On the occasion of the traditional Tet of the Lao People's Democratic Republic and the Kingdom of Cambodia, on April 16, 2024, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education (HCMUTE) organized a cultural exchange program celebrating the Bunpimay and Chol Chnam Thmay Tet for Laotian and Cambodian exchange students studying at the university.

To share the homesickness and longing for family and loved ones with these exchange students who are far from home during traditional Tet, the university annually organizes exchange programs and traditional Tet celebrations for them in a warm and intimate atmosphere, contributing to strengthening the friendship between Vietnam and the two countries.

The 2024 Bunpimay and Chol Chnam Thmay Tet exchange program

Attending the program were representatives from the Admissions and Student Affairs Office, Dormitory Management Board, Communications Office, Youth Union - Student Union, along with leaders of departments hosting Laotian and Cambodian exchange students.

On this occasion, on behalf of the faculty and staff, Mr. Le Quang Binh - Deputy Head of the Admissions and Student Affairs Office, extended New Year greetings to the Laotian and Cambodian exchange students studying at the university, while also expressing the hope that they will concentrate on their studies and achieve great success to contribute to the prosperity of their homelands in the future. The Admissions and Student Affairs Office representative also stated that the university and faculty are always ready to provide advice and support whenever needed.

Mr. Le Quang Binh extending Tet greetings to Laotian and Cambodian exchange students

During the program, faculty and students experienced traditional Tet customs of Laos and Cambodia through the ritual of tying wrists and pouring water to celebrate the New Year, wishing for peace and prosperity. This was also an opportunity for exchange students and university students to share cultural experiences, experiencing the joy of Tet as if they were in their own homelands.

Exchange students tying wrists for faculty

University representatives also handed out lucky money envelopes to the exchange students as a gesture of good wishes, luck, and peace for the new year.
 

University representatives giving lucky money envelopes to exchange students

Speaking on behalf of the Laotian and Cambodian exchange students, Phansena Thavisouk - a Construction Engineering exchange student, expressed gratitude to the university leadership for their care and support during their time living and studying in Vietnam. "Although far from home and unable to celebrate traditional Tet with family and loved ones, we are very happy to receive attention and support from the university. We thank the university for creating conditions for us - the exchange students, to experience the warmth of our homeland's Tet." - Phansena Thavisouk shared.

Faculty and exchange students performing Lamvong dance

Comrade Pham Ngoc Quy - President of the HCMUTE Student Union, shared: "Today's program truly holds special significance, creating a 'bridge' between Laotian and Cambodian students so they do not feel lost while studying in Vietnam. Moreover, the gathering also brings the traditional Tet atmosphere of their homeland to create a warmer and more familiar space for the exchange students."

At the end of the program, faculty and exchange students discussed and shared difficulties encountered during their living and studying at the university, receiving advice and assistance from faculty on how to improve.

Bunpimay and Chol Chnam Thmay Tet is a New Year celebration, a national holiday that the people of Laos and Cambodia have been celebrating for centuries. This year's traditional Tet lasts for 04 days, on April 13, 14, 15, and 16. This is the time when people have leisure time after harvesting rice and other agricultural crops. The rituals performed during this Tet aim to wish every member of the family and the country peace, luck, and prosperity throughout the year.

For Laotian and Cambodian exchange students, this program is not only a precious opportunity to maintain and develop the customs, traditions, and traditional arts of their ethnic groups but also an opportunity for students to share good wishes, luck, peace, and happiness with each other during their time at HCMUTE.