Brian Jeffrey
Economist Pham Chi Lan states that Professor Tran Van Tho signifies a unique balance between contemporary economic perspectives and a profound Vietnamese heritage. His incisive economic insights are complemented by a rich sense of humanity and cultural reflection.
Professor Tran Van Tho, a distinguished economist respected in both Vietnam and Japan, endured a challenging upbringing in a poverty-stricken village in Quang Nam. Those trying years laid the foundation for his resilience and enduring passion for learning.
He recalls his village as one of the most impoverished areas in the nation during the 1950s and 1960s. Life was difficult with harsh winters, sweltering summers, and widespread adversity. Books were scarce, and obtaining knowledge was even more challenging. Nevertheless, young Tho cultivated an unquenchable thirst for literature.
He consumed everything available—old Chinese novels, tattered textbooks, and magazines his uncle brought home. These early literary experiences offered him a vision of escaping poverty.
His grandfather was the first to see his academic promise. “This child isn’t destined for farming or labor—he’ll thrive through writing and learning,” he declared. This foresight encapsulated the journey Tho would soon embark upon.
In the introductory sections of his new book, *From Memories to the Future*, Tho shares stories of his grandfather’s quiet encouragement. One memorable instance saw his grandfather walking over ten kilometers just to verify a lottery ticket, hoping to win enough to fund Tho’s education. He also gathered funds to enroll Tho in first grade. This unspoken support became the emotional backbone of Tho’s academic success.
One day, as he strolled past the Ministry of Education, Tho spotted a poster announcing a competition for a Japanese government scholarship. He applied, successfully navigated the competitive selection process, and arrived in Tokyo in April 1968, setting the stage for his extensive academic career. The happiest person upon hearing this news was his grandfather, as this opportunity symbolized a lifetime of aspiration. Sadly, his grandfather passed away a year later.
In tribute, Tho used the proceeds from his first book to create a scholarship in his grandfather’s honor—transforming affection into a lasting legacy.
The narrative extends beyond personal anecdotes. Tho’s book paints a broader picture: one of intellectual ambition, steadfastness, and national pride. Songs like “Sunshine in a Poor Hamlet” and “Poor Love” left a deep impact on his understanding of Vietnam’s struggles. From Nhất Linh’s *Break the Chain*, he gleaned a definition of patriotism that endures: “To love one’s country is to love its common people and share in their suffering.”
Pham Chi Lan identifies Tho’s unparalleled resolve—fueled by hardships of war, shaped by the desire to “live through words.” He surmounted numerous challenges to become a professor at a premier Japanese university and served as a consultant to administrations in both Japan and Vietnam.
She commends Tho as an exceptional intellectual who, despite gaining international recognition, has preserved his Vietnamese roots and commitment to his homeland. Even after many years abroad, he persistently inquires: How can Vietnam evolve from poverty to become a thriving, respected nation?
His recent work, *From Memories to the Future*, shifts focus from his prior acclaimed economic writings to encompass broader themes like culture, education, and national development, showcasing him as a scholar rich in both analytical skill and cultural wisdom.
With a solid understanding of history, literature, the arts, and social issues, Tho provides insightful suggestions on Vietnam’s future trajectory—not only economically but also comprehensively.
“Tho leads a simple life, reflects deeply, and communicates thoughtfully. He is not motivated by wealth or fame but embodies the essence of true intellectualism,” remarked Lan. He has significantly contributed to Vietnamese-Japanese relations and dedicated years to researching and advising on Vietnam’s reform initiatives.
According to Lan, his courageous yet prudent proposals are precisely what Vietnam requires now. He does not solely focus on statistics or economic models—he envisions a future where residents enjoy dignity, happiness, and global recognition.
“In him, I see a genuine example of a Vietnamese intellectual who engages globally while remaining rooted in his culture,” Lan observed. “Before we become global citizens, we must first be exemplary Vietnamese citizens.”
Engaging with his writings offers more than mere economics; it teaches invaluable lessons about living with integrity and preserving human dignity in a swiftly evolving world.
In discussions with students, Professor Tho voiced concerns regarding the imbalance of “degree abundance and skill scarcity.” This trend indicates a societal overemphasis on academic qualifications at the expense of vocational training. He highlighted that a nation’s progress requires more than college graduates; it needs skilled technicians, engineers, and artisans to fuel its industries.
He also advocated for the significance of “character education,” merging knowledge, ethics, culture, and social behavior. In an age defined by AI, while information is plentiful, the capacity for critical and ethical thought stems from cultural depth.
Tho endorses STEM education while stressing that authentic human development also necessitates the “A” in STEAM—representing the arts, humanities, and philosophy. Vietnamese youth should not only achieve fluency in foreign languages but also have a strong command of their native language, history, and culture to assert their identity in a globalized universe.
For Tho, personal development commences with small habits—punctuality, cleanliness, and respect—these, he believes, are the seeds of future success.
Through his philosophy of “lifelong learning,” he motivates young individuals to absorb knowledge from life experiences, literature, and interpersonal interactions. “Technology may propel you forward, but without character, you’ll struggle to remain grounded,” he stated.
He asserts that to achieve the ambitious goal of becoming a high-income nation by 2045—the centenary of Vietnam—there’s a need for a phase of “miracle growth,” characterized by consistent double-digit GDP growth for at least 15 years. Otherwise, the risk of falling into the “middle-income trap,” which has impeded many rapidly advancing nations, looms large.
As the population ages and the labor force stagnates, Tho contends that Vietnam must fully embrace a market economy, harness its resources, and reform its institutions. Nonetheless, the crux of progress lies in developing high-quality human capital—not only technically proficient but culturally aware.
“Vietnam cannot stride into the future with the mindset and frameworks of the past,” he underscored.
*From Memories to the Future* is a uniquely intimate and socially contemplative book by Professor Tran Van Tho. He leads readers with a composed and intellectual tone from the echoes of his early life to pressing national challenges.
What has prevented Vietnam from achieving its full potential? What reforms are crucial to avoid the middle-income trap? How can a distinctive and efficient market economy be established? His essays envision an ideal Vietnam: a prosperous, liberated, and dignified nation held in high regard globally—where economic advancement coexists with cultural integrity and social justice.
