Vientiane: The Vietnamese embassies in Singapore and Brunei, alongside the Nguyen Du Lao-Vietnamese bilingual language school in Vientiane, Laos, have organized a series of activities for Vietnamese nationals to celebrate the traditional Lunar New Year, known as the Tet festival. This cultural celebration aims to strengthen community bonds and preserve Vietnamese traditions among overseas Vietnamese.
According to Lao News Agency, the celebration in Singapore was attended by approximately 400 overseas Vietnamese, guests, and officials from Vietnamese representative agencies and their families. Vietnamese Ambassador Tran Phuoc Anh highlighted the diversity and dynamism of the Vietnamese community in Singapore, emphasizing their contributions to solidarity and the affirmation of Vietnamese cultural identity. Certificates of merit were awarded to 24 individuals and groups for their positive contributions to community activities in 2024.
In Vientiane, the Nguyen Du Lao-Vietnamese bilingual language school organized an event on January 20 for teachers, students, and parents to make ‘banh chung’-a traditional Vietnamese dish. Principal Nguyen Thi Thanh Huong noted that this event, now in its third year, helps students connect with their roots and promote Vietnamese culture among their Lao peers. The activity also strengthens ties between generations and communities.
Earlier, on January 19, the Vietnamese Embassy in Brunei hosted a homeland spring program for Vietnamese nationals and multicultural Vietnamese-Brunei families. Ambassador Tran Anh Vu praised Vietnam’s socio-economic achievements and the strong partnership between Vietnam and Brunei. He highlighted the significant bilateral trade, which reached over 600 million USD in the first 11 months of 2024, surpassing the target set for 2025. The ambassador commended the Vietnamese community in Brunei for their solidarity and support, hoping for continued collaboration in strengthening Vietnam-Brunei relations.
Participants in these events enjoyed New Year songs, contests on the Vietnamese language, and traditional Tet customs, along with Vietnamese dishes. These celebrations provided an opportunity for the Vietnamese diaspora to connect with their heritage and each other, fostering a sense of community and cultural pride.