Art, ao dai strengthen Vietnam–Malaysia friendship
Jointly organised by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall and the Malaysia–Vietnam Friendship Association (MVFA), the event drew thousands of Malaysian residents along with a large Vietnamese community from Kuala Lumpur, Klang, Penang, and Johor. It was not only a cultural celebration but also a vivid symbol of the growing friendship between the two nations.
"Vietnam–Malaysia Friendship Ao Dai” collection by the Vietnam Ao Dai Heritage Club in Kuala Lumpur leaves a deep impression on viewers (Photo: VNA)
Kuala Lumpur (VNA) ✨– A cultural event titled “Vietnam Art Parade” was held in Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur on August 24 to mark the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day (September 2, 1945 – 2025) and the 68th anniversary of Malaysia’s National Day (August 31, 1957 – 2025).
Jointly organised by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall and the Malaysia–Vietnam Friendship Association (MVFA), the event drew thousands of Malaysian residents along with a large Vietnamese community from Kuala Lumpur, Klang, Penang, and Johor. It was not only a cultural celebration but also a vivid symbol of the growing friendship between the two nations.
A highlight of the event was the ao dai (Vietnamese traditional long dress) show. Particularly impressive was the “Vietnam–Malaysia Friendship Ao Dai” collection by the Vietnam Ao Dai Heritage Club in Malaysia, which incorporated the national flags and flowers of both countries, symbolising solidarity and cultural harmony.
Visitors also had the chance to enjoy authentic Vietnamese coffee at cultural booths, further enriching their experience of Vietnam’s land and people.
Speaking at the event, Kuala Lumpur Mayor Maimunah Mohd Sharif expressed appreciation for the contributions of the Vietnamese community to the city’s cultural life. She was especially impressed by the “friendship ao dai,” saying its harmonious design was a testament to the strong ties between Malaysia and Vietnam. She voiced her belief that the friendship between the two countries, as well as between Kuala Lumpur and Vietnamese cities, will continue to flourish.
The Vietnam Art Parade stood as a clear testament to the sincere friendship between the two peoples. Through cultural exchanges and the presence of Vietnamese participants in traditional attire, the event conveyed a strong message of cooperation and unity. The joint celebration was not only a cultural activity but also an affirmation of the strategic partnership and friendship between Vietnam and Malaysia, as well as their collaboration within the ASEAN framework./.
Holding the ASEAN chairmanship, Malaysia is working to deepen regional integration, strengthen supply chain resilience, foster sustainable and responsible investment, and advance digital innovation.
A total of 23 contingents joined the march, including flag bearers, naval crews, marching bands, reserve forces, naval cadets, and veterans from Malaysia and other ASEAN countries. Local community bands and school groups also participated with music and performances, adding to the festive atmosphere.
The Malaysia – Vietnam Friendship Association (MVFA) opened its first office in Kuala Lumpur on August 14, marking a significant step toward building the Vietnamese community and strengthening the bilateral relations.
Vietnam welcomes some 4-5 million Chinese visitors annually. In the first eight months of this year, Vietnam hosted more than 3.5 million Chinese. Vietnamese travellers, meanwhile, are increasingly drawn to China’s cultural and natural attractions.
On the evening of September 15 (local time), Algerian audiences enjoyed the Vietnamese film “Dao, Pho va Piano” (Peach Blossom, Pho and Piano). Vietnam was invited as the guest of honour at this year’s festival. In addition to the feature film, the country also introduced the documentary “Dien Bien: Land and People” and another featuring the 1954 Dien Bien Phu Victory for competition at the event.
Divided into three chapters with dozens of meticulously staged performances, the programme created a vibrant and emotionally rich atmosphere. The blend of tradition and modernity, powerful voices, and the solemn resonance of the symphony orchestra gave the show its distinctive hallmark.
The photo collection, which features typical landmarks and landscapes as well as the culture and lifestyle of Da Nang people, aims to introduce the image of Vietnam's central city to Korean friends.
Held on September 13-14, ManiFiesta – the annual festival of solidarity organised by the Workers' Party of Belgium – drew tens of thousands of participants from across Belgium and neighbouring countries. Alongside music, debates and cultural exchanges, Vietnam made a strong impression with a booth rich in national identity.
Vietnam’s top female badminton player Nguyen Thuy Linh, ranked 18th in the world, was unable to defend her title after losing 0-2 to Cai Yan Yan of China (world No. 107) in the women’s singles final of Yonex-Sunrise Vietnam Open 2025.
At Nhan Dan’s pavilion, visitors encountered a vivid chronicle of Vietnam’s milestones under the Communist Party of Vietnam and the late President Ho Chi Minh’s leadership, from the struggle for independence and reunification to modern development and global integration. Special publications marking Vietnam’s 80th National Day, coupled with performances by Vietnamese artists, intricate handicrafts, and fragrant dishes, had foreign visitors lining up in droves.
Vietnamese singer Duc Phuc will be among 23 artists from 23 countries participating in Intervision 2025, an international music competition often described as the “Eurovision of Eurasia", in Russia.
The event aims to promote solidarity among ethnic minorities, particularly the Cham people, in southern and south-central Vietnam, following the recent merger of provincial-level administrative units.
The animated feature Buffalo Kids, hitting Vietnamese theatres on September 12, is developed from the record-breaking short Strings (2024), which holds the Guinness World Record for the most awarded short film in history.
The national achievement exhibition, themed “80 Years of Independence – Freedom – Happiness,” is the largest of its kind held in Vietnam so far, bringing together 28 ministries and central agencies, 34 localities, 16 state-owned economic corporations, and 94 leading private enterprises.
Victory Vietnam by Swedish film director Bo Öhlén is a deeply moving and authentic documentary, officially premiered in April 2025 on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification of Vietnam (April 30, 1975 – 2025).
The LION Championship 26 (LC26) will take place at Tay Ho Gymnasium in Hanoi on September 13, with the spotlight on the debut of World WBC Muay Thai Champion Truong Cao Minh Phat, who will square off against Irish fighter Aaron Clarke in the 61kg MMA Striking category.
The archives consist of administrative records, maps, and technical drawings from 1911–1955 left by French coal companies, along with images capturing coal mining, colonial architecture, miners’ lives, and the local community. These materials not only carry historical value but also offer vivid insights into Quang Ninh’s socio-economic landscape before 1955.
Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes are taking centre stage at the third photo exhibition “Vietnam Through the Lens of International Photographers”, which opened in Hue city on September 10.
The Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organisations (HUFO) hosted a screening of the film Mua do (Red Rain) on September 9 for members of the consular corps and Lao and Cambodian students studying in the city, a part of activities marking the 80th anniversary of National Day (September 2, 1945 – 2025),
With this victory, Vietnam finished at the top of Group C with nine points, officially securing a place in the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 Finals, scheduled for January 2026.
On the opening day, Vietnam’s Vu Thi Trang played the first match for the host country, defeating Indonesia’s Aashi Rawat 2-1, marking an encouraging start for the home team.