To help learners from Laos and Cambodia understand more about Vietnamese culture and people, thereby easily adapting to life and studying here with peace of mind. On the morning of October 26, 2024, at the People's Committee (People's Committee) of Ward 4, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City, the Festival "Cultural exchange with learners from ASEAN countries in 2024" took place with the participation of 60 Vietnamese and international students. This is the second time the university has coordinated with local organizations to organize this event. 

A vivid journey to understand Vietnamese culture and history. 

At the beginning of the day, the learners listened to heroic stories about the heroic martyrs who fought heroically at the Cau Kieu front, a historical place right in Ward 4, Phu Nhuan district through real-life accounts. filled with pride from the local volunteers.

"I am very impressed by Vietnamese history and very grateful that the university has created opportunities for us to approach and learn in such an interesting way." - Manivong Namthip, learner from Laos excitedly shared.

International learners paid their respects with incense offerings at the memorial plaque of the Cau Kieu Battlefield.

The journey to discover cultural genealogy continues with a very special destination - Van Hanh Monastery. With ancient, quiet architecture, this place is like a vivid picture of Vietnamese Buddhist history and culture. The monastery has long become a destination that attracts not only Vietnamese but also international tourists.

A learner from Laos - Chaisavanh (on the left) check-in with her friend at The Van Hanh Monastery. She said that she was very impressed by the unique architecture here and will definitely recommend it to friends so we can visit this place together again.

Next, Vietnamese and international learners visited the Ho Chi Minh Cultural Space built by the People's Committee of Ward 4, Phu Nhuan District at 750 Nguyen Kiem. Here, attendees are introduced to the life, career and legacy of President Ho Chi Minh - the great leader of Vietnam, along with his cultural values ​​through his words through the vivid stories of the Aunts and Uncles of the Ward Veterans Association.

International learners attentively listened to stories about the life and legacy of Vietnam's great leader, shared by members of the Veterans Association.

The group took a commemorative photo at the Ho Chi Minh Cultural Space.

The event spreads the beauty of traditional culture and explores the unique cuisine of three regions of Vietnam.

Within the framework of the Cultural Exchange Festival is a cultural, artistic and culinary exchange meeting. The event was honored to welcome representatives from Ho Chi Minh City Open University, including Mr. Tran Van Tri, Deputy Head in charge of the Student Affairs and Communication Department, and Mr. Ho Thanh Son, Deputy Head of the Student Affairs and Communication Department, along with 60 students from Laos and Cambodia, and many members of the OU Help to Be Helped Club and the OU Green Plus Club.

Representing the People’s Committee of Ward 1, District 4, were Ms. Tran Do Quyen, Party Secretary, and Mr. Huynh Van Vu, Deputy Party Secretary and Chairman of the Ward People’s Committee, along with representatives of various organizations and a large number of local youth members.

The event opened with diverse and unique musical performances including dancing, singing and modern dancing from international students and union members and youth of Ward 4 People's Committee, creating a vibrant and culturally rich atmosphere. traditional.

The event began with lively and diverse cultural performances, including dancing, singing, and modern dancing by Vietnamese and international learners and local youth from Ward 4’s People’s Committee. These acts created a vibrant atmosphere, rich in traditional cultural essence.

The performance was represented by Vietnamese and international learners.

The scene of the ceremony.

In his opening speech, Mr. Tran Tuan Khoi, Party member and Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front in Ward 4, emphasized the importance of cultural connection and promotion in today’s globalized world. He highlighted that these efforts not only help preserve traditional values but also create opportunities for students from different countries to engage and learn from each other, which is the main purpose of the Cultural Exchange Festival.

Phimmasak Yaovapha, a learner from Laos currently studying Biotechnology major at Ho Chi Minh City Open University, shared her appreciation for the university’s support in providing extracurricular activities that help students grow and develop skills. She highlighted that the ASEAN Cultural and Art Exchange event not only allowed students to interact but also gave each country a chance to showcase their love for Vietnam and share their cultural and historical values. 

Learner from Laos - Phimmasak Yaovapha shared her feelings

A highlight of the event was the food exchange featuring traditional dishes from Northern, Central, and Southern Vietnam, prepared by members of the Women’s Association and the local People’s Committee. International students, including Monty Phommachit from Laos, expressed their enjoyment of the diverse flavors, especially the fried banana cake, and were excited to receive handmade bracelets. Monty hoped to participate in similar events again.

Within the framework of the event, the most prominent is the culinary exchange activity of the three regions of North - Central - South with traditional dishes prepared by the hands of the Aunts and Uncles in the Women's Union, People's Committee of Ward 4, Phu Nhuan District, creating a unique culinary space for international learners to experience. Student Monty Phommachit from Laos shared: "I found today's culinary exchange very interesting. Enjoying many delicious dishes, especially fried banana bread and also receiving very cute bracelets, I Hope to have the opportunity to attend events like this again."

The three regions dishes.

The international learners experience on Ao Dai.

The attendees take photos together.

Implement community service activities, contributing to promoting the learning spirit for union members and Ward youth. Besides encouraging the learning spirit of our country's students, Ho Chi Minh City Open University. Ho Chi Minh also focuses on community work for domestic learners. The university awarded 30 gifts to Youth Union members of the Ward 4 People's Committee Ward 4 has difficult circumstances to support and encourage.

The university presented 30 gift packages to students facing financial difficulties, as part of the event, demonstrating support for those in need.

To promote reading culture, Ho Chi Minh City Open University donated a community bookshelf with 250 books, covering a variety of genres from children's stories to self-help and cultural works, including those related to Ho Chi Minh culture. This donation aims to serve different age groups in the local community.

Mr. Ho Thanh Son, Deputy Head of the Student Affairs and Communication Department, presented the "Community Bookshelf" at the residential area in Ward 4, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City. This donation aims to foster a reading culture and provide a variety of books to the local community.

The students enthusiastically discussed their favorite books.

The ASEAN 2024 Cultural Exchange Festival successfully concluded, leaving a lasting impression on both local and international students. The event fostered meaningful connections and cultural appreciation, creating unforgettable memories for all participants.

Content: Nhat Khanh

Translator: Kim Chi

Photo: Minh Khanh