FRIENDSHIP CHAPTER OF THE FACULTY OF ORIENTAL STUDIES ACCOMPANIES VAFA IN SPREADING THE BEAUTY OF WOMEN AND ASEAN FRIENDSHIP

On October 21, 2026, at the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations (HUFO), the "Women, Beauty, and Friendship" program took place in a warm, intimate, and culturally vibrant atmosphere. The program was co-organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations (HUFO), the Vietnam - Southeast Asia Friendship Association of Ho Chi Minh City (VAFA), and the Ho Chi Minh City Women's Union, with the support of TRANSINO Vietnam.

The Friendship Chapter of the Faculty of Oriental Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City, actively accompanies VAFA in cultural exchange activities, community connection, and the promotion of friendship between Vietnam and ASEAN countries.

The highlight of the program was the "Women Around ASEAN" talk show, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Hong Xuan – President of VAFA, Dean of the Faculty of Oriental Studies – and the Consul General of Indonesia in Ho Chi Minh City, with the participation of special guests: the Consul General of the Philippines, the Deputy Consul General of Thailand, the Trade Consul of Malaysia, and People's Artist Kim Xuan.

The conversation opened up multi-dimensional perspectives on the beauty, character, role, and contributions of women in contemporary society. From cultural stories and personal experiences to family and community values, the guests contributed to highlighting the image of ASEAN women who both preserve traditional identities and proactively integrate, innovate, and contribute positively to social development.

The combination of diplomats, researchers, and artists created an intimate and vivid cross-cultural dialogue space, where women's beauty is perceived not only through appearance but also through intellect, personality, self-confidence, compassion, and the ability to connect people.

In addition to the talk show, the "Women's Costumes of Nations" exhibition showcased distinctive cultural colors, helping to introduce the beauty of traditional costumes as a symbol of identity and cultural heritage. Activities related to knowledge sharing on health, beauty, and community connection further enriched the meaning of the program.

With strengths in training and research on the culture, society, and people of Asian countries, especially Southeast Asia, the accompaniment of the Friendship Chapter of the Faculty of Oriental Studies demonstrates the bond between academic activities, cultural exchange, and people-to-people diplomacy. This is also a meaningful practical environment for lecturers, trainees, and students to promote cross-cultural communication skills, broaden understanding, and nurture the spirit of ASEAN citizenship.

Through the program, the Friendship Chapter of the Faculty of Oriental Studies continues to promote its role as a bridge between the university, friendship organizations, diplomatic agencies, and the international community; accompanying VAFA in building humanistic exchange spaces, promoting understanding, respect, and connection between cultures.

"Women, Beauty, and Friendship" is not only an occasion to honor women but also conveys a message about an ASEAN that is diverse in identity, close in affection, and aimed towards the common values of peace, friendship, and sustainable development.