The conference “Communication as Development Catalyst” introduction 

Communication as Development Catalyst aims to provide a platform for academic exchanges among Vietnamese communication scholars on the interaction between communication and development in Vietnam and beyond. Intended to be very broad in its scope, the conference takes the view that any communication research would have some inherent value orientation with regard to development itself, even when it does not directly address a development phenomenon or issue per se. 
 

Thus, we invite scholars, especially early-career researchers, to contribute empirical research or theoretical perspectives on any media and communication issue that has direct or indirect implications for development causes, processes and outcomes. The conference is particularly interested, but is not restricted to, contributions around one umbrella question: 

How can communication formats, products, practices, processes, technologies, principles and policies help to generate the positive social, economic and cultural changes that development aims to produce? 

Contributors are encouraged, but not required, to link their research to an aspect of development. The UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals and Vietnam’s National Action Plan along these SDGs might serve as a general guide. We particularly welcome contributions in the following broad areas of enquiry: 

• Communication for economic growth (inc. hunger eradication, poverty alleviation)
• Communication for social progress (e.g. reduction of social inequality, enhancement of social justice)
• Communication for better health and wellbeing
• Communication for positive behavioural changes
• Communication for relationship and community building
• Communication strategies for SDGs
• Opportunities and challenges from digital media

The topics could be big or small – e.g. a socio-cultural phenomenon on Facebook or TikTok; a new app that could enhance ordinary people’s connection with current affairs; a digital media trend that influences how young people connect with the world around them; a socioeconomic issue that is shaping how professional communicators (e.g. journalists, PR, marketing communicators, spokespersons) produce and convey their messages; an emergent reporting or storytelling practice that can generate active participation in community life; or the impact of present communication practices and processes on individual, societal and environmental wellbeing.

In addition to research exchanges, the conference is intended to be this opportunity to connect Vietnamese communication scholars together for future research and education collaboration. We are particularly interested in creating a platform for early-career scholars to grow and develop beyond this single event. Our ambition is to turn Communication as Development Catalyst into an annual or bi-annual gathering for media and communication in Vietnam and the broader Southeast Asian region from 2026.

Further, to encourage and foster future talents in communication research, the conference will dedicate a half-day for student researchers to present their work. Established scholars are kindly requested to encourage students at their institutions to submit papers for consideration at CDC 2025.