On April 22, 2024, Foreign Trade University (FTU) organized the "Bunpimay Festival 2024" to welcome the New Year for Lao students studying at the university. The event took place in a joyful, warm, and loving atmosphere.
The ceremony was attended by Mr. Kham Tan Som Vong, the Cultural Counselor from the Embassy of the Lao People's Democratic Republic in Vietnam. From FTU, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Anh Tuan, President; Dr. Phung Manh Hung, President of the Trade Union and Head of the Project Management Department; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cao Dinh Kien, Director of International Affairs, along with Heads and Deputy Heads of various departments in the university, were present. The event also saw the participation of Lao students, international students currently studying at FTU, and students from several universities in Hanoi who joined in the Bunpimay celebration.
In his speech at the ceremony, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Anh Tuan, on behalf of the university's leadership, extended meaningful New Year greetings to the staff of the Lao Embassy and all Lao students at FTU. He also presented gifts to express the university leaders' care and affection for the Lao students.
Mr. Kham Tan Som Vong also spoke at the event, thanking the university’s Board of Management and various departments, faculties, and institutes for organizing this meaningful event and for their support of the Lao students over the past period.
Bunpimay is one of the most important holidays for the Lao people. It is a time for people to gather with family and friends and wish for a lucky and prosperous new year. Although the Lao students are far from home, the attention and care from the university and the Lao Embassy in Vietnam during the New Year are truly appreciated and warm the hearts of the students.
During the event, Lao students prepared a Traditional Lao Costume Performance to showcase the unique cultural traditions of the Bunpimay festival.
FTU teachers, Vietnamese students, and international students enthusiastically participated in traditional Lao cultural activities such as the wrist-tying ceremony, the thanksgiving ceremony, and the Basalop dance. These traditional rituals are performed to wish everyone luck and happiness in the New Year.
