was attended by Ambassador Nguyen Nguyet Nga, Honourary President of the AWCH; VWA Vice President Bui Thi Hoa, female leaders of ministries and sectors, wives of ASEAN nations’ ambassadors to Vietnam, and chief representatives of international organisations in Vietnam.
The exhibition space is divided into different corners; each showcases the beauty of the natural landscapes, people, traditional costumes and handicraft products of ASEAN member countries.
Addressing the opening, Ambassador Nguyen Nguyet Nga stressed that after nearly half of a century with ceaseless effort from its member countries, as well as enthusiastic support from international friends and partners, ASEAN has risen as a bright model of regional connectivity, which has contributed to the building of the Southeast Asian region for peace, stability, cooperation and development.
The success of ASEAN suggests that solidarity and “unity in diversity” are the key to connecting Southeast Asian countries under a common roof, she said, adding that women have contributed significantly to the success.
The organising of the exhibition illustrated Vietnamese women’s aspirations to walk side by side with women from other ASEAN countries in building a strong and united ASEAN Community.
With images of the land, people, and culture, the exhibition provides visitors with a lively picture of the diverse long-standing cultures of ASEAN countries, she emphasised.
Hailing the AWCH’s initiative, VWA Vice President Bui Thi Hoa said that as culture is one of the effective measures to bring people together, the exhibition will strengthen the connectivity, friendship and mutual understanding among ASEAN states, while boosting the role of women-run organisations in the ASEAN community.
Ksenia Krasova, a visitor from Belarus, said she found that the exhibition was very charming, and was impressed by the traditional costumes of ASEAN women, particularly Vietnam’s Ao Dai, which she described “elegant and beautiful.”
On the occasion, the AWCH presented gifts to disadvantaged women in Hanoi.
The ‘ASEAN – Colours of Culture’ exhibition will open for the public until August 17 at Vietnam Women’s Museum, 36 Ly Thuong Kiet street, Hoan Kiem district.
Selected photos at the exhibition:
Delegates pose for a group photo at the opening ceremony
Visitors colour 'batik', Indonesian traditional cloth
Vietnamese 'Ao Dai' on display at the exhibition
Masks for traditional Khon Mask Dancing and puppets of Thailand
Mini version of food covers, fans and traditional handicraft of Brunei
Ksenia Krasova, a visitor from Belarus, expresses her excitement to attend the exhibition
Palembang Wedding costume of Indonesia