and traceability standards. This article highlights three key areas where digital information technology (DIT) can enhance the efficiency of Vietnam’s mango export value chain to meet these requirements. First, DIT can improve communication and the sharing of market information among stakeholders while simultaneously enhancing quality, safety, and traceability standards. Second, digital technology can automate various activities within the value chain, creating opportunities to reduce production costs and improve product uniformity. Finally, it can facilitate the recording and tracking of stakeholders’ activities to ensure compliance with traceability requirements. However, the adoption of digital technology by mango farmers remains limited due to the need for substantial investment capital, a lack of DIT-related skills, and the traditional absence of farm record-keeping for improving management practices. This study found that both financial and non-financial government support programmes are essential for the widespread adoption of digital technology across the mango value chain. These programmes can provide the necessary resources and training to develop a more efficient and competitive mango export value chain.
Examining corporate governance’s influence on financial performance in Vietnamese banks
Various theories and empirical studies have been applied and proposed to establish and explain how corporate governance practices are related to banks’ financial performance. Using agency theory, stewardship theory and resource dependence theory, this study investigates the effect of corporate governance on Vietnam-listed banks’ performance. It tests the influence between bank performance (measured by return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE)) and selected factors of corporate governance mechanisms, such as board size, independent directors, and female board members. ROA and ROE are used as proxies for bank performance. The control variables used in this study include bank size, real GDP, state ownership, and bank holding structure. The study used financial and corporate data from 19 banks, covering a period from 2015 to 2022. The methodologies adopted in this research include descriptive analysis, correlation analysis, and regression analysis. In this study, the findings indicate that female board members have a negative effect on bank performance. The board size is negatively related to bank performance; however, the result is not significant. Independent directors are found to have a positive influence with bank performance.
The influence of discount framing on purchase intention and actual behaviour of e-customers through brand values on Shopee Vietnam
Discounting is one of the most effective types of promotion to attract customers and help businesses improve their brand value, while also increasing their revenues. Due to the rapid growth of e-commerce, revenue from online platforms is increasingly contributing an important part to firms’ business results. Therefore, it is crucial to study factors influencing online customers’ shopping intention and behaviour, in order to help firms increase their online revenue. Only a few researches concentrate on the relation among discount framing (DF), brand reputation (BR), brand image (BI), and none of them has been conducted in Vietnam. Hence, the research team conducted a quantitative study with 251 valid samples from respondents in Hanoi who have been using Shopee, an e-commerce platform commonly used in Vietnam, using the theory of reasoned action (TRA). The results show that DF has an effect on BR, while both BI and BR influence purchase intention (PI), which was also found to affect final actual behaviour (AB) of online clients.
Do Anh Duc, Pham Minh Hang*, To Ngoc Ha, Vu Nguyen Tra Mi, Pham Quoc Viet
Protecting peace and the ecological environment: From the story of the Coconut Religion in Ben Tre
Ben Tre is known as Vietnam’s coconut capital. When discussing Ben Tre, one inevitably refers to coconuts and the unique cultural phenomenon of the “Coconut Religion”. While this religion no longer exists in its original form following 1975, the folk beliefs surrounding coconuts in Ben Tre continue to reflect the cultural legacy of the “Coconut Religion”. One of the enduring values within this heritage is the emphasis on peace and sustainable ecological preservation, a cause championed by the religion’s founder, Mr Nguyen Thanh Nam. This legacy extends beyond Vietnam, resonating with followers and researchers in Japan as well. The Coconut Religion’s principles have transformed into a folk belief system that integrates religious elements and promotes peace and environmental protection globally. This collaborative research seeks to explore lessons on sustainable ecological protection inspired by the post “Coconut Religion” coconut beliefs, which offer valuable insights for environmental policy. These beliefs, which span natural and cultural ecology, contribute to the preservation of intangible cultural heritage and spiritual culture. The findings also hold potential for reviving and enhancing tourism in Ben Tre within the context of globalisation and integration.
