Gala brings together former Vietnamese students studying in France

A special gala, entitled ‘Printemps en ville’ (Spring in the city), was held in Hanoi on March 5 by the French Embassy in Vietnam in collaboration with the Vietnamese Alumni Association in France.

French Ambassador to Vietnam Jean Noel Poirier presents prizes to winners of the cake making contest. (Credit: VNA)
French Ambassador to Vietnam Jean Noel Poirier presents prizes to winners of the cake making contest. (Credit: VNA)

The annual event is part of activities to celebrate the International Francophone Day (March 20).

The gala featured a variety of unique and appealing songs and dances by both Vietnamese and French artists, featuring the cultural identities of both countries.

At the gala, French Ambassador to Vietnam Jean Noel Poirier emphasised that the event offered an opportunity for Vietnamese graduates from France to meet and review the time they studied in the country.

In 2015, the Vietnamese Embassy in France and the association closely co-operated to mobilise Vietnamese enterprises, particularly French companies in Vietnam, to support Vietnamese graduates in finding employment opportunities, said the Ambassador. He also expressed hope that the co-operation between both sides would further develop in the future.

A highlight of the gala was the awards ceremony for the cake making contest, which was held for amateur chefs who have deep passion for making French-style cakes, pastries and desserts.

The contest attracted the participation of nearly 30 contestants from various localities around the country. The first prize went to Pham Phuoc Thanh from Ho Chi Minh City; meanwhile second and third prizes were presented to Le Hong Trang and Nguyen Hong Nhung.

The Vietnamese Alumni Association in France was formed in March, 2010. Every year, the association organises meetings to reminisce on and share experiences during the time they spent living and studying in France, in addition to exchanging information on finding employment and working after studying abroad.