Hanoi (VNA) – An international conference focusing on the collection, preservation, research, and promotion of Han-Nom documents was held in Hanoi on May 7, as part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of the Institute of Social Sciences Information (ISSI).
The event was jointly organised by the ISSI, the Han-Nom Studies Institute, the Institute of Philosophy under the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, and the Institute of Chinese Literature and Philosophy (Academia Sinica, Taiwan - China). It served as a platform for scholars to share experiences and propose solutions for preserving and promoting the value of Han (Chinese script) -Nom (Vietnamese ideographic script) documents in the modern era.
Speaking at the conference, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Minh Tuan, Vice President of the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, emphasised that Han-Nom manuscripts are a vital part of Vietnam’s written cultural heritage. They record the nation's history, culture, and intellectual achievements. However, many historical and geographical records, and ancient documents have been lost or damaged due to the effects of time and wars. He noted that the Academy has long prioritised the collection, archiving, preservation, and digitisation of Han-Nom materials to support both domestic and international research.
Tuan praised the ISSI’s initiative in fostering collaborative efforts to preserve Han-Nom documents. He stressed the importance of expanding academic exchange networks at both national and international levels, particularly in the context of accelerating digital transformation.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Hung Cuong, ISSI Director, emphasised the value of the Han-Nom collection held at the Social Sciences Library, noting its rare and century-old documents. He called for building an integrated database to improve access and support research in the social sciences and humanities.
International scholars presented key studies at the event. Professor Dr Hang Xing (Hong Kong Polytechnic University, China) introduced Hoang Viet Nhat Thong Du Dia Chi (1806), the Nguyen dynasty’s first official geographic document, which vividly recorded Vietnam’s roadways, customs, and folk culture.
Prof. Dr. Huang Kuan-Min from the Academia Sinica analysed the concept of “thuong ly” in Le Quy Don’s work, highlighting a rationalist and ethical worldview in pre-modern Vietnamese thought.
Hoang Dung, Director of D&L Consulting JSC., proposed digitising Han-Nom archives with metadata and digital rights management tools to protect copyright and ensure secure access, aligned with intellectual property laws.
The conference featured a plenary session and four thematic panels on Confucianism, history, Buddhism, literature, and folk culture in Han-Nom texts. Scholars exchanged insights and proposed solutions to preserve and promote Han-Nom heritage in the current context.
The event reaffirmed the cultural and scholarly value of Han-Nom materials and called for stronger international cooperation, copyright protection, and digital integration to sustain this legacy in the modern era./.
