WHERE IT STARTED

Vietnam, a Southeast Asian country known for its beaches, rivers, Buddhist pagodas and bustling cities. A UNESCO pearl between East and West seeking for digital transformation and capacity building

PROJECT
BACKGROUND.

Among the countries of the Southeastern Asia area, Vietnam presents an unique history and a distinctive cultural, social and economic situation. The country, with almost 100 million inhabitants, is a one-party state with a very young population. Since the introduction of the doi moi (reformation) program in 1986, the country has been slowly transforming into a market economy and has experienced a constant improvement.

The GDP has more than doubled in the last decade. International trade and inflows of foreign direct investment (FDI) – mainly into export-oriented manufacturing – have been the main drivers of growth. Nevertheless, Vietnam has had a very complex history leading to the coexistence of international and local culture between West and East. Several events have marked its development in culture and in the educational system such as the long French occupation, the Vietnam War or the establishment of the communist political system. Higher Music Education reflects these issues.

A strong folkloric component is combined with the study of Western musical tradition, imported during the French, American and German presence in the country. Western musical instruments and symphony orchestras coexist with traditional Vietnamese secular instruments ensembles and HME institutions reflect this approach. The Country’s governance has gradually emphasised the traditional aspect of music as a key factor in the construction of a national identity and communication between social classes and productive sectors, especially through their music.

Music plays a vital role in almost all the different parts of Vietnamese life. It can be found everywhere throughout history, from highly trained professionals in aristocratic courts to farmers in rice paddies to mega pop stars on television. The country, however, remained isolated for a long time adopting self- imposed political barriers with the West and only recently it has entered the globalisation of information and strongly needs new internal and external structural and sustainable relationships. Music education and music itself are at the center of the social fabric and a process capable of reinforcing a transformation is a deeply felt need. A digital transformation that is inclusive, transparent with respect to any form of dissemination and inclusive even in those with low access to education is the main objective of VIETMUS.

ICT INFRASTRUCTURES AND DIGITALISATION

ICT media, contents and services still have a modest economic impact among 19 sectors listed by the General Statistics Office of Vietnam.

HME INSTITUTIONS
STATE OF THE ART

Ethnic minority groups, persons with disabilities, girls and young people living in rural areas still face obstacles in accessing education.

COVID-19 IMPACT ON HME AND CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS

The impact of the pandemic on public health has been limited compared to other countries. The project aims to create a greater resilience capacity in HME.