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On August 23 in Hanoi, the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations, in collaboration with the embassies of Southeast Asian countries, organized the Friendship Exchange Program “Colors of ASEAN”. The event was held to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the 58th anniversary of the founding of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and the 30th anniversary of Vietnam’s accession to ASEAN.

Friendship Exchange Program “ASEAN Colors”. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

The program was attended by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ngo Le Van; Vice Chairman of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations Nguyen Ngoc Hung; Chairman of the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations Nguyen Ngoc Ky; along with representatives from ministries, central and Hanoi agencies, representatives of friendship associations, and embassies of ASEAN countries. Representatives from the embassies of Russia, Bangladesh, Mongolia, Algeria, and others were also present.

Nguyen Ngoc Ky, Chairman of the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

In his opening remarks, Nguyen Ngoc Ky, Chairman of the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations, emphasized the historical significance of ASEAN’s founding in 1967 and the bloc’s milestones over more than half a century of development. He affirmed that over the past 58 years, ASEAN has demonstrated efforts and achievements recognized worldwide, a testament to the strategic vision of its leaders. Despite many ups and downs, ASEAN has grown increasingly mature, confident, and strong, united in its goal of building a cohesive community that ensures peace, security, and sustainable development in the region.

Referring to the 30-year journey since Vietnam joined the ASEAN “family,” Nguyen Ngoc Ky noted that this was a momentous event for the Vietnamese nation, opening opportunities for deeper integration with the region and the world. Vietnam has been proactive, positive, and responsible in fulfilling its commitments, while making significant contributions to ASEAN’s overall development, earning high appreciation from the international community.

According to Nguyen Ngoc Ky, with a foreign policy of multilateralization and diversification, Vietnam always regards friendly cooperation and regional connectivity within the ASEAN framework as one of its top priorities. The “ASEAN Colors” program is not only an occasion to recall the bloc’s historical milestones and achievements but also an opportunity for international friends, especially diplomats and officials working in Vietnam, to meet, connect, and strengthen ties with the people of Hanoi - a City for Peace.

Malaysian Ambassador to Vietnam Dato’ Tan Yang Thai, representing the ASEAN Chair for 2025. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Malaysian Ambassador to Vietnam Dato’ Tan Yang Thai, representing the ASEAN Chair for 2025, emphasized: “Tonight’s event is not merely a cultural festival, but a gathering of friends from ASEAN, from Vietnam, and from the international community, united by the spirit of people-to-people diplomacy. The theme ‘ASEAN Colors’ illustrates the region’s identity: diverse yet harmonious, different yet connected. Each country brings its own values of language, heritage, and identity, creating a vibrant picture that reflects ASEAN’s shared destiny.”

The Ambassador quoted a Malaysian proverb: “Bersatu teguh, bercerai roboh” (United we stand, divided we fall), stressing that the strength of the community comes not only from leaders’ decisions but also from the cohesion and trust among peoples. According to him, cultural exchange and people-to-people friendship are the sustainable foundation of ASEAN.

He also referred to the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2045, announced by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at the 46th ASEAN Summit, calling for building a resilient, innovative, and people-centered community. “Through the voices, creativity, and aspirations of its people, ASEAN will continue to prosper for decades to come,” he affirmed.

Vietnamese Ao Dai showcase. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

As part of the program, the audience enjoyed an Ao Dai fashion show featuring the “Heritage Colors” collection by the brand Ao Dai Sac Viet, designed by Hang Nguyen. There were also traditional costume performances from ASEAN countries and unique artistic performances such as the Nia-ry Che Chua dance (Cambodia), Pa-pua dance (Indonesia), and Phet-charat-seng dance (Thailand).

Pa-pua dance performance by officials of the Indonesian Embassy. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Representing the Philippine delegation, Francis Geren Sta Ana (born in 1999), Chairwoman of the Youth Committee of the Philippines-Vietnam Friendship Association, shared that this was her first time participating in the program, bringing two traditional Philippine dances: Uyauy and Ragragsakan. These dances embody the spirit of unity and peace while showcasing the unique cultural identity of the Filipino people.

Francis Geren Sta Ana (center) with officials of the Philippine Embassy in Vietnam performing the Uyauy and Ragragsakan dances. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

The performance costumes were made from T’nalak, a traditional Philippine fabric, which highlighted the value of indigenous culture. The dances also reflected cultural similarities between the Philippines and Vietnam, emphasizing the spirit of friendship within the ASEAN community. Notably, during the performance, the Filipino artists showcased the skill of balancing clay pots on their heads, creating a unique highlight that surprised and delighted the audience.

“We hope the performance brings joy and leaves a lasting impression of Philippine culture in the hearts of Vietnamese and international audiences,” Francis said.

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