Cultural Exchange Programme Brings Vietnamese, Malaysians Closer

A performance by Malaysian artists. Photo by VUFO’s representative office in HCM City

The June 14 event celebrated the 50^th anniversary of the Vietnam-Malaysia diplomatic ties (March 30, 1973-2023).

Jointly held by the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union in HCM City, the Malaysian Consulate General, the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO), and the Vietnam-Southeast Asia Friendship Association in HCM City, the program was intended to contribute to enhancing understanding and friendship between citizens of the two countries.

The participants, including young people, enjoyed special performances featuring Vietnamese and Malaysian culture.

Malaysian artists brought to the event traditional dances from the state of Melake, Barong dance - the most popular Balinese dance, which usually takes place during major holidays, and the Zapin dance, which is widely performed in all the states of Malaysia, but mostly in the state of Johor.

The program also featured the Ngajat dance, which originated from the Iban community and has been passed down from generation to generation. The origin of this indigenous Iban dance is not clearly known but it is believed to have been in existence along with the Iban tribe since the 16th Century. The Ngajat dance is believed to have been performed by warriors on their return from battles. This dance is now performed to celebrate the most important harvest festival, Gawai Dayak, to welcome important guests to the longhouses, and so on.

Vietnamese students play traditional musical instrument at the programme. Photo by VUFO’s representative office in HCM City

An Ao Dai (Vietnamese traditional long dress) show. Photo by VUFO’s representative office in HCM City

Students from the FPT University in HCM City also played traditional musical instrument and joined an Ao Dai (Vietnamese traditional long dress) show.

Earlier, the People’s Committee of HCM City held a ceremony on June 13 to celebrate the 50th founding anniversary of Vietnam-Malaysia diplomatic relations.

HCM City attaches great importance to the relationship between Vietnam and Malaysia in general, and the bond between the city and Malaysia in particular, Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Phan Van Mai affirmed, adding that the friendship, cooperation and joint vision have contributed to the common development of the two countries.

In his remarks, Malaysian Ambassador to Vietnam Dato Tan Yang Thai said Malaysia and Vietnam have become important partners in terms of tourism, educational cooperation and people-to-people exchange.

The regular exchange of visits at all levels between the two nations signals stronger bilateral relationship in the future, he said.

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