SGRA in English

1. Title: The Growing Vietnamese Economy and Issues for Further Development: A Survey of Vietnamese Firms (based on a paper of the same title, authored by Hitoshi Hirakawa, Nguyen Thi Bich Ha, Shin Kawai)
2. Total Expected Duration: 30 minutes
3. Presenter: Prof. Hitoshi Hirakawa (Nagoya University)
4. Overview of Session Mechanics
1. Presentation: 25 minutes
2. Q&A: 5 minutes
5. Abstract of Presentation Content
The Doi Moi policy is well known even in Japan as the opening up policy of Vietnam, which has been showing remarkable growth. Since the second half of the 1990s, together with the growing interest in China as an investment destination, Vietnam has become the focus as the next investment destination under the “China +1” scheme. Entering this century, Vietnam has attracted further interest, so much so that with the investment boom towards Vietnam, rising labor costs have been reported.
However, it is not only Vietnam that has been continuously growing. East Asia has been achieving growth as a region, through several waves of growth: the NIEs from the second half of the 1960s, followed by the early member nations of ASEAN in the 80s, China in the 90s, and then the late member nations of ASEAN. During this period, the 1997-98 Asian Currency Crisis, and the 2008-9 World Financial Crisis erupted. Nevertheless, the East Asian countries have grown, admirably betraying all pessimistic predictions following the crises. Vietnam has continued to grow amidst this latest big wave.
Would this growth continue? International financial institutions like the World Bank and the Asia Development Bank reports simulations showing that in the not too distant future, East Asia will be creating a dominant part of the world’s wealth and bring about a historical restoration of Asia, should the growth of the past decade continue. However, on the other hand, there is discussion that some major East Asian countries may be losing speed. This is the so-called “Middle Income Trap”. This warning has been raised for China, India, Indonesia, and other countries including Vietnam.
Bearing this in mind, we are currently undertaking survey/research related to the management and reform of human resources of Vietnamese corporation towards overcoming issues in development. In this report, we consider the development possibility of local Vietnamese firms based on our survey, as well as organize our problem awareness leading to this survey. Based on our survey, we also have confirmed the situation that Vietnam’s local firms are supporting economic development. At the same time, we can count on a potential. The issue would be how such potential would manifest itself.
The report has the following outline: I. Features of Vietnam’s Economic Growth; II. Introduction to the “Middle Income Trap” Discussion; III. Consideration of the Present Condition, Issues and Development Potential of Vietnamese Small- and Medium-Scale Enterprises; IV. Conclusions
6. Required Equipment
1. Microphones (2): one for main presenter, and one for the audience
2. Projector and Laptop (1): for PowerPoint slide presentation
3. Table (1)
4. Chair (1)

1. Overview and Significance of Session
Sustainable Architecture
Sustainable Architecture or Green Architecture is an architectural design approach or philosophy that aims to minimize negative impacts on the environment. Green Architecture promotes efficiency or moderation in the use of energy, building materials, and other resources in the design of the built environment. It deals mainly with the following:
o Sustainable Energy Use,
o Resource and Waste Management; and
o Sustainable Building Materials.

Sustainable Building Materials
Conventional building materials are often sourced and utilized based on demand, supply, and international market forces. Wood was a favored building material in the Philippines until the mid-20th century because of its availability and relative affordability. Increased demand of hardwoods as a building material and poor forest management (uncontrolled logging and inadequate reforestation programs) led to shortage and eventual logging ban by the end of the 20th century. Other indigenous materials (e.g. nipa, bamboo, rattan) have also been traditionally used for vernacular architecture but have somehow never evolved or been widely accepted outside of their generally rural use.

Building materials that are considered sustainable include sustainably harvested woods, bamboo (a strong and fast-growing grass with wood-like properties), waste materials such as rice husk/straw that are pressed into panels, rammed earth, and clay. The recycling of materials is also encouraged wherein materials (e.g. old tires, plastics, bottles) are reused for new applications in the construction of a building. Building materials recovered or “reclaimed” from dismantled old buildings is also a widely accepted practice extending the use of woods, stones, etc.

Manufacturing “Home-grown” Building Materials
Manufacturers who subscribe to sustainable technologies also strive to process and manufacture products using as little energy or resources as possible. Building materials today are examined not only in the manner of its fabrication but also in the packaging and delivery of the final product. Hence, it is always preferred that materials are sourced close to the location of the construction. It is advantageous to the country and more beneficial for the environment if building materials are manufactured locally.

The Philippines has a projected 3.6 million housing backlog by 2016. For many Filipino households, owning a house has remained an elusive dream because of the high cost and the inability to pay for it. The housing backlog should be viewed as a challenge to Architects to design more affordable housing and for manufacturers to develop sustainable materials that are less costly. The construction industry and the production of high quality sustainable building materials both have the added value of providing employment and livelihood opportunities for thousands of Filipinos.

2. Outline of Sessions (Part I)
a. Introduction by Arch. Michael V. Tomeldan (UP College of Architecture): Introduction to the Panel Discussion (dialogue), issues, proposed topics, and presenters (20 minutes)
b. Bamboo in Architecture by Arch. Ning Encarnacion: Applications of bamboo in architecture (20 minutes)
c. The Future of Bamboo as a Building Material by Department of Forestry, Department of Science and Technology (TBA): Beyond the Bahay Kubo… Gusaling Kawayan? Propagation of Bamboo and other indigenous building materials (20 minutes)
d. Rice Husks Panel Boards by Arch. Nestor David: Experiences in the manufacturing and utilization of the building material; Challenges in convincing its use (20 minutes)
e. Panel Discussion Discussion of 3 Panelists, (30 minutes)
1st Panel Discussion requires moderator 1, Audience can participate