New Viet Nam Studies Initiative

Summer 2024 is filled with conference attendance and presentations. I also traversed four countries to research on alternative development and healing. This included meetings with institutions and colleagues to build connections and collaborative projects. I will write in greater detail about all the above, but first I'll offer some highlights here. Looking to The Forum Conference in Sài Gòn and the Người Việt Nam ở Nước Ngoài Conference in Hà Nội this August.

Learn about the interesting lives of the Áo Dài Festival designers, like Tommy Le. Meet the designers in person and view their áo dài designs close up. Sign up now on Eventbrite on the QR code below for the May 15th Áo Dài Day Meet the Designers event. Do not forget to come out with your áo dài for photo opportunities.

Bring your family out to the very special 2024 Áo Dài Festival on Saturday May 18th! Free events, shows, and activities start at 1pm to 4pm. Remember to wear your best áo dài for the community parade!

Outdoor Áo Dài Festival (Free event)
San Jose City Hall Plaza | 2:00pm-4:00pm

Embark on an enchanting journey at the Outdoor Opening Ceremony of Áo Dài Festival VI. Experience an exquisite blend of traditional Vietnamese music and witness the runway come alive with the latest creations from world-renowned Áo Dài Designers. The Áo Dài Festival promises a multi-dimensional celebration of Vietnamese art and culture, where every detail is meticulously curated to transport you into a world of beauty, fashion, and music.

Home | Áo Dài Festival Embark on an enchanting journey at the Outdoor Opening Ceremony of Áo Dài Festival VI. Experience an exquisite blend of traditional Vietnamese music and witness the runway come alive with the latest creations from world-renowned Áo Dài Designers. The Áo Dài Festival promises a multi-dimensiona...

This is your opportunity to don your favorite áo dài to celebrate in May 15th Áo Dài Day in styles. Meet the international designers of the Áo Dài Festival 2024. Sign up for your Áo Dài Day: Meet the Designer event on eventbrite for free. See you there.

There's still time for you to reserve your space to listen to and meet amazing international ao dai designers on May 15, the official Ao Dai Day in California.

In celebration of the May 15th California wide Áo Dài Day, the Áo Dài Festival group and the New Viet Nam Studies Initiative are presenting a symposium of four top international Áo Dài designers. Attend this free event for the public to learn the designer’s process in creating the Vietnamese national dress, the Áo Dài. Many of their Áo Dài designs will be present for close viewing.

Register for your free tickets on Eventbrite now.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ao-dai-festiva… See more

Exciting new research on the Viet Nam War and its aftermath.

Vietnam Centric Approaches to Vietnam's Twentieth Century History | Institute of East Asian Studies Conference Announcement To mark the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, April 30, 1975, this conference, sponsored by the Department of History and CSEAS, features scholarship that centers Vietnamese individuals, communities, movements, institutions, and discourses in the history of twen...

More on Viet Nam's economic rise.

Apple announces expanded Investment in Việt Nam Apple will boost its connection with local suppliers, clean water projects and education opportunities.

In celebration of the May 15th California wide Áo Dài Day, the Áo Dài Festival group and the New Viet Nam Studies Initiative are presenting a symposium of four top international Áo Dài designers. Attend this free event for the public to learn the designer’s process in creating the Vietnamese national dress, the Áo Dài. Many of their Áo Dài designs will be present for close viewing.

Register for your free tickets on Eventbrite now.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ao-dai-festival-designers-symposium-2024-tickets-883895002747?aff=oddtdtcreator

Thank you Robin Treen and team at San José Museum of Art and Ao Dai Festival committee for co presenting with the New Viet Nam Studies Initiative for a packed audience to see the screening of "The Tailor" and conversation with Christina Bui moderated by BeBe Khue Jacobs.

Kenneth Nguyen, of The Vietnamese podcast, interviewed Dr. Valverde about the unique cultural connection to the áo dài and the behind the scene discussion of the upcoming Áo Dài Festival May 18, 2024 in San Jose California (USA).

‎The Vietnamese with Kenneth Nguyen: 340 - Kieu-Linh Caroline Valverde - Ao Dai Festival Curator on Apple Podcasts ‎Show The Vietnamese with Kenneth Nguyen, Ep 340 - Kieu-Linh Caroline Valverde - Ao Dai Festival Curator - Apr 3, 2024

Lao Family Community Development has been serving countless newcomers for 44 years. Come to their annual open house to learn about their many social service and development programs.

A proud moment for Vietnamese people everywhere.

Amanda Nguyen set to become first Vietnamese woman to fly into space Nobel Peace Prize nominee Amanda Nguyen put her dreams of becoming an astronaut on hold when she took up the fight for s*xual assault survivors' rights. Now,...

On Friday April 12, 2024, watch the screening of "The Tailor" and meet a real life tailor, Christina Bui, tell her story stemming from a family of multi-generations of ao dai makers!

