Vietnam - Indonesia Academic & Cultural Exchange Program: "Bridging Law Across Borders 2024" with Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia

Hosting international delegations for short-term cultural exchange programs is no longer the limit for UEL Department of Cooperation and Development as DCD has taken it to the next level, arranging a premium stay at a top-notch hotel for students from Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia (AJCUI) participating in the Vietnam - Indonesia student exchange program from November 4th to November 9th at UEL.

About the Bridging Law Across Borders 2024 (BLAB) Program:

Bridging Law Across Borders is a five-day academic and cultural exchange program co-organized by the University of Economics and Law, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City and Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia. The program offers Indonesian international law students a unique opportunity to deeply explore Vietnam's dynamic legal system, rich culture, and its emerging economy. Meanwhile, UEL students also benefit from specialized classes taught by Indonesian lecturers from AJCUI.

To create a remarkable program that leaves a lasting impression on our Indonesian friends, DCD aimed to design a meticulously curated program that blends academic learning with cultural and artistic exchange, complemented by hands-on experiences at local enterprises. These seemingly ambitious goals have culminated in the success of BLAB 2024. Let's “hop on” the BLAB journey to follow the exciting experiences of AJCUI students and “hop off” at each destination to find out what DCD has been through!

Day 1 (November 5th, 2024): “Trade and Development” lecture

and cultural visit to the Independence Palace

The first day of BLAB 2024 kicked off with an engaging opening class led by Dr. Dao Gia Phuc, Director of the UEL Institute of International and Comparative Law. Held at UEL Startup and Language Space, the session saw lively debates between UEL and AJCUI students on international trade law.

Following this enriching discussion, the delegation visited the Independence Palace, an iconic symbol of Vietnam's heroic history. Both the palace’s striking architecture and its historical significance deeply impressed the students.

“I was prepared for a long walk exploring the Independence Palace, but I didn’t expect there to be such an entire underground bunker system beneath the complex. The 70-meter tunnel felt like it had no end!” – shared Jasmine Lataan, an AJCUI student, with a touch of humor.

Day 2 (November 5th, 2024): "Legal Analysis and Reasoning" lecture

and night market adventure at Ho Thi Ky food street

In recognizing the essence of critical thinking and problem-solving skills for law students, the UEL Faculty of Law has assigned Mr. Lien Dang Phuoc Hai to deliver an interactive class on “Legal Analysis and Reasoning”, equipping participants with logical approaches to tackle legal challenges and build a strong foundation for their careers.

The class ended with curiosity towards the Vietnamese vibrant street food scene. Consequently, DCD escorted the Indonesian students to Ho Thi Ky Food Street, allowing them to freely explore the bustling night market in central Ho Chi Minh City. As the name suggests, this market opens until 3 AM, offering a diverse array of Asian cuisines. Immersed in the local flavors of countless food stalls, DCD Collaborators had to scramble to guide the international students back for much-needed rest before Day 3’s activities!

BLAB 2024 Day 1 & Day 2 Recap: DCD Fanpage

Day 3 (November 6th, 2024): "Ponzi Scheme under Criminal Law" lecture

and visit to the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in HCMC

The third day’s class focused on Ponzi schemes, a severe form of financial crime across ASEAN community and the world. Delivered by Ms. Pham Loc Ha, UEL lecturer and PhD candidate at the Institute of International and Comparative Law, the session delved into the nature, process, and impact of financial fraud, comparing approaches to addressing this crime in Vietnam and Indonesia.

The day continued with a visit to the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in HCMC. The delegation had the honor of meeting Consul General Agustaviano Sofjan, fondly referred to as “Uncle Sofjan” by the students.

Alongside discussions covered the diplomatic ties, trade policies, and Vietnam’s “bamboo diplomacy,” “Uncle Sofjan” patiently listened to snitches of the “challenges” the Indonesian students faced during their BLAB journey. All jokes aside, this meaningful visit indeed strengthened collaboration and opened up future learning and exchange opportunities between UEL and AJCUI.

BLAB 2024 Day 3 Recap: DCD Fanpage

Day 4 (November 7th, 2024): Experiencing the Water Culture of the Mekong Delta

in the Southwest provinces of Vietnam

After three lecture days at UEL, the program took a turn toward cultural immersion with a full-day trip to the Mekong Delta. This “Journey to the (South)West” brought our delegation to three provinces: Tien Giang, Ben Tre and My Tho. Even though these Jakarta students are Muslims, they were in fact open to learning about Vietnam Buddhism. Making their first steps to Vinh Trang Pagoda, this national cultural heritage site in Tien Giang provided them with a deeper understanding of the harmonious religious landscape in Vietnamese society.

Cruising along the Tien River with four famous river islands: Long (Dragon), Lan (Unicorn), Quy (Turtle), Phung (Phoenix), students enjoyed the unique “Don ca tai tu” folk music of the southern region, harvested longan honey, and learned about the process of making coconut candy in Ben Tre, renowned as the land of coconut trees.

Temporarily escaping the urban hustle and bustle, the “Journey to the (South)West” indeed offered international students a refreshing perspective on Vietnam’s river culture, a contrasting with their island life in Indonesia.

BLAB 2024 Day 4 Recap: DCD Fanpage

Day 5 (November 8th, 2024): Visit to the Vietnam International Arbitration Centre (VIAC)

and program closing

The final destination of BLAB 2024 was a visit to the Vietnam International Arbitration Centre (VIAC), a trusted partner of UEL specializing in commercial disputes resolution through arbitration and mediation. The visit provided AJCUI law students with practical insights into Vietnam’s legal framework in the context of ASEAN integration.

By combining cultural and artistic exchange with academic exploration, the Bridging Law Across Borders 2024 program truly provided AJCUI students a meaningful and memorable journey. Not only has it broadened their understanding of Southeast Asia’s legal systems, but it has also fostered connections within the global academic community.

The success of BLAB 2024 is a testament to the shared goal of fostering a generation of dynamic, innovative, and globally integrated Southeast Asian students - a mission that UEL is proud to champion.