The Language Centre of Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), in collaboration with the Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, proudly launched the Vietnamese Language and Culture Day.
The event was inaugurated by the Vice Chancellor of UBD, Dr Hazri bin Haji Kifle, and graced by the presence of His Excellency Tran Anh Vu, Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to Brunei Darussalam.
In a symbolic gesture of friendship and cultural exchange, His Excellency Tran Anh Vu presented Dr Hazri with a token of appreciation during the opening ceremony.
The celebration featured a variety of engaging activities, including a tour of cultural booths that showcased the vibrant traditions of Vietnam. UBD students also demonstrated traditional Bruneian board games, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and exchange between the two cultures. Visitors were treated to a display of traditional Vietnamese dishes such as Xôi gấc (red sticky rice) and spring rolls, alongside Bruneian favorites like chicken curry.
The main aim of the event was to further introduce Vietnamese language and culture to the UBD community and facilitate a meaningful cultural exchange between Vietnam and Brunei Darussalam. The Language Centre, which has been offering Vietnamese language courses since January 2022, highlighted its growing popularity within the university. Starting with an initial cohort of 12 students, the programme has steadily grown, with 58 students currently enrolled across different proficiency levels this semester, and overall participation ranging from 50 to 90 students each semester.
The Vietnamese Language and Culture Day marked yet another milestone in UBD’s commitment to promoting linguistic and cultural diversity, strengthening ties between Brunei Darussalam and Vietnam through education and cultural understanding.