Ambassador Nguyễn Minh Tâm presents the first prize to the team from the National University of Laos' School of Gifted and Ethnic Students at the contest. (Photo: VNA/VNS Photo

VIENTIANE — The Vietnamese Embassy in Laos, in coordination with the Vietnamese Language Section of the Vietnamese People Association in Vientiane, organised the first “Future Vietnamese Language Ambassadors” contest for students in the Lao capital on Friday.

The contest brought together 40 outstanding contestants from four reputable institutions in Vientiane, namely the Nguyen Du Lao – Vietnamese Bilingual School, the Laos – Vietnam Friendship School, the National University of Laos’ School of Gifted and Ethnic Students, and the Vietnamese Language Faculty of the National University of Laos.

Held in response to the launch of the Vietnamese Language Day among overseas Vietnamese communities, the event aimed to enhance the quality of Vietnamese language teaching and learning in Laos while contributing to the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion between the two countries.

The contest also honoured Vietnamese language teachers for their dedication to nurturing knowledge and inspiring a love for the language among the Lao youth. Besides, it looked to recognise the vital role of the Vietnamese community in Laos in preserving the mother tongue and cultural identity. 

Beyond its symbolic value, the initiative was meant to promote practical measures such as modernising teaching methods and expanding academic and cultural exchanges to further popularise Vietnamese.

Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyễn Minh Tâm highlighted that the contest served not only as a language platform but also as an activity of profound political and cultural significance, taking place as bilateral relations enter a new phase of development marked by “strategic cohesion”. Strengthening mutual understanding and exchanges, particularly between their younger generations, is a firm foundation for sustaining the great bilateral friendship.

He stressed that language is not merely a communication tool but also the “soul of culture” and a durable bridge connecting nations. For Lao students, learning Vietnamese opens access to knowledge while offering deeper insights into Việt Nam’s culture, history, and people, thereby fostering trust, understanding, and bonds between the two peoples.

The ambassador described the participating students as “future ambassadors” who will carry forward and promote the Vietnamese language as well as the steadfast friendship between the countries. — VNA/VNS