Floor van Donselaar and Tim Terpstra are conducting a research project to provide an exploratory overview on the position of music and sound design and media design as part of the creative industries in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.



The research aims to present insights on the opportunities and constraints for the possible development of a new Bachelor program in music and sound Design in HCMC and Hanoi on a short term (1 - 2 years). In a later stage the research document can be used as reference point for the possible development of a bachelor program in Media Design in HCMC and Hanoi on a medium term (2 – 3 years). Eventually, subjects and/or questions will surface that request additional research in order to create a better understanding on the creative industries and music and media education in HCMC and Hanoi.



We approach and interview a selection of companies, organizations, artists and individuals that are active in different sectors/disciplines that have a direct relation with music and sound design and media design. We interview representatives of media, music and applied arts companies and organizations and media and music education in HCMC, Hue and Hanoi. This selection is made with the intention to provide a representative, but most of all exploratory overview of the creative industries of Vietnam, in the context of music and sound design and media design. Next to these interviews we evaluate on our observations, often made during our experiences in the collaborations between Utrecht School of the Arts students from The Netherlands and students from the Cinema Stage schools and Music Academies and Conservatories in HCMC and Hanoi.



During the Research process the focus points have evolved into the following subjects;

• The creative industries in Vietnam and the demand for human resource in applied music and sound design and media design.
• The characteristics and methods of operation of music and media companies and/or individuals in the creative industries of HCMC and Hanoi.
• The quality of music & sound and media productions in Vietnam.
• The presence of cultural heritage in music & sound and media productions in Vietnam.
• The education of music and sound design and media design in Vietnam.
• The presence of practice (relation to the work field) within music and sound design and media design education.
• The differences and similarities between the creative industries - and specifically the music and sound design and media sector - in HCMC and Hanoi.
• The possibilities and restrictions for the music and media industry in HCMC and Hanoi.
• The possibilities and restrictions for starting up a music or media company in Vietnam.