This research investigates the integration of intangible cultural heritage from Vietnam’s Thái ethnic minority textiles into the Globalization module of the Global Political Economy (GPE) course curriculum through an academia-industry collaboration model. It demonstrates how incorporating intangible cultural heritage enhances students' understanding of cultural preservation and sustainable livelihoods related to ethnic textiles in a globalized Vietnam. Industry partners from the Thái ethnic minority community collaborate with faculty and undergraduate students, sharing insights through lectures on the challenges their traditional textiles face amid global market pressures. Students engage in hands-on weaving experiences and gain valuable insights into local market dynamics. Utilizing a qualitative ethnographic approach, this research combines in-depth interviews, narrative inquiry, document analysis, observations, and participatory methods. By integrating intangible cultural heritage into the curriculum, the study presents a scalable model that recognizes community knowledge and promotes sustainable partnerships for preserving cultural identities. The findings reveal a shift in students' understanding of cultural heritage, how ethnic communities exercise their agency and their vulnerabilities, the role of digital media, and textiles as sources of sustainable livelihood. Most importantly, the research highlights how globalization shapes cultural heritage and the communities involved. Through this collaboration, students developed creative and implementable solutions, including a documentary, educational comics, website redesign, storytelling and branding strategies through QR codes, an ethnic textile-based designer wear catalogue and TikTok content. These projects reflect the students' understanding of cultural heritage and serve as tools for promoting ethnic textiles and their significance.

Authors:
Anupama Devendrakumar, VinUniversity, Vietnam

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Anupama Devendrakumar is currently a Senior Lecturer of Global Political Economy at the College of Arts and Sciences, VinUniversity, Vietnam.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anupama-devendrakumar-ph-d-521ab997/

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