HÀ NỘI — Vietnamese Miss Universe 2017 H’Hen Niê will share her inspiring story at BridgeFest 2019 in Hà Nội on Sunday.

Niê’s journey took her from an Ê Đê ethnic girl living in a poor village in Central Highlands province of Đắk Lắk, to the top five in the Miss Universe 2018 competition,

Formerly known as SEA Pride 2016 – a music event honouring diversity and equality in society, BridgeFest has been held over past four years by Oxfam and the US Embassy in Hà Nội.

Vũ Thị Quỳnh Hoa, Head of Campaign & Advocacy of Oxfam said: “BridgeFest is part of Oxfam’s worldwide campaign ‘Even It Up – Bridging the Gap’ that takes place in more than 40 countries to eliminate inequality. 

“Following the message ‘Bridging the Gap’, BridgeFest aims to break down barriers in Việt Nam, such as gender, income, physical ability, geography, culture, religion,… to promote equality and connect people.”

She said BridgeFest 2019 will inspire young people to engage in community programmes and make active contributions to an equal society, particularly in enhancing access to education and healthcare opportunities.

This message will be conveyed through various activities.

Beauty queen: Vietnamese Miss Universe 2017 H’Hen Niê. VNA/VNS Photo Như Hoàn

Alongside Vietnamese Miss Universe 2017 H’Hen Niê, former CEO of FPT Corporation Nguyễn Thành Nam, who is one of the first people to lay the foundation for software development in Việt Nam, will be another guest speaker during a talk show in the afternoon.

With the motto, “Education can turn a cowboy into a technology engineer,” he founded an online university called FUNiX to provide technology engineering training, bringing education opportunities to thousands of people in all ages at home and abroad.

The attendance of these two guest speakers promises an interesting conversation about access to education and personal development opportunities that will inspire young people.

Highlight of BridgeFest 2019 will be an feast of music performed by well-known national and international artists.

Isaac – the former leader of the popular music band 365 Daband – has had success in both music and film, will bring to the event his passionate love songs and his own story of continuous striving to pursue his dreams.

The return of the four-member band Dalab will be in the spotlight. Again this year, the BridgeFest song Ai Cũng Như Ai (Everyone Is the Same) composed by Dalab, will be performed.

Other artists include rapper Kimmese, “The Indie Prince” Vũ and the band Skylines Beyond Our Reach, Lynk Lee and Vicky Nhung.

Top tune: Again this year, the BridgeFest song ’Ai Cũng Như Ai’ (Everyone Is the Same) composed by Dalab, will be performed. — Photo courtesy of organiser

Lộn Xộn Band, which came from Sing My Song contest, will bring songs that reflect modern life.

Especially, the most notable performance will be from zither artist Võ Vân Ánh and the Blood Moon Orchestra from the US. Inspired by Vietnamese traditional music and instruments, Ánh has devoted herself to spreading World Music – an exploding music style, encompassing various kinds of folk music materials – all over the world. 

The event’s agenda will also include the “Teaching Sign Language” workshop with the topic “Hear through the Eyes”, which will bring to audiences a new expression from people who are deaf, blind, and those who do not speak.

BridgeFest 2019 is also a space for exhibitions, and many activities with the involvement of more than 40 society organisations.

This year, BridgeFest 2019 will take place at Athletics Complex on Trần Hữu Dực Street in Mỹ Đình new urban area. The event is expected to attract up to 10,000 people. — VNS