MỤC LỤC:
Within the framework of the FLC Cultural Exchange Program 2025, organized by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) – Johor Bahru, a delegation of eight graduate and undergraduate students from the Department of Urban Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities – Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, made a significant impression through academic exchange activities, multilingual performances, and cultural experiences.
Evaluations from Diplomatic and Business Leaders
Mr. FIRDAUZ OTHMAN, Consul General of Malaysia in Ho Chi Minh City, remarked:
"I am particularly impressed by the enthusiastic participation of Vietnamese students, including the delegation from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities – VNUHCM. Your presence demonstrates the potential and dynamism of the young Vietnamese generation, while also reflecting a commitment to building a cohesive and sustainable ASEAN. Education plays a key role in fostering trust, promoting cooperation, and collectively constructing a shared vision of peace, collaboration, and prosperity."
Mr. Angus Liew Bing Fooi, Chairman of Gamuda Land Vietnam – the main sponsor of the program, emphasized:
"We believe that empowering the next generation is a sustainable investment. Partnering with the Festival of Languages and Cultures 2025 is part of our commitment to advancing education, supporting young talents, and contributing to strengthening the friendship between Vietnam and Malaysia."
Achievements of Urban Studies Students
In addition to academic activities, the "Multilingual Karaoke" and "Reader’s Theatre" programs created opportunities for students to demonstrate foreign language proficiency, creativity, and teamwork skills. Urban Studies students excelled by winning several prominent awards, including:
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Best Vocal Expression (Reader’s Theatre)
Associate Professor Dr. Phan Thị Hồng Xuân and students Trịnh Nguyễn Tâm Phúc, Tô Thị Phương Thảo, Lê Hoàng Anh, Nguyễn Phạm Như Quỳnh received the award for Best Vocal Expression in the storytelling contest of the "Legend of Betel and Areca."
• Best Emotions Expression (Multilingual Karaoke)
Student Lê Hoàng Anh won the Second Prize for Best Emotional Expression with the song "Hello Vietnam" in the Multilingual Karaoke competition.
• Best Teamwork & Coordination (Reader’s Theatre)
Associate Professor Dr. Phan Thị Hồng Xuân, Master Phan Hiếu Nghĩa, and the Urban Studies student team were awarded Best Teamwork & Coordination.
The Vietnamese cultural and culinary booth featuring tea, coconut coffee, vegetarian stir-fried rice noodles, and traditional symbols such as the conical hat and folk paintings like “Bờm and Phú Ông” attracted special attention from international friends. The student team responsible included Trịnh Nguyễn Tâm Phúc, Lê Trần Bình Nguyên, Hoàng Thiên Bảo, Trần Phú Triệu, Tô Thị Phương Thảo, Nguyễn Tuấn Khải, Lê Hoàng Anh, and Nguyễn Phạm Như Quỳnh, who managed shopping, cooking, and beverage preparation.
The Vietnamese student delegation joined representatives from Malaysia, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq at the Vietnamese cultural and culinary booth.
Associate Professor Dr. Phan Thị Hồng Xuân and Master Phan Hiếu Nghĩa, together with Vietnamese and international students, participated at the Vietnamese cultural and culinary booth.
Exploring the Urban Heritage of Malacca
Beyond the main activities in Johor Bahru, the delegation was arranged a day trip to the historic city of Malacca – recognized by UNESCO as a "World Heritage City" since July 2008. Malacca is regarded as a living museum preserving historical vestiges of a region with a unique geographical location adjacent to the straits connecting the South China Sea to the Indian Ocean. Here, members learned about trade history and the multicultural urban structure characterized by a blend of European (Portuguese, Dutch, British) and Chinese architecture alongside bustling commercial services. The Malacca experience broadened students’ perspectives on the interrelationship among urban development, culture, and identity within sustainable planning
Dr. Phan Thanh Định – Vice Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNUHCM, and Associate Professor Dr. Phan Thị Hồng Xuân – Director of the Institute of Social Sciences and Humanities Research, accompanied the delegation alongside students from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.
Associate Professor Dr. Phan Thị Hồng Xuân and Master Phan Hiếu Nghĩa, together with Urban Studies students, explored the urban fabric of Malacca.
They also experienced the cultural life and urban rhythm of the old Malacca town, including visiting a Vietnamese coffee shop within the heritage district.
Experiencing Sustainable Urbanism in Singapore
Concluding the Malaysian program, the delegation continued their journey to Singapore, an island nation renowned for smart and sustainable urban planning. Students experienced the modern MRT transit system and toured iconic green architectural landmarks such as Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, and integrated urban developments. Additionally, the group visited the Regal Rare Xperience, a museum employing technology to enhance displays of Guinness World Record-holding gemstones and other rare, valuable gems.
Associate Professor Dr. Phan Thị Hồng Xuân, Master Phan Hiếu Nghĩa, and Master Võ Phan Mỹ Trà accompanied the Urban Studies students during their visit to the Regal Rare Xperience (Guinness World Record Gemstone Museum) at Paragon Mall.
Message from the Delegation Leader
Associate Professor Dr. Phan Thị Hồng Xuân, Director of the Center for Vietnam and Southeast Asia Studies – Chairwoman of the Vietnam – Southeast Asia Friendship Association in Ho Chi Minh City and delegation leader, shared:
"This trip was not only an opportunity for academic learning and cultural experience but also a journey nurturing the spirit of global citizenship. The students demonstrated resilience, cultural identity, and an innovative mindset—core elements contributing to the building of a cooperative, cohesive, and sustainable ASEAN."
Acknowledgements
The Organizing Committee expresses sincere gratitude to the Consulate General of Malaysia in Ho Chi Minh City, Gamuda Land Vietnam, anchay.tv, Asoẻn Bridal, Victory International Education, and the UTM organizing team for their valuable support. The enthusiastic cooperation of these entities was instrumental in the successful and meaningful realization of the FLC Cultural Exchange Program 2025.
Dr. Phan Thanh Định – Vice Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City; Associate Professor Dr. Phan Thị Hồng Xuân – Director of the Institute of Social Sciences and Humanities Research; and Dr. Nguyễn Đăng Nguyên – Head of the English Literature Department, together with the delegation of Urban Studies students from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, at the UTM Campus in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
Dr. Phan Thanh Định – Vice Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City; Associate Professor Dr. Phan Thị Hồng Xuân – Director of the Institute of Social Sciences and Humanities Research; and Dr. Nguyễn Đăng Nguyên – Head of the English Literature Department, together with Professor Dr. Mohd Shafry bin Mohd Rahim – Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and UTM faculty members, during the signing ceremony of the cooperation agreement between the University of Social Sciences and Humanities and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).
Associate Professor Dr. Phan Thị Hồng Xuân – Director of the Institute of Social Sciences and Humanities Research, together with Professor Dr. Mohd Shafry bin Mohd Rahim – Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).
Dr. Phan Thanh Định – Vice Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City; Associate Professor Dr. Phan Thị Hồng Xuân – Director of the Institute of Social Sciences and Humanities Research; and Dr. Nguyễn Đăng Nguyên – Head of the English Literature Department, together with the delegation of Urban Studies students from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, experiencing cultural activities at Malaysia Heritage Studios.
Associate Professor Dr. Phan Thị Hồng Xuân and Master Phan Hiếu Nghĩa, together with Urban Studies students, exploring the urban landscape of Malacca.
