Hoa Sen University Launches the Institute for Southern Urban Heritage STUDIES (HSU–SUHE)
On the morning of July 20, 2026, Hoa Sen University solemnly held the launch ceremony for the Institute for Southern Urban Heritage Studies (HSU–SUHE) at its Nguyen Van Trang main campus. This event marks a significant milestone in the university’s strategy to build a research ecosystem, while reaffirming its commitment to developing academic fields linked to culture, history, sustainable development, and community service.
Attendees included the university’s leadership, heads of various departments, and numerous guests—including experts, researchers, and partners. Notably, the event was honored to welcome cultural researcher Huynh Ngoc Trang and representatives from the General Publishing House of Ho Chi Minh City—partners who have actively collaborated on research, publishing, and the dissemination of cultural and historical values.
During the ceremony, the university announced the decision to establish the Institute for Southern Urban Heritage Studies and the appointment of Dr. Nguyen Duc Hiep as its Director, followed by the official presentation of the appointment decision and a commemorative photo session.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Le Van Ut, Vice President of Hoa Sen University, emphasized that the Institute’s establishment stems from an urgent need amidst the rapid urbanization occurring in the Southern region. Many historical and architectural values, as well as aspects of urban memory, risk being lost without systematic research, documentation, and preservation. The Institute is expected to serve as a hub connecting academic research, education, international cooperation, and community service, thereby helping to leverage heritage values as a vital resource for sustainable urban development. This aligns with the strategic direction and objectives outlined in the proposal for the Institute’s establishment.
Upon assuming the role of Director, Dr. Nguyen Duc Hiep expressed his appreciation for the University’s trust and outlined the future development direction for HSU–SUHE. The Institute will focus on conducting interdisciplinary research on Southern urban heritage; surveying, documenting, and digitizing source materials; promoting scholarly publications and the release of specialized monographs; and organizing seminars, discussions, and academic programs. Additionally, it aims to build a collaborative network with researchers, regulatory bodies, and both domestic and international organizations to disseminate knowledge and make practical contributions to the conservation and promotion of urban heritage.
The presence of researchers, experts, and publishing partners at the ceremony not only demonstrated interest in the development direction of HSU–SUHE but also opened up numerous opportunities for collaboration in research, publishing, and academic communication in the near future. This serves as a vital foundation for the Institute to gradually build an academic community focused on urban heritage, connecting researchers with regulatory bodies, businesses, and local communities.
The establishment of the Institute for Southern Urban Heritage Studies (HSU–SUHE) reaffirms Hoa Sen University’s commitment to developing specialized research units, fostering interdisciplinary research, enhancing the quality of scholarly publications, and strengthening the university’s contribution to cultural, educational, and social development. Guided by a philosophy that prioritizes science as the foundation, the community as the center, and collaboration as the driving force, HSU–SUHE is poised to become a prestigious academic hub for urban heritage research in Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
Source: https://www.hoasen.edu.vn/dai-hoc-hoa-sen-ra-mat-vien-nghien-cuu-di-san-do-thi-nam-bo/