Gate eyes - unique features in decoration and belief of Hoi An ancient town XVI-XVII centuries
In the sixteenth century, Hoi An flourished as a Southeast Asian trading port, attracting international ships. To this day, Hoi An retains significant elements of its traditional culture and historic architecture. Among its distinctive architectural features are the gate eyes, which are unique to Hoi An houses and reflect the spiritual and cultural identity of its inhabitants. Unfortunately, there are few existing studies on Hoi An’s gate eyes, and those that do exist lack sufficient detail, making it difficult to engage in further research or discussions. This study aims to address that gap by providing information on the gate eyes and their cultural value. The study employs scientific observation, investigative techniques, and expert interviews. It explores the historical development of gate eyes, categorises their patterns in Hoi An, and situates them within a broader architectural context. The study also investigates why gate eyes are more prevalent in Hoi An than in other regions with Chinese communities. Finally, it discusses the significance of gate eyes to the local people. The preservation and promotion of this architectural feature could be leveraged to enhance Hoi An’s tourism industry.
The veil of secrecy regarding a protected design scope in the light of prior art
The scope of industrial design protection is often determined in close relation to legal information on prior industrial designs recorded in the prosecution estoppel history and in other sources. Determining the scope of industrial design protection based on that “prior art” aims to clarify the nature of the protected design and determine whether a contested design falls into that scope or is infringing the protected design right in resolving conflicts of rights as well as adjudicating infringements of rights over the protected design. This article delved into the theoretical basis for the scope of industrial design protection in the light of prior art and practical international lessons in determining the nature of the protected design. Although it is not clearly stipulated in current legal provisions on industrial designs in Vietnam, the accessible design prior art, particularly, the public design prosecution estoppel history, should be considered as one of the indispensable grounds to determine the scope of design protection. The principles for analysing scope of design protection that should be applied in Vietnam in accordance with the common standard practice are proposed in this article as well.
Investigating climate change-related perceptions that hinder stakeholders’ willingness to protect the ocean
While community and stakeholder support for marine and coastal ecosystem conservation policies is important, there is a shortage of multinational studies examining how perceptions of climate change impact stakeholders’ willingness to protect the ocean. Therefore, this study, employing Mindsponge theory and Bayesian Mindsponge Framework analytics, examines which climate change-related perceptions can hinder the willingness to support marine protection efforts, addressing a gap in existing literature. Our findings reveal that perceived high socio-economic costs for climate change mitigation (i.e., society is doing too much to address climate change and responses to climate change can damage the country’s economy) and high potential of technologies in addressing climate change (i.e., new technologies can solve climate change) can hinder stakeholders’ willingness to support ocean protection actions. Based on these results, we suggest a comprehensive strategy supporting climate change mitigation, marine conservation, and socio-economic growth simultaneously. The study also highlights the danger of exceptionalism, which refers to the risky tendency of relying too heavily on technology to solve environmental challenges, posing a significant risk to both climate change mitigation and marine protection efforts. We propose fostering collaborative partnerships, incorporating indigenous knowledge, and promoting ecocentrism to ensure globally informed, locally relevant, and impactful marine conservation.
Hong-Hue Thi Nguyen, Viet-Phuong La, Minh-Hoang Nguyen, Quan-Hoang Vuong
Viet-Phuong La, Minh-Hoang Nguyen, Quan-Hoang Vuong
Exploring Vietnamese English as a foreign language learners’ interaction in grammar learning via educational games: Benefits and drawbacks
Because there is frequent insufficiently understandable input for the acquisition of second languages, grammar is crucial in the context of English as a foreign language (EFL) education and different teaching strategies should be used for grammar courses in order to suit the demands of the students and to encourage their enthusiasm in learning. Among the alternative teaching methods for grammar lessons, using educational games is reported as being a useful replacement for the typical teaching procedure following guidance and practice from course books. Educational games can foster connection, engagement, and cooperation in language learning. The study participants include 42 non-English major students at Binh Duong University’s - Ca Mau Campus. The study applied a mixed-method research design to investigate the potential benefits and drawbacks of using educational games to teach grammar, as well as how much interaction learners are likely to experience from these resources. Quantitative findings from descriptive statistics of a 10-item questionnaire revealed that the opportunities to interact with a teacher, friends in group collaboration, competition, and discussion are highly evaluated by the participants. Meanwhile, qualitative findings firstly indicated similar learners’ perception of the use of educational games as the means to enhance classroom interaction; however, the main challenge for using educational games is the imbalance in learners’ proficiency level and the lack of teachers’ control. The study’s teaching implications are associated with learning styles, cultural context, and learning preferences as three potential contributors to the extent to which educational games could improve the level of interaction between students and grammar instructions for EFL learners.