On the evening of January 16th, in San Francisco, USA, the Consulate General of Vietnam collaborated with the Southeast Asia Financial, Investment and Trade Research Institute (SEAFIT) and Vietnam Airlines to organize a special event called "Introducing Vietnamese Heritage: Silk, Ao Dai, and Fine Handicraft Products."
The event was a prominent cultural activity, providing an opportunity to introduce the essence of Vietnamese heritage and traditional cultural values to international friends.
The event was a prominent cultural activity, providing an opportunity to introduce the essence of Vietnamese heritage and traditional cultural values to international friends.
Cultural Heritage: The Enduring Vitality of Vietnam
In his opening speech, Consul General Hoang Anh Tuan emphasized: "Cultural heritage is not only the crystallization of history and national identity but also a bridge to bring Vietnam closer to the world."
The event was held at the beginning of 2025, in the joyful atmosphere of welcoming the traditional Tet (Lunar New Year) of the Year of the Snake, creating a space that blended tradition and modernity. Images of the country and people of Vietnam were vividly recreated through short videos, introducing the beautiful natural scenery and the simple, sincere nature of the Vietnamese people.
In particular, the Ao Dai performances – the spiritual symbol of Vietnamese culture – attracted the attention of all the guests. The Ao Dais on display were not only for women but also for men and children, demonstrating the harmonious combination of tradition and modern creativity.
The unique feature of the event was that the performances were all performed by "home-grown actors," including the spouses and children of the Consulate General of Vietnam and Vietnam Airlines in San Francisco. This presence created a close and friendly atmosphere, while also demonstrating the close bond between the members of the diplomatic community and the Vietnamese airline.
In addition, traditional Vietnamese dance and music performances, carefully prepared, contributed to highlighting the national cultural identity. These performances were not only artistic but also a way to convey the spirit and soul of the Vietnamese people.
Famous chef Martin Yan is a big fan of KymViet's handcrafted products and Vietnamese fine art products on display at the Community Tet Festival in San Francisco on January 18, 2025.
Vietnamese Fine Arts and Handicrafts: A Symbol of Talent and Creativity
A special highlight of the event was the fine arts and handicraft products from famous craft villages such as Van Phuc silk, Bat Trang pottery, Kym Viet stuffed animals of disabled people as well as hand embroidery products, rattan weaving, lacquer, Dong Ho paintings, etc.
These products not only demonstrate the talent of the artisans but also reflect the depth of culture and history of the Vietnamese nation, which has been preserved and developed through many generations.
Dr. Nguyen Dung Thuong, Director of SEAFIT, shared: "The handicraft works on display today are not merely products but also symbols of the history, tradition, and spiritual values of the Vietnamese nation."
The transportation of these products from Vietnam to the United States was carried out through close coordination between the Consulate General, SEAFIT, and Vietnam Airlines. The event not only promoted the quintessence of Vietnamese craft villages but also opened up opportunities for trade and cultural connection with international friends.
Promoting Cultural Exchange and International Cooperation
The event attracted the participation of more than 120 delegates including diplomatic corps, business people, and international partners, creating opportunities to promote cultural exchange, trade and sustainable cooperation between Vietnam and other countries. Consul General Hoang Anh Tuan expressed his hope that the representatives attending the event today will become bridges, spreading Vietnamese cultural values and contributing to building long-term cooperative relationships.
SEAFIT plays an important role in organizing the event, while affirming its goal of continuously increasing the commercial value of Vietnamese handicraft products in the international market. The cooperation between the Consulate General and SEAFIT is seen as a typical example of joint efforts in preserving and developing cultural values.
The Meaning of the Year of the Snake and New Expectations
In Vietnamese culture, the Year of the Snake is a symbol of intelligence, flexibility, and rebirth. Consul General Hoang Anh Tuan expressed his hope that the new year will bring new progress in the cooperative relationship between Vietnam and the United States, especially in the fields of culture and economy.
He emphasized: "The handicraft products and cultural values that we introduce today are proof of the creativity and resilient spirit of the Vietnamese people. This is the foundation for building an increasingly close relationship of friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and the international community."
Closing the Event with Unexpected Success
The event "Introducing Vietnamese Heritage: Silk, Ao Dai, and Fine Handicraft Products" closed with deep impressions, thanks to the effective coordination between the Consulate General, SEAFIT, and Vietnam Airlines. The success of the event not only stopped at promoting culture but also contributed to raising the image and position of Vietnam in the international arena.
Consul General Hoang Anh Tuan affirmed that this event is only the beginning of larger cooperative initiatives in the future, towards the goal of raising the position of Vietnamese culture in the international arena.
