Vietnam–Taiwan cultural exchange in Ho Chi Minh City combines culture, charity

The event, titled 'Vietnam Cultural Experience Festival,' was jointly organized by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Ho Chi Minh City and the Ao Dai Museum, showcasing the history and development of the 'ao dai,' Vietnam's traditional long gown.

The program, which combined cultural exchange and humanitarian activities, also marked Mother's Day in May while aiming to raise support for the Ho Chi Minh City Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin.

It brought together Han Kuo Yao, director general of TECO; Huynh Ngoc Van, director of the museum; and Nguyen Hong Son, chairman of the association; along with representatives of the Taiwanese business community.

Speaking at the event, Han said the program had a dual purpose of promoting cultural preservation and social responsibility.

He added that Vietnam and Taiwan share a strong appreciation for traditional culture and aesthetics, saying that such exchange activities create more opportunities for people on both sides to understand each other better, thereby helping to further foster increasingly closer bilateral friendship.

The guests toured the museum and learned about the historical evolution of the traditional 'ao dai' through exhibits highlighting its cultural significance in Vietnamese society.

Students from the Ho Chi Minh City University of Culture presented an 'ao dai' fashion show featuring designs inspired by different historical periods, blending traditional aesthetics with contemporary styles.

The program also featured a charity presentation in support of Agent Orange victims in Ho Chi Minh City.

On behalf of the Taiwanese community, TECO provided financial assistance to the association.

A representative of the Taiwan Business Association in Ho Chi Minh City donated VND10 million (US$380) to support the initiative.

The event was wrapped up with a reception featuring traditional Vietnamese rural cuisine, followed by time for the guests to freely explore the museum grounds.