The conference was under the framework of the project “Promoting the study of ASEAN and East Asia” funded by ASEAN+3 (ASEAN and Japan, South Korea, China) and mainly implemented by the Thammasat University, Thailand. The goal of the project is to bring the research results on ASEAN and East Asia into the curriculum at universities of ASEAN+3 countries to enhance mutual understanding and strengthen academic cooperation among these countries. The research content was developed through the collaboration among universities and conferences within the project.
The 2nd conference of the project had the participation of member universities of the Community of East Asian Scholars, including ASEAN countries and three Northeast Asian countries namely Japan, China and Korea. Taking place on three days, the conference was planned to discuss and complete the research topic and the content in the textbook used for teaching; sign an MOU to promote the study of ASEAN and East Asia as well as the active faculty and students exchange; discuss on the implementation of the MOU.
The research contents within the project will be summarized in two books. The first one introduces the development of each country in ASEAN+3 on historical, economic, political, and social aspect and these countries’ regional cooperation. The second one studies a number of remarkable issues of East Asia under three main themes: (1) the development issues in the region; (2) human security issues and (3) institutional issues.
The two books will be used as reference materials for research as well as teaching materials for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in the ASEAN +3 countries. These contents are ongoing to complete.
Also during the conference, on 6^th December 2012, the MOU signing ceremony among universities involved in the project was organized in order to promote the study of ASEAN and East Asia as well as major research contents embedding training programs. Representing the VNU University of Economics and Business, Assoc.Prof.Dr. Nguyen Hong Son has signed the MOU along with the President of Thammasat University, Thailand and representatives of other universities of the CEAS.

Assoc.Prof.Dr. Nguyen Hong Son (left) and representatives of Thamasat University and Universitas Katolik Parahyangan (Indonesia) at the MOU signing ceremony

With the content agreed at the conference, the MOU will be implemented in accordance with the following directions:

• The two textbooks used to teach at member universities of ASEAN+3 participating in the project will have been published by 2014.

• Towards the construction of general subjects/curriculum on the integration of ASEAN and ASEAN+3.

• Promoting the faculty and students exchange in the framework, in particular: (i) organize annual conferences on the training on ASEAN and ASEAN+3 to exchange teaching experience; (ii) organizing ASEAN+3 Students Forum at member universities to create opportunities for students to learn, exchange and enjoy practical experience in the ASEAN+3; (iii) promoting the reception of guest lecturers and student exchange; (iv) organizing small scales seminars (bilateral or between a number of project members) related to the theme of ASEAN; (v) building joint training programs between member universities.

In addition, the member universities also agree to seek more appropriate funding to implement the project objectives together with the activities in the framework.
The project implementation and other cooperation activities will establish a network of research and training of ASEAN and East Asia by the central role of ASEAN universities. For the VNU University of Economics and Business, this project will strengthen its comprehensive participation in the network of the universities of East Asia and Southeast in terms of research, training and faculty/students exchange. Furthermore, it is also a platform to help the university develop its research and training activities related to the integration of ASEAN and East Asia.

 Delegates at the conference.