Vientiane (VNA) - The second "Future Vietnamese Language Ambassadors" contest, held recently in Vientiane, has highlighted the growing role of the Vietnamese language in fostering the special relations between Vietnam and Laos, while enhancing cultural exchange and practical cooperation between the two countries.
Jointly organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Laos, and the Vietnamese Language Board under the Vietnamese People Association in Vientiane, the event was held in response to the Day for Honouring Vietnamese Language in Vietnamese Communities Abroad in 2026.
More than an academic competition, it has become a cultural festival bringing together people who share a passion for the Vietnamese language and culture.
Building on the success of its inaugural edition in April, the second contest attracted nine teams representing agencies, academies, and schools from the Lao armed forces, and leading Vietnamese language training centres in Vientiane.
A notable feature of this year's contest was the increasing participation of Lao officials, lecturers, military officers and security personnel, reflecting the expanding role of Vietnamese language learning beyond classrooms into public service. Vietnamese is increasingly viewed as an effective and practical tool, directly serving professional work and promoting cooperation between the two countries.
Addressing the event, Lao Deputy Minister of Education and Sports Kingmano Phommahaxay praised the scale and significance of the event. He described the contest as a meaningful contribution to strengthening the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation, and strategic cohesion between the Parties, States, and people of Laos and Vietnam.
He said the contest will further inspire Lao people and younger generation of overseas Vietnamese in Laos to study Vietnamese, while helping Lao officials improve their language skills to better serve their work and contribute to the bilateral relations.
The Lao official also highlighted the growing depth of educational cooperation between the two countries through exchange of delegations and experience sharing at all levels, expanded student exchange programmes and Vietnam's annual scholarship support for Lao student. He added that cooperation projects in language exchange are also helping to establish a comprehensive and effective cooperation mechanism, vividly reflecting the loyal and enduring solidarity between the two nations.
After rounds featuring self-introductions, public speaking and cultural performances, the team from the Academy of Politics of the Lao People's Public Security won the first prize. The Vietnamese language class at Phat Tich Pagoda in Vientiane secured the second prize, while the remaining seven teams shared the third prize.
The contest created opportunities for cultural diplomacy and educational cooperation between Vietnam and Laos. Its success demonstrated the growing appeal of the Vietnamese language in Laos and the increasing interest among Lao institutions and officials in learning Vietnamese as a practical tool to support their work, and strengthen the special relationship between the two countries./.
