Announcement of the 2023 ASEAN Cultural Ambassador Competition

DNHN - Cultural activities of the Open University of Ho Chi Minh City and the Vietnam - Southeast Asia Friendship Association include the Southeast Asian Cultural Festival and the Southeast Asian Cultural Ambassador Contest. Bring nations closer to students

This is an activity in preparation for the 56th anniversary of the founding of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (8 August 1967 - 8 August 2023) and the 28th anniversary of Vietnam's accession to ASEAN (28 July). 1995–July 28, 2023) and the year Indonesia was ASEAN's rotating chair with the theme "ASEAN stature: At the heart of growth." Concurrently, the program announced the schedule for the ASEAN Cultural Ambassador competition in 2023 as part of the 11th Southeast Asian Cultural Festival 2023 of the Open University of Ho Chi Minh City and the Vietnam Friendship Association - Southeast Asia.

Representatives of agencies, organizations, diplomatic corps, and Consul Generals of Southeast Asian countries in Ho Chi Minh City, as well as beauties and designers, attended the event.

Ms. Phan Thi Hong Xuan, president of the Vietnam Association of Southeast Asian Nations, delivered the introductory remarks: "On July 28, 2023, it will have been precisely 28 years since Vietnam joined the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar (1997), and Cambodia (1999) all joined ASEAN as official members. Until now, the initial ASEAN Five has become the ASEAN Ten. Comparing the number 10 in East Timor's culture to the number of members in ASEAN, we see the fullness and completion, but this does not mean that ASEAN is unwilling to accept East Timor as a member shortly. ASEAN this or next year. Histories have demonstrated that Southeast Asia is constantly evolving and progressing. Adding 1 will unquestionably revitalise ASEAN if the ASEAN logo no longer features 10 stylized rice branches, but 11... Pandemic Recent Covid-19 has reminded ASEAN of the importance of solidarity, adaptation, and enhanced digital transformation.

Mr. Agustaviano Sofjan, Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Ho Chi Minh City, stated at the event, "ASEAN has played a significant role in shaping our region. Reflecting on the accomplishments, aspirations, and challenges of our organization, we reaffirm our commitment to the principles that bind us as a unified and dynamic community whenever we come together. The countries of Southeast Asia recognized the need to unite and promote regional stability, economic growth, and mutual understanding in response to the immense challenges they faced at the time. The 8 August 1967 marked the beginning of a process that culminated in the establishment of ASEAN. The founding members of ASEAN were united in their desire to promote cooperation, peace, and stability. This shared objective was declared in the Bangkok Declaration."

From 20 August to 24 September 2023, the Vietnam - Southeast Asia Friendship Association and the Open University of Ho Chi Minh City will host the ASEAN Cultural Ambassador Contest 2023. The competition is open to all Ho Chi Minh City students. This competition seeks students with comprehensive knowledge of ASEAN and the ability to perform to promote the culture of ASEAN member countries to a large number of city students. The contestants participated in catwalk contests, community project presentations, and costume, talent, and behavior evaluations.

The Open University of Ho Chi Minh City organizes the eleventh Southeast Asian Cultural Festival annually based on the expansion of the annual Southeast Asian Cultural Festival. The Ho Chi Minh City Open University Delegation and the Faculty of Sociology - Social Work - Southeast Asia are in charge of organizing the 2023 Festival. Co-organizer is Vietnam - Southeast Asia Friendship Association Ho Chi Minh City. The festival is an event that promotes the culture of Southeast Asian nations by providing a venue for students to learn about cultures, interact with one another, and experience the cultural values of nations in the region. In addition, exchange activities with Indonesian, Laotian, and Cambodian students during the festival promote international exchange activities and cultural exchange among students.

From September 10 to September 24, 2023, the Southeast Asian Cultural Festival will feature activities showcasing the cultural costumes of Southeast Asian nations (September 10, 2023), the Cultural Festival Southeast Asia with food stalls, folk games, an Ao Dai performance, and ASEAN cultural exchanges (September 23, 2023) and the Finals of the ASEAN Cultural Ambassador Contest 2023 (September 24).

Dr. Le Nguyen Quoc Khang, vice president of Ho Chi Minh City Open University, also spoke at the ceremony. He said, "Education is the top priority of the ASEAN community and one of the three stated goals in the ASEAN charter. The Ministry of Education and Training of Vietnam is currently serving as the rotating chair of the Education Cooperation for the period 2022-2023. During the tenure of the Ministry of Education and Training, Vietnam has developed themes and five priorities that are suitable for the context of the education sector in other countries responding to the effects of COVID-19. These include: caring for and protecting learners' health; enhancing education on environmental protection and climate change; ensuring equal and quality access to education for learners, especially disadvantaged groups; and promoting comprehensive transformation.

Cultural activities of the Open University of Ho Chi Minh City and the Vietnam - Southeast Asia Friendship Association include the Southeast Asian Cultural Festival and the Southeast Asian Cultural Ambassador Contest. Bring nations closer to students both on and off campus. This demonstrates the beauty of countries and the role of students in comprehending Southeast Asian culture, including not only students majoring in Southeast Asian studies but also those expanding their knowledge in other disciplines. The activity also strengthens the relationship between the school, the Friendship Association, and the Ho Chi Minh City consulates of Southeast Asian nations.

Message and image: Bich Lien