To mark the 80th anniversary of the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam (September 2, 1945 – September 2, 2025), the 58th anniversary of the founding of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) (August 8, 1967 – August 8, 2025), and the 30th anniversary of Viet Nam’s accession to ASEAN (July 28, 1995 – July 28, 2025), on the evening of August 23 in Ha Noi, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organisations in Ha Noi, in collaboration with the embassies of ASEAN countries, held the friendship exchange programme under the theme “ASEAN Colours”.
In his opening remarks, Nguyen Ngoc Ky, President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organisations in Ha Noi, stated that after 58 years of establishment, ASEAN had demonstrated the strategic vision of its leaders, proving its efforts and achievements recognised worldwide.
The journey of ASEAN over more than half a century has always contained great opportunities but also challenges and upheavals. ASEAN has been tempered and grown stronger through each test, becoming more confident and resilient after every success. Behind all these ups and downs lies the core value that shapes ASEAN’s identity and style: the determination to build a strong, united and consensual community, ensuring peace, security and stability in the region, while facilitating efforts towards sustainable growth and development.
“July 28, 1995 marked an important milestone when Viet Nam became the seventh member of ASEAN. This was a historic event for the Vietnamese nation and of great significance in relations between Viet Nam and ASEAN countries. With a proactive, positive and responsible spirit, Viet Nam, over 30 years of membership, has not only fulfilled its commitments and obligations as a member state but also made important contributions to ASEAN’s stability, development and growth,” stressed Nguyen Ngoc Ky, President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organisations in Ha Noi.
Malaysian Ambassador to Viet Nam Dato’ Tan Yang Thai affirmed that the friendship exchange programme “ASEAN Colours” was not simply a cultural festival, but also a gathering of friends from ASEAN, Viet Nam and the international community.
The programme depicted the identity of the region: diverse yet harmonious, different yet united. Each country brought its own values in language, heritage and identity. All blended together into a vibrant picture, reflecting ASEAN’s shared destiny.
Ambassador Dato’ Tan Yang Thai emphasised that 2025 marks three important milestones with commemorative activities for the 80th anniversary of the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, the 30th anniversary of Viet Nam’s accession to ASEAN, and the 58th anniversary of ASEAN’s founding. These historic milestones remind us of the common journey we have travelled, as well as the crucial role of the peoples of the nations in shaping ASEAN’s development path.
Announced by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at the 46th ASEAN Summit, the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2045: “Our Shared Future” called for the building of a resilient, innovative, dynamic and people-centred community. To realise this vision, the participation of the people will be indispensable. ASEAN will continue to thrive for decades to come thanks to the voices, creativity and aspirations of its member states.
Ambassador Dato’ Tan Yang Thai also reaffirmed the shared commitment to peace, friendship and cooperation, expressing his hope that this spirit would continue to inspire ASEAN to strengthen friendship, reinforce unity and together realise the enduring aspiration of a peaceful, humane and modern ASEAN community.
The event showcased Viet Nam’s identity to international friends, along with Cambodian, Indonesian and Philippine dance performances, and traditional costume shows from Brunei, Laos and Myanmar.
