Amid the academic environment in Vietnam, Laos’ traditional Bunpimay New Year was warmly recreated, helping Lao international students ease their homesickness while promoting cultural values and strengthening the friendship between Vietnam and Laos.

On the afternoon of April 15, the Quang Ngai Campus of Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City (IUH) organized the Lao Traditional Bunpimay Festival 2026, the most important annual celebration for the Lao people, attracting a large number of delegates, lecturers, and students.
 

This festival marks an important annual celebration for the Lao people, bringing together delegates, lecturers, and students at the Quang Ngai Campus.
 

Attending the ceremony were Mr. Nguyễn Hưng, Deputy Director of the Quang Ngai Department of Foreign Affairs, and representatives of the Vietnam - Laos Friendship Association of Quang Ngai Province. Representing the University were Dr. Nguyễn Anh Tuấn, Acting Deputy Director of the Campus, along with leaders of faculties, offices, unions, lecturers, and, especially, all Lao international students currently studying and living on the campus.

During the program, the festive spirit of Bunpimay was vividly recreated through traditional rituals, such as the water-splashing ceremony, a symbolic act of purification that washes away the misfortunes of the old year and welcomes a peaceful, happy new year. Cultural and spiritual traditions such as wrist-tying blessings (Sou khouan), bathing the Buddha statue, and offering blessings to grandparents and parents were also held, allowing Lao students to fully experience the essence of their homeland’s New Year celebration while in Vietnam.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Nguyễn Anh Tuấn extended New Year greetings to the Lao students and their families, expressing his hope that they would continue to strive in their studies and personal development.
“The University will always accompany Lao international students throughout their academic journey and daily life. We hope you will achieve many accomplishments and contribute to the continued development of Laos,” he shared.
 

Dr. Nguyễn Anh Tuấn, Acting Deputy Director of the Campus, speaking at the ceremony.
 

On this occasion, representatives of the Quang Ngai Department of Foreign Affairs also conveyed New Year wishes and presented gifts to the Lao students, demonstrating care and fostering the special friendship and solidarity between Vietnam and Laos.

 

Mr. Nguyễn Hưng, Deputy Director of the Quang Ngai Department of Foreign Affairs and representative of the Vietnam - Laos Friendship Association of Quang Ngai Province, spoke at the program.
 

Representing the Lao students, KOSYPHAN Sanouksin expressed heartfelt appreciation for the University's care and support.
“We always receive dedicated support in both our studies and daily life. This is a great motivation for us to keep striving, study well, and return home to contribute to our country,” the student shared.

  

KOSYPHAN Sanouksin, representative of Lao international students, expressed gratitude for the University’s support.
 

Held in a warm and respectful atmosphere, the ceremony not only brought joy to Lao students but also reflected IUH’s continued care for the spiritual well-being of international students, while contributing to educational cooperation and to the preservation of the traditional friendship between Vietnam and Laos.
Some Event highlights included the lively water-splashing ceremony, heartfelt Sou khouan wrist-tying, the ceremonial bathing of the Buddha statue, and the presentation of blessings and gifts. These featured rituals brought authenticity and joy to the campus's Bunpimay celebration.