“A Journey of Connection: From the Vietnamese Lotus to the Canadian Maple Leaf” – A Cultural Tribute to Unity and Partnership
On the evening of April 21, 2025, a special event titled “A Journey of Connection: From the Vietnamese Lotus to the Canadian Maple Leaf” was held in Hanoi to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Vietnam’s reunification (1975–2025). The event was jointly organized by the Organization for Resource Connection in Culture and Education Development (ORCCED) under the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese, in collaboration with the Canada Vietnam Cultural and Educational Council (CVCEC), the Vietnamese Academy of Etiquette and Style (PAVI), and AICI Vietnam.
In his keynote speech, Ambassador Nguyen Phu Binh, former Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and Chairman of the Association for Liaison with Overseas Vietnamese, emphasized:
"Initiatives like today’s event are a testament to the strong bonds between the global Vietnamese community and our homeland. Strengthening cultural exchanges—especially with a multicultural and humanistic country like Canada—not only helps to promote Vietnam’s image globally but also opens new doors for cooperation in education, training, and human resource development.”
During the event, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between CVCEC and various councils and organizations in the cultural and educational fields. A major project announced as part of this partnership is the Vietnamese Cultural Exhibition at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), planned for late 2025. This will be the first large-scale Vietnamese cultural showcase at one of Canada’s most prestigious museums.
Ms. Phan Thi Quynh Trang, Founder of CVCEC, shared her vision:
"When the Vietnamese lotus—a symbol of elegance, wisdom, and identity—meets the Canadian maple leaf—a symbol of harmony, diversity, and openness—we begin a journey of human connection. Culture and education serve as enduring bridges, linking communities, generations, and nations."
The event created a warm and meaningful space for dialogue, bringing together cultural and educational professionals, individuals with ties to Canada, and those passionate about building strong Vietnam–Canada relationships. It opened new pathways for future cooperation in education, talent development, and global citizenship initiatives.
A Heartfelt Cultural Performance at Oxford College of Canada – A Tribute from Vietnamese Youth Abroad
Meanwhile, in Toronto, Canada, a moving cultural exchange event was held at Oxford College of Canada, organized in collaboration with YES FEED, a vibrant Vietnamese student group. The event was part of the global celebrations commemorating the 50th anniversary of Vietnam’s reunification.
The program featured traditional ao dai showcases, musical performances, and heartfelt tributes from Vietnamese students studying in Canada. These performances not only celebrated Vietnamese identity but also served as a platform for young students to express gratitude and pride in their heritage.
Nguyen Minh An, a Grade 11 student from Hanoi currently studying in Toronto, shared:
"Participating in today’s event makes me incredibly proud to be Vietnamese. Even though we are far from home, we carry a deep sense of gratitude toward previous generations whose sacrifices made our peaceful lives and studies possible. This performance is our humble way of saying thank you.”
The school’s leadership praised the students for their creativity, confidence, and dedication to cultural exchange, reaffirming the school’s continued support for Vietnamese learners in their educational journeys in Canada.
Looking Ahead – From Gratitude to Global Action
These two events—one in Hanoi, the other in Toronto—beautifully illustrated the spirit of gratitude, national pride, and global engagement that defines the new generation of Vietnamese youth. CVCEC remains committed to working with partners in both countries to continue building meaningful programs that promote Vietnamese culture and education in the global context.
For partnership inquiries or event media, please contact contact@cvcec.org
Follow CVCEC’s initiatives at www.cvcec.org
