CKC has officially implemented the ASEAN Data Science Explorers training courses. Over the weekend of May 10th and 11th, 2024, CKC conducted training sessions for more than 180 students from the Hue University of Sciences and School of Hospitality and Tourism – Hue University. During the training, the students had fascinating experiences that included:

The training sessions were accompanied by Ms. Fidia, a representative from the ASEAN Foundation – the Project’s Sponsor.

CKC will continue to offer the ASEAN DSE 2024 training courses through online training for youth aged 15 to 30 who are interested in data science for application development. The courses will be held on May 24th and 25th, 2024. Don’t miss out on this opportunity and activate notifications to stay updated on the ASEAN DSE 2024 online courses from CKC!

CKC would like to express our appreciation to the Board of Principals and lecturers, especially the project’s master trainers, from Hue University of Sciences and School of Hospitality and Tourism – Hue University for their support and facilitation in coordinating the successful training sessions.

(Han Nguyen)

A Focus Group Discussion (FGD) is a qualitative research method and data collection technique in which a selected group of people discusses a given topic or issue in-depth, facilitated by a professional, external moderator*.

Different from the theoretical description, being able to gather and discuss with a group of people in other communities with many different socio-cultural characteristics is a challenging task with countless variables. For the focus group to openly provide valuable information, the researcher must have experience and apply flexible skills to enable these ‘open conversations.’

From 2020 until now, CKC annually conducts an average of 60 group discussions in many localities and with many different groups of participants. From practical experience, to be able to use a keyword in conducting FGD, CKC will choose the keyword ‘flexibility’, including:

1. Flexibility in time

Relying on the community’s working time is always the first principle when organizing group discussions. An influential group discussion is held at a convenient time for participants when they are fully focused and comfortable participating in the discussion process.

2. Flexibility in spaces

The location for group discussion is not the most fully equipped, but the area best suits the circumstances and participants. Sometimes, group discussions are organised in community houses, fields, under trees, in roadside grocery stores,…

 

3. Flexibility in selecting participants

CKC always researches carefully about the community and plans to select focus discussion groups before going to the field. However, each field trip always has variables, so CKC will flexibly adjust the criteria for selecting participants based on their livelihoods, culture, ethnicity, gender, etc. Ensure all groups in the community have the opportunity to voice their opinions.

 

4. Flexibility in connecting participants to encourage their active engagement

 

 

5. Flexibility in languages

Language and dialect are cultural features that are unique to each different community. Therefore, conducting group discussions always requires understanding and respect for the languages and dialects that the community is used to using. CKC always pays attention to the correct use of languages and dialects in focused discussions. If necessary, the discussion will be supported by native interpreters so the community can comfortably share stories in their own language.

 

The honest ‘open’ discussion, from sincerity sharing in comfortable zones, results from flexibility. Hopefully, our sharing will help you approach the Focus Group Discussion on the field site.

In the spring of 2024, CKC had inspiring activities to discover geographys, data science and technology development of ASEAN.

CKC and SOLEN had the first meeting through an online knowledge-sharing session on Southeast Asian Geography facilitated by Philip Thomas – CKC’s Strategic Advisor. This is one of four cooperation activities between CKC and SOLEN in 2024. The session has also launched a series of capacity strengthening activities for CKC’s staff with the desire to contribute to the organisation and the community’s overall sustainable growth.

The second knowledge-sharing series enabled CKC to connect with 11 other organizations from ASEAN countries in unravelling the topics of data science, technology, and data analysis. This activity is organised by the ASEAN Foundation within the ASEAN Data Science Explorers (ASEAN DSE) program 2024. Our spring of 2024 was filled with incredible experiences; there will be even more this summer.