Prof. David Camroux and Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Minh
Professor David Camroux shared: the book presentation ceremony was dedicated to his father-in-law - Vietnamese doctor Doan Van Thu - whose life was associated with the period 1920-1950, "when the country and people of Vietnam began to take shape". And the story of his life also reflects the transformation of Vietnam in the first decades of the 20th century. That was when a family, a nation had to cope in a context of constant change both locally and internationally.
Dr. Doan Van Thu was born in 1909 and was one of the first Vietnamese to study medicine at the University of Montpellier (France). Immediately after graduating, he returned to Vietnam to practice medicine and got married in 1939, having 8 children. As one of the first Vietnamese doctors to speak French, he refused to join the French army in Cochinchina. He faced the dilemma of many Vietnamese families at that time: protect his family or fight for the country? Not wanting to join an army that killed his compatriots, he chose to go to France.
It was the affection and memories of his Vietnamese father-in-law that prompted Professor David Camroux to donate a collection of books on European studies to the School. Professor David Camroux said: “My father-in-law, while studying Western education and medicine, and then studying a specialty in Eastern medicine, acupuncture, showed that he wanted to harmonize Western and Eastern elements. He would say that in the future, the West must learn from the East and vice versa. He saw the common experience of Europeans in ways that they themselves did not see. From the beginning, he realized that a purely national education was not enough. Therefore, I want to tell my father that he can rest in peace, his European soul has been brought to Vietnam!”
Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Minh (Rector of the University) said: Prof. David Camroux is a long-time friend of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities. About 20 years ago, in the period of 1998-1999, when the EU Delegation to Vietnam initiated the establishment of the European Studies major in Vietnam, Prof. David Camroux began working in Vietnam. As a visiting lecturer at the University, generations of students and trainees have learned a lot from his courses and seminars.
“Today is a special day because after 3 years of teaching for the School, he wants to donate a set of books on European Studies to our school. It is special not only because of the number of 400 books, but also because it will provide a lot of rich and valuable knowledge for the staff and lecturers of the School. And most importantly, we get to witness the affection and warmth of a person who wants to promote European Studies in Vietnam” - Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Minh said.
Mr. Juan Zaratiegui, representative of the EU Delegation to Vietnam
Mr. Juan Zaratiegui, representative of the EU Delegation to Vietnam, expressed his belief that the books donated by Professor Camroux will help increase understanding of European integration in Vietnam. This event is even more meaningful as it takes place at the time of the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Peace Treaty that ended World War I, which then led to the outbreak of World War II and led to the formation of the European Union.
"In today's multipolar and competitive world, I think this book collection and the USSH's interest in European studies can greatly contribute to addressing those challenges from a Vietnamese perspective. The European Mission also pledges to continue supporting USSH to replicate the efforts of Professor Camroux in improving understanding of European integration."
Counselor for Cultural Cooperation and Activities of the French Embassy - Mr. Etienne Roland-Piegue
Counselor for Cultural Cooperation and Activities of the French Embassy - Mr. Etienne Roland-Piegue shared his joy: Cherishing books is also cherishing the past, as Professor Camroux told the story of his father-in-law and his family. But giving books is also a way to look towards the future, helping us steer our boat on the fast current. Some experts have said: in the future there will be no books, no Europe. Here we have historians, with the role of researching the past and preserving memories of the period when we still had books, still had Europe. They preserve not only words but also a vision, a spirit. Historians, books also help us find the way towards the future, to tell the above experts that: in the future we still have books and Europe.
Dr. Andrew Hardy - Director of the French School of the Far East
Dr. Andrew Hardy - Director of the French School of the Far East shared: The process of creating a book is very difficult with many stages from coming up with ideas, writing, editing, proofreading to getting expert opinions... Therefore, the donation of 400 valuable books by French scientists to the University of Social Sciences and Humanities is very valuable, especially when these books have reached the school's library, reaching the most suitable subjects to acquire knowledge, including the teaching staff and students.
Prof. David Camroux is a senior researcher at CERI. He graduated with a BA from the University of Sydney (Australia) and a PhD from the Sorbonne nouvelle (Paris III). He is co-editor of the Southeast Asian Current Affairs Journal and a commentator on Southeast Asian and Pacific issues for French radio, television and newspapers.
Professor David Camroux has been a visiting lecturer at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities for the past three years. He is a scientist close to many staff, lecturers and students of the University. He has taught many courses on EU-ASEAN and EU-Vietnam relations; master's and doctoral courses such as International Relations in Asia-Pacific.
Author:Thanh Ha, Cong Minh
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