On the morning of July 11, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNUHCM (USSH, VNUHCM) welcomed a delegation of students from the ASEAN University Network (AUN) to participate in the AUN Summer Program 2025. The program is an academic initiative designed to connect universities through a two-week student exchange, contributing to the promotion of academic exchange among the 10 ASEAN nations.
The program was attended by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Luu Van Quyet, Vice President of the University; Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Khanh, Deputy Head of the Office of Student Affairs; Ms. Hoang Thi Hien Thuong, Deputy Head of the Office of Communication and Event Management; Dr. Hoang Thi Trang, Deputy Head of the Office of External Relations and Research Affairs; Mr. Vu Nguyen Anh, Vice Director of the Center for Information, Library and Museum; Mr. Lai Duy Long, Deputy Secretary of the Youth Union; Ms. Nguyen Cam Tu, Member of the Standing Committee and President of the Student Association; along with a large number of students from AUN member universities.
Speaking at the event, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Luu Van Quyet, Vice President of the University, emphasized: “The AUN Summer Camp 2025, with the theme 'Sustainable and Innovative Solutions by Youth in Climate Change', not only holds deep academic significance but also addresses one of the most urgent global challenges.” He expressed his belief that, through the ASEAN youth network and a series of diverse academic and cultural exchange activities, students will have the opportunity to explore and discuss common regional issues. Based on this, they will propose creative solutions, contributing practically to sustainable development goals and spreading positive values throughout the ASEAN community.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Luu Van Quyet emphasized the role of ASEAN students in proposing innovative solutions for sustainable development - Photo: TUAN VU
Within the framework of the program, students learned about the history and development of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, as well as its outstanding achievements in education, research, and community service through the exhibitions at the University's Traditions Room and Museum. This activity helped international students gain a deeper understanding of the university's educational environment while demonstrating the University's role in spreading knowledge, preserving identity, and promoting regional academic connectivity.
International students visiting the Traditions Room to learn about the history and development journey of the University - Photo: LY NGUYEN
International students being introduced to the artifacts on display at the University Museum - Photo: TUAN VU
Closing the tour, the students enjoyed a cultural exchange art program performed by students from the Faculty of Oriental Studies. Six unique performances representing Asia-Pacific nations contributed to honoring traditional beauty and regional cultural diversity. Each performance served as a vivid expression of identity, spreading the spirit of solidarity, respect for diversity, and connection within the ASEAN student community.
The traditional folk dance Ghoomar, performed by students from the Department of Indian Studies - Photo: LY NGUYEN
Students from the Department of Australian Studies perform the song “We Are Australian,” spreading the spirit of solidarity and multiculturalism - Photo: TUAN VU
The traditional Tari Saman dance, a unique cultural feature of the Gayo people from Aceh province, Indonesia - Photo: LY NGUYEN
A graceful belly dance performance to the melody of “Alf Layla wa Layla” by students from the Department of Arabic Studies - Photo: NGUYEN KHANG
The Songkran dance performed by students from the Department of Thai Studies, vividly recreating the festive spirit and traditional cultural beauty of the "Land of Golden Pagodas" - Photo: LY NGUYEN
The performance "Phuong Xa" (Distances) by students from the Department of Chinese Studies left a lasting impression - Photo: LY NGUYEN
Following the series of exchange activities, international students had the opportunity to explore Vietnamese folk art through a thematic session on To He (traditional rice dough figurines) with Mr. Phan Cao Nguyên, a lecturer from the Faculty of Tourism. Under the guidance of artisans Pham Tien Hien and Pham Thi Trinh, the students were able to experience the craft firsthand by creating their own figurines. This activity offered an intimate and vivid look at the creative spirit and aesthetic refinement embedded in traditional Vietnamese culture.
Mr. Phan Cao Nguyen, a lecturer from the Faculty of Tourism, sharing the origins and significance of To He—a unique Vietnamese folk art - Photo: TUAN VU
Artisan Pham Tien Hien instructing students on how to make rose-shaped To He — Photo: LY NGUYEN
Trying their hand at To He for the first time, international students could not hide their curiosity and excitement — Photo: LY NGUYEN
The AUN Summer Program 2025 at USSH, VNUHCM provides international students with valuable academic and cultural experiences. Through these connecting activities, the program contributes to spreading the spirit of ASEAN solidarity, sparking civic responsibility and youth creativity, and raising awareness about preserving cultural identity within the process of sustainable development. Furthermore, the University continues to affirm its role as a prestigious academic destination, bridging knowledge with the community in the context of globalization.
