From traditional silat to enchanting Vietnamese ballads, a spectacular afternoon of music, dance and cultural harmony took centre stage at the Brunei – Vietnam Friendship Concert held at the Pro Chancellor Arts Centre, Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) recently.
Co-organised by UBD and the Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in Brunei Darussalam, the concert celebrated the vibrant cultural ties and growing friendship between both nations.
The event highlighted a vibrant array of performances by UBD students and local artists, including traditional silat, gulingtangan music, an energetic Joget Seri Kenangan, and collaborative musical pieces by Vietnamese and Bruneian performers.
The event also aimed to celebrate cultural diversity and community collaboration while enhancing academic collaboration and student exchange opportunities between UBD and institutions in Viet Nam.
As part of the spirit of community, Director of Hai Duong Petroleum and Marine Corporation (HADUCO) Overseas, Vu Viet Toan presented a donation cheque to Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam, received by Pengiran Datin Hajah Noraini.
The concert was one of many collaborative initiatives strengthening Brunei–Vietnam relations. Since the inception of UBD’s Discovery Year Programme in 2011, over 580 students have chosen Vietnam as their destination, engaging in study abroad, internships, and community outreach projects.
High-level visits have also further reinforced bilateral ties. On 11 February 2023, UBD had the honour of hosting the Prime Minister of Viet Nam, His Excellency Pham Minh Chinh, and Madam Le Thi Bich Tran. During their visit, they observed a Vietnamese language class and planted a commemorative tree at the UBD Botanical Research Centre.
His Excellency Nguyen Khac Dinh, Vice President of the National Assembly of Vietnam, also visited UBD in August 2024, donating 38 books on Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation, and engaging with students learning Vietnamese.
The Language Centre at UBD continues to foster cross-cultural understanding by offering Vietnamese language courses to both students and the wider community. Since its launch, the programme has grown steadily, with 50 to 90 participants each semester.
Furthering cultural outreach, the Vietnamese Language and Culture Day was held at UBD Library in October 2024, introducing Vietnamese traditions and language to the university community.
The Brunei–Viet Nam Friendship Concert stands as a vibrant testament to the shared commitment of both nations in nurturing cultural appreciation, academic collaboration, and people-to-people connections.
In attendance as the guest of honour was Vice Chancellor of UBD Dr Hazri Hj Kifle.
The event was also attended by Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to Brunei Darussalam His Excellency Tran Anh Vu, along with his spouse Madam Le Thi Hong Ngoan and senior UBD officials.
Distinguished guests also included ambassadors, government officials, and corporate representatives, including Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Haji Mohd Yusra Haji Mohd Salleh, Director of Hai Duong Petroleum and Marine Corporation (HADUCO) Overseas Vu Viet Toan; and Executive Trustee of Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam Pengiran Datin Hajah Noraini Pengiran Dipa Negara Laila Diraja Pengiran Haji Abd Momin.
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