In partnership with the Ao Dai Festival, San José Museum of Art and the New Viet Nam Studies Initiative, on April 12, 2024, we are screening the amazing film, "Cô Bà Sài Gòn/The Tailor". This FREE event includes an in-person conversation with well-loved local tailor, Christina Bui, of Love me Knots in San Jose. Reserve your tickets now.

The Tailor: The Fabric of Vietnamese Identity Through Áo Dài | San José Museum of Art Join us for a film screening of The Tailor/Cô Ba Sài Gòn (2017), a film about a family of tailors in Vietnam, followed by an in-person conversation with Christina Bui, a Vietnamese American tailor who comes from a long line of tailors originating in Viet Nam and transplanted in the diaspora.

Position Announcement: Associate or Full Professor of Asian/Pacific/American Studies
Department of Critical Race, Gender, and Culture Studies
College of Arts and Sciences
American University

The Department of Critical Race, Gender, and Culture Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences at American University in Washington, DC, invites applications for a tenure-line Associate or Full Professor of Asian/Pacific/American Studies to begin August 1, 2024.
We welcome applicants from a range of disciplinary backgrounds, including the qualitative social sciences, humanities, and the arts, who are committed to directing an interdisciplinary program that brings together work from all these fields. The successful candidate will be appointed as the Director of the Asia, Pacific, and Diaspora Studies program of the Department of Critical Race, Gender, and Cultural Studies. Rank will correspond to experience and stature in the field. Depending on qualifications, the appointee to this position may be recommended for tenure at the time of hiring.
Candidates should have a demonstrated record of excellence in scholarly research, teaching, and service. They should also demonstrate a vision for building an interdisciplinary, transnational program and have relevant leadership experience. Salary is competitive. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Please submit applications via: http://apply.interfolio.com/128636 Include a letter of application, curriculum vita, recent teaching evaluations (when possible), and copies of recent published papers or working papers. We will request letters of recommendation on behalf of finalists. Please contact Professor Eileen Findlay ([email protected]) if you have any questions.
American University is a private institution within easy reach of the many centers of government, business, research, and the arts located within the nation’s capital. For more information about American University, visit www.american.edu.
The Asia, Pacific, and Diaspora Studies Program offers an undergraduate major and minor as well as a graduate certificate. It is part of the Department of Critical Race, Gender, and Culture Studies, which also includes programs in American Studies, African American and African Diaspora Studies, Arab World Studies, Latina/o/x Studies, and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Learn more about the Department of Critical Race, Gender, and Culture Studies at http://www.american.edu/cas/crgc/ and the Asia, Pacific, and Diaspora Studies Program at https://www.american.edu/cas/asian/ .
American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, s*x (including pregnancy), age, s*xual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively “Protected Bases”) in its programs and activities.
American University is a to***co and smoke free campus. To ensure the health and safety of our community, American University requires that all faculty and staff are vaccinated for Covid-19. To learn more about American University's health and safety directives please click here. https://www.american.edu/hr/how-we-work/vaccinations.cfm
Hiring offers for this position are contingent on the successful completion of a background check.

ADA and Workplace Reasonable Accommodations Information regarding ADA accommodations process

We had an amazing line up of speakers for our international Amerasians Now conference. Thank you all participants and those that joined us for our historic gathering. Stay tuned for recordings.

10am-11:45pm Amerasians Now Panel
We had scholars, activists, journalists, organizers, and artists speak on their experiences as Amerasians and allies engaging with Amerasian issues.

Jimmy Miller, Founder Amerasians without Borders
“DNA and the Movement to Bring Amerasians to the US”

Mixed Miyagi, Artist and Song Writer.
"Mixed Race Expression through Music"

Dr. Kieu Linh Caroline Valverde, Co-Founder Tim Lai and Professor at UC Davis
“From Dust to Gold Revisited”

Dr. Sabine Lee, Professor at University of Binghamton
“Amerasians’ Experiences in the United States and Vietnam”

Robert McKelvey, MD, Prof Emeritus and Vet, Oregon Health and Science University
"A Vet's Journey to Understanding the Amerasians Left Behind."

Dana Sachs, Author/Journalist
“The Life We Were Given: Operation Babylift, International Adoption, and the Children of War in Vietnam”

Noon-2pm Hosted Luncheon
Intersections Screening and Q/A with Director Tran Van Kirk
This time will give attendants an opportunity to learn about various organizations working on Amerasian issues as well as connect for future projects.

2:15-4pm Story Telling Workshop with Author Zora Mai Quynh
Every Amerasian is equipped with a dramatic story of their life, and this workshop will teach Amerasians how to preserve their stories.

Do not miss this historic conference on Amerasians. Come to learn issues affecting Vietnamese amerasians including immigration, reconnections, community development and heritage preservation. Register now to save your space.
https://forms.gle/VYX86jCtyKNW2zNH7

The Vietnamese Amerasian event of the year is held in Sacramento this year on July 8th. Get your seat now before it's all gone! Learn about this amazing community. The event is organized by Amerasians without Borders and co-sponsored by Tim Lai and Sea2C.

Exciting events in Sacramento for Asian Heritage Month.

Catch Xang Xừ Líu’s performance following the 10:00 AM screening of Song Lang!

Named after one of the hundreds of melodic musical styles found in Vietnamese folk opera, or “cải lương,” Xang Xừ Líu was established in 2022, and has been performing for festivals and community events throughout the Sacramento region, since then. While originating in southern Vietnam, the art form has since expanded throughout the world–wherever Vietnamese communities can be found.

Get your tickets to see Xang Xừ Líu and other great performers and films at www.SAPFF.org!

2023 Sacramento Asian Pacific Film Festival
May 13-14, 2023
The Sofia, Home of B Street Theatre

Please save the date for the most anticipate showcase of Vietnamese culture in the Bay Area 2023. Áo Dài, Viet Nam's national costume easily represents the heart, history, and culture of Viet Nam through its many eras.

Ao Dai Festival returns post-Covid! This year we focus on themes of overcoming obstacles and challenges to find unity, love, and community. Birds and nature are inspirations for this this year as well. Please mark your calendar for October 7, 2023 at San Jose's Rotunda!

The Vietnamese national dress "ao dai" is the long dress worn with pants, which has become the emblem of not just a costume but the glorious culture, expression, spirit and identity of Vietnam.

Model: Lisa Nguyen
Photograher: Eric Valverde Fotography
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Ao Dai Festival VI
Oct 7, 2023
San Jose City Hall- The Rotunda

The New Viet Nam Studies Initiative is led by youth with the future of Viet Nam and the diaspora in mind. In the spirit of this core mission, we are working in partnership with the Catalyst Foundation to have a conference for the next generation. We have an amazing lineup of speakers in the arts, academia, politics, and more. Please put the event on your calendar and reserve your spot now! Please share this post.
Register TODAY!!
https://bit.ly/NewVietnamConference_Apr2023
Hotel Options (including some discounted rates)
https://bit.ly/NewVietnamConference_2023HotelOptions

Our annual Tết gathering for the UC Davis du học sinh/international stidents was a huge success. The 2023 year of the water cat celebration was organized by NVSI and co-sponsored by the Asian American Studies Department, SAFE, Vietnamese Student Association, and the Vietnam Consulate of San Francisco.

Signs Viet Nam is operating in a post Covid mentality.

Vietnam Airlines carries 60,000 passengers in 1st year of US flights - VnExpress International Vietnam Airlines said it has carried over 60,000 passengers in the one year since its first direct service to the U.S. began.

It is GIVING TUESDAY...

The New Viet Nam Studies Initiative
Viet Nam is a dynamic country and at NVSI, we are right at the pulse of these developments. NVSI is about:
•Student partnered initiative
•Advance innovative programming
•Conduct research and author publications
•Create opportunities for collaborative projects

This Giving Tuesday, help us reach our goal of $2,000 (with a general matching fund so your contribution counts as double)!

Our most pressing project is bringing high quality Vietnamese language to students and all those interested in learning the language.

https://give.ucdavis.edu/Donate/YourGift/VNSIGFT
https://newvietnam.ucdavis.edu/

Remember to register in advance for this webinar:

The diversity of political points of view, over generations and within families, is becoming the norm in Vietnamese American communities.

'It’s in the blood': 3 generations of women and their journeys toward political activism Lacy Lew Nguyen Wright follows in the footsteps of her activist grandmother, Jackie Bong-Wright, and has helped inspire her mother, Annie Wright, to go into politics.

The New Viet Nam Studies Initiative brings together scholars, industry experts, government officials, activists, and artists to lend their knowledge of the many dimensions that comprise contemporary Viet Nam. We are writing because NVSI has organized an East Sea (otherwise known as South China Sea) two part webinar series to discuss the tensions surrounding territorial disputes and challenges to maintaining peace in the Southeast Asian region. The first webinar will be on February 27th, 5PM to 8PM PST (USA). The second webinar will be held on April 24th, 5PM to 8PM PST (USA).

The goal of the webinar series is to spread awareness to the public about this heavily contested water body. In our two webinars, the audience will be informed on the history of this marine region and the reasons why the waterway and territorial island are highly contested. We will also discuss major countries that are involved in the dispute. Special guest speakers that are experts in this area will present their point of views about the East Sea during our webinars. In addition to that, possible solutions to de-escalate and even to resolve these decades old disputes and hostilities around who controls what while maintaining country sovereignty will be discussed in our webinars.