LECTURERS AND STUDENTS OF THE FACULTY OF ORIENTAL STUDIES PARTICIPATE IN ASEAN FRIENDSHIP EXCHANGE ACTIVITIES

On September 22, 2026, lecturers and students of the Faculty of Oriental Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City participated in a series of ASEAN friendship and cultural exchange activities in Ho Chi Minh City.

In the morning, lecturers and students of the Faculty attended the 69th National Day of Malaysia (August 31, 1957 – August 31, 2026) and Malaysia Day (September 16) celebration. The event was attended by representatives of foreign affairs agencies, friendship organizations, the Consulate General of Malaysia in Ho Chi Minh City, along with numerous delegates and guests.

Through this activity, students had the opportunity to learn about the practical aspects of Vietnam – Malaysia relations, people-to-people diplomacy, and cultural exchange within ASEAN; thereby connecting specialized knowledge with the real-world environment, and enhancing their understanding of the country, the people of Malaysia, and the cooperative relations between countries in the region.

On the same afternoon, the Vietnam – Southeast Asia Friendship Association of Ho Chi Minh City, in coordination with An Nhon Tra, organized the Mid-Autumn cultural exchange program “Friendship Moon – Colors of Southeast Asian Flowers 2026”, with the message “One moon – A thousand flowers – Sharing one friendship”.

In a space filled with cultural colors, delegates enjoyed Vietnamese tea, mooncakes, and experienced decorating lanterns with the national flowers of Southeast Asian countries. These traditional lanterns – a familiar symbol of the Mid-Autumn Festival – were connected with the floral colors of the nations, conveying a message of cultural diversity, friendship, and the spirit of sharing one ASEAN home.

The program also introduced Vietnamese tea culture, calligraphy art, and creative cultural products, including the Glass Chess of Asia. Lecturers and students of the Faculty of Oriental Studies participated in and supported the exchange activities, contributing to creating an intimate meeting space between delegates, international friends, and the community.

Participating in a series of activities on the same day provided students of the Faculty of Oriental Studies with vivid practical experiences in cultural diplomacy and people-to-people diplomacy. From an event celebrating the National Day of an ASEAN member state to a friendly Mid-Autumn space, culture became a bridge to enhance understanding, respect diversity, and cultivate friendship between the people of Vietnam and countries in the region.

This is also one of the orientations of the Faculty of Oriental Studies in linking training and research with practical experience, international exchange, and community service, contributing to fostering students' integration capabilities and a sense of responsibility in building a cohesive, identity-rich ASEAN Community.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Hong Xuan