The exhibition "ASEAN Cultural Colours" opened today at the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum to celebrate the 55th founding anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) (August 8, 1967-August 8, 2022).

Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ta Quang Dong attends the opening ceremony of the exhibition. Photos: Tra My

The event, jointly held by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the embassies of ASEAN countries in Vietnam, is aimed at further enhancing understanding among the peoples of regional countries and expanding cooperation in economy, investment, culture, and tourism.

Visitors to the exhibition will learn about traditional costumes, one of the features of the ASEAN cultural treasures, and see images of landscapes, cultures, countries, people, and heritages as well as sophisticated handicrafts made by artisans from across Southeast Asia.

According to Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ta Quang Dong, this exhibition is actively coordinated by ASEAN member countries by contributing traditional costumes, photographic works, and cultural artifacts.

“This confirms the special interest of ASEAN countries in cultural events organized by Vietnam. The exhibition contributes to a better understanding of ASEAN’s identity,” said Deputy Minister Dong.

The exhibition also lures foreigners, including people of ASEAN countries.

Through the process of establishment and development, ASEAN has become a politically cohesive organization with strong economic linkage and shared social responsibility, a reliable and important partner in international cooperation.

“Besides favorable opportunities, ASEAN also faces challenges. In this context, the ASEAN community needs to foster solidarity among its members to create synergy in steadily overcoming challenges, through proactive adaptation and cohesion of nations. In the coming time, promoting ASEAN’s strong rise and sustainable development is the responsibility and practical contribution of each member," said Dong.

According to Dong, this year, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will organize more cultural activities, including music and circus festivals to mark the 55th anniversary of ASEAN.

Charge d’Affaires of the Malaysian Embassy in Vietnam, Neermal Shunmugam said he is very honored to attend the exhibition.

“I think this is a good opportunity for all of us to learn about traditional costumes and unique cultures of ASEAN member countries. I myself did not know all the cultural artifacts from other countries, so this is a chance to enhance mutual understanding between countries in the region,” he said.

“In recent years, cultural exchange and tourism activities were quiet due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Up to now, Malaysia has loosened the bans and people have been able to move to other countries. I hope this year and next year, we will be able to revive tourism and exchanges in the region,” Shunmugam said.

The exhibition runs until August 12 at the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum, 66 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Ba Dinh, Hanoi.

Moon kite from Malaysia.

Hegalong, a two-stringed lute of the Tboll - a group of people living in southern Mindanao, the Philippines.

Wooden puppets made by artists in Indonesia.

Pumpkin-shaped silver box sophisticatedly carved by Cambodian artisans.

Water puppets of Vietnam. The country is the birthplace of the centuries-old art of water puppetry.