UBD students decorate traditional Vietnamese and Bruneian motifs during a cultural exchange. — VNA/VNS Photo

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN — The Vietnamese Embassy in Brunei has ramped up cultural diplomacy activities to spread the images of Việt Nam and its people and traditional values in line with the 14th National Party Congress’s guiding principles and the Politburo’s Resolution 80-NQ/TW on cultural development, leaving a strong impression on international friends.

On February 26 and March 3, the embassy partnered with Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) and the Veteran Association of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (VARBAF) to host a series of events introducing Việt Nam's traditional Tết festivities, creating a lively platform for cultural exchange while spreading the Vietnamese language and traditional handicrafts to Bruneian friends and students.

The events vividly evoked the festive spirit of Tết through apricot and peach blossom decorations and classic Tết displays. Guided by the ambassador’s spouse, embassy staff, community representatives, and business members, Bruneian students engaged directly with the elegance and uniqueness of Vietnamese cultural traditions.

A standout feature was the innovative fusion of Brunei’s Batik and indigenous textile designs with Vietnamese cultural and handicraft elements. The resulting creations highlighted artistic synergy and underscored the depth of cultural interaction between the two countries.

Underscoring education’s pivotal role in cultural outreach, Dr. Trần Trọng Nghĩa, a Vietnamese language lecturer at UBD, noted that combining language teaching with cultural immersion has been enthusiastically embraced by Bruneian students and youth. Vietnamese courses at the university go beyond linguistic skills to convey Việt Nam’s cultural identity and values. Hands-on experiences help students develop a richer understanding of Việt Nam and its people, building a strong base for enduring bilateral ties.

VARBAF Secretary General Maj. Hajah Rosnani and association members praised the embassy for forging cultural links, particularly in highlighting shared family traditions, customs and values. The event connected Việt Nam’s Tết with Brunei’s Hari Raya observances in the Muslim community.

Several veterans’ spouses showed keen interest in Việt Nam's traditional betel offering ritual after learning about the symbolic use of betel leaves prepared with lime and tree bark to produce a red colour signifying good fortune, hospitality, and lasting marital commitment in Vietnamese culture.

Rosnani voiced hope for ongoing collaboration with the embassy on more cultural exchanges, particularly handicraft workshops for women from both nations to strengthen bonds and support charitable causes. VARBAF also expressed interest in partnering with the Việt Nam Veterans Association to expand cooperation, including in Halal products.

The activities’ influence was clearest among Brunei’s youth. Nur Dalilah Wee binti Abdullah, a Vietnamese language student at UBD, called studying Vietnamese language and participating in cultural events rewarding experiences that delivered fresh knowledge, inspiration, and a sense of pride in engaging with both nations’ cultures.

Meanwhile, Alya Insyirah binti Adri Syahme, an international relations student at UBD, said the encounters reinforced her ambition to pursue diplomacy and contribute to stronger Việt Nam - Brunei relations. Peach blossom decorations in yellow and red, the dominant colours of both countries’ flags, not only created visual harmony but also symbolised the vibrant cultural dialogue and growing friendship between Việt Nam and Brunei. — VNA/VNS