In commemoration of the 72nd Anniversary of Cambodia’s Independence Day (November 9, 1953 – November 9, 2025), Ho Chi Minh City Open University organized a series of activities aimed at strengthening the Vietnam-Cambodia friendship. Key events included a visit to the Consulate General of Cambodia in Ho Chi Minh City and a cultural exchange as part of the “Cultural Journey” Program. This initiative provides international students with opportunities to celebrate national holidays, visit museums, and explore cultural history, thereby fostering exchange and deeper connections between students from both countries.
Visit and Congratulations at the Consulate General of Cambodia
On November 7, 2025, a delegation from Ho Chi Minh City Open University, led by Dr. Senior lecturer Le Xuan Truong, Vice President, visited the Consulate General of Cambodia in Ho Chi Minh City to extend congratulations.
In a solemn and cordial atmosphere, both parties engaged in in-depth discussions regarding the training of Cambodian students at the University and reached a consensus on long-term cooperation in education, scientific research, and cultural exchange. The meeting reaffirmed the spirit of friendly cooperation, mutual respect, and the strong bond between the two nations, contributing to the cultivation of a sustainable cooperative relationship.
The Consul General of Cambodia, Mr. Chan Sorykan, expressed his deep appreciation: “I am very grateful for the warm welcome and the efforts of Ho Chi Minh City Open University in accompanying and supporting Cambodian students studying in Vietnam. I believe that with this spirit of sincere cooperation, the friendship between our two countries will become increasingly close and develop more sustainably.”
Cultivating Friendship through Cultural Experiences
Following the series of activities celebrating the 72nd Anniversary of the Independence Day of the Kingdom of Cambodia, the OU Help to be Helped (H2BH) Club organised a meaningful cultural exchange at Ho Chi Minh City Open University. The program aimed to affirm and honor the traditional friendship between Vietnam and Cambodia, while creating a space for students of the two countries to meet, share, and understand more about each other’s cultural identity. The highlight of the program was the friendship bracelet-making activity. Here, groups of students meticulously worked together, conveying messages of connection, cooperation, and well-wishes through each handmade product, creating meaningful keepsakes that preserve deep cultural exchange values.
The bracelet-making activity took place with the enthusiastic participation of student groups. Every meticulous and careful step in braiding the threads became a meaningful moment of cultural intersection. Laughter and intimate conversations turned these bracelets into vivid proofs of friendship and warm sharing. Each carefully crafted bracelet carries the meaning of connection, good luck, and lasting friendship, while becoming a spiritual and cultural symbol of the program.
Program Conclusion
As the program closed, many Cambodian students expressed joy and emotion at participating in activities on this meaningful holiday. One student shared: “I feel very warm being welcomed by everyone and celebrating Cambodia’s Independence Day together at OU. This is an experience that makes me proud and makes me want to spread my country’s culture to Vietnamese friends even more.”
Through the above activities, Ho Chi Minh City Open University commits to continuing to implement meaningful, practical, and solemn international exchange activities, becoming a solid bridge cultivating friendship and educational cooperation between generations of students, contributing to the strong development of the Vietnam-Cambodia relationship in the future.