September 3, 2025 | GSU Agri Eco Convention Hall
As part of her Academic Collaborative Visit at Guimaras State University (GSU), Ms. Mai Thi Thao of Dong Thap University (DTHU), Vietnam, conducted an engaging lecture on Vietnamese Language and Culture on September 3, 2025, at the GSU Agri Eco Convention Hall.
The lecture drew the participation of 150 students from three college departments—College of Science and Technology (CST), College of Business and Management (CBM), and College of Engineering and Industrial Technology (CEIT)—with 50 representatives from each. The event was also graced by the presence of the respective college deans and the University President, who expressed support for the internationalization initiative.
The program was formally opened by CBM Dean, Dr. Revenlie Galapin, who gave her welcome remarks, and CST Dean, Prof. Adrian J. Forