Viet Nam’s New DUI Law: Thank You, National Assembly!

Mark A. Ashwill Commentary , , , , ,

Bạn trẻ uống bia tại một bữa tiệc - ẢNH: QUANG ĐỊNH (Photo courtesy of Tuoi Tre News) 1 January 2020 was the dawn of a new era in a society in which excessive drinking is considered to be a sign of masculinity and part of doing business. Before that auspicious day, Viet Nam was … Continue reading Viet Nam’s New DUI Law: Thank You, National Assembly!

Capstone Pleased to Be a Study in the USA Partner

Mark A. Ashwill Announcement , , , , ,

Putting on my managing director's and co-founder's hats, I just wanted to say how much my staff and I enjoy working with the good folks at Study in the USA. I'm a great believer in honor by association and that's exactly what you'll see when you check out the list of Study in the USA … Continue reading Capstone Pleased to Be a Study in the USA Partner

Playing Geopolitical Whack-a-Mole: The Viet Nam Flag Issue Revisited

Mark A. Ashwill Articles, Commentary , , , , , ,

“The past is never dead. It's not even past." (from Requiem for a Nun by William Faulkner) Sadly, the "flag issue" is very much alive at many educational institutions, especially those with nearby Vietnamese immigrant communities. If you're intrigued by the title and/or introduction below, follow this link to read the article. I include advice … Continue reading Playing Geopolitical Whack-a-Mole: The Viet Nam Flag Issue Revisited

The Five Remembrances by the Buddha

Mark A. Ashwill Commentary , , ,

Translated by Thích Nhất Hạnh Thích Nhất Hạnh Worth (re)reading from time to time, including at the end of another Lunar Year. (Follow this link for a PDF version of The Five Remembrances. or click on Thích Nhất Hạnh's photo to the left. As he notes, When you deny the reality of life, you appreciate … Continue reading The Five Remembrances by the Buddha

“Why constructive criticism of the US is not anti-American”

Mark A. Ashwill Articles, Commentary , , , , , , , , ,

Here's my latest University World News essay from 18 January 2020. (NOTE: Editor's title.) The original working title was Nationalism Rears Its Ugly Head in the Tumultuous World of US International Education, which is descriptive but too long. 🙂 If the title or introduction below whets your appetite for more, follow this link Closeup of … Continue reading “Why constructive criticism of the US is not anti-American”

Chinese vs. Lunar New Year: A Mini-Lesson in Cultural Sensitivity

Mark A. Ashwill Commentary , , , , , ,

Image courtesy of Báo giao thông Since it's that time of year again and the Lunar Year of the Rat is right around the corner, I feel compelled to state the obvious. With all due respect to China, it does not have a monopoly on this or any other Lunar New Year. Tết Nguyên Đán … Continue reading Chinese vs. Lunar New Year: A Mini-Lesson in Cultural Sensitivity

HPDF List of Think Tanks and Thinkers

Mark A. Ashwill Announcement, Organization , , , ,

I am honored to be mentioned as a contributor under Sources for Insights: List of Think Tanks and Thinkers for the Ho Chi Minh City Peace & Development Foundation (HPDF), an organization within the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations (HUFO).  HPDF was founded by Madame Tôn Nữ Thị Ninh, President, HCMC Peace and Development Foundation, … Continue reading HPDF List of Think Tanks and Thinkers

Decree 99 Provides Guidance on Higher Education in Vietnam

Mark A. Ashwill Updates , , , ,

The Vietnamese government, i.e., the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET), has become increasingly sophisticated regarding the establishment of foreign campuses in Viet Nam. Reprinted below is an English translation of the text of Decree 99, courtesy of Tilleke & Gibbins, which will take effect next month. Shalom (שלום), MAA  On December 30, 2019, the government … Continue reading Decree 99 Provides Guidance on Higher Education in Vietnam