News and Events

UEF Showcases Cultural Diversity with Lao and Cambodian New Year Festival Celebration

04/11/2025

April 9 - Adding another vibrant touch of international culture to UEF, the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management, in collaboration with the Department of Student Services, hosted the event “Bunpimay and Chol Chnam Thmay at UEF.” The celebration served as a meaningful cultural exchange and a heartfelt gesture for international students studying at UEF.
The event was featured by the presence of Dr. Nhan Cam Tri, Vice President of UEF; Dr. Do Huu Nguyen Loc, Vice President; and Dr. Ly Thien Trang – Director of the Center for Quality Assurance and Accreditation, alongside faculty members and leaderships from various departments. On behalf of the business, the event welcomed Mr. Quoc Hai from Golden Pastry and Mr. Vo Anh Tuan from Cem World Travel Cambodia.

Dr. Nhan Cam Tri, UEF Vice President, delivered his speech at the event

In his speech, Dr. Nhan Cam Tri praised the coordination between departments in organizing such a well-prepared and culturally enriching event. He also extended his warmest wishes to international students on the occasion of their traditional New Year.
The program opened with culturally vibrant performances such as "Kieu Sao Khem Ngua" and "Rom Saravan," presented by Lao and Vietnamese students at UEF. The festival atmosphere came alive with lively music, colorful traditional attire, and warm smiles that spread throughout the hall.

UEFers shined in traditional costumes

A meaningful highlight of the event was the reenactment of traditional New Year rituals from Laos and the Khmer culture: the Buddha bathing ritual, the wrist-tying ceremony with blessings of peace, and especially the water-splashing ceremony – symbolizing the cleansing of misfortunes and welcoming a new year full of blessings. Teachers and students immersed themselves in the festive spirit, exchanging heartfelt New Year wishes in Lao, Khmer, and Vietnamese.

Faculty members and students together perform rituals during the Lao and Khmer traditional New Year

During the sharing session, Linda – a Lao student studying at UEF – expressed: "Being able to celebrate our traditional New Year at UEF is incredibly emotional for me. Not only do I get to meet friends and teachers, but I also get to relive the festive spirit of home and enjoy traditional dishes. Throughout my studies, we've received great support from Vietnamese students."

The program is one of the memorable memories of international students at UEF

The festival atmosphere became even more lively as students and faculty members joined in traditional dances such as Lamvong, Romvong, and bamboo dancing, painting a colorful cultural picture and showcasing the rich blend of Southeast Asian cultures right here at UEF.

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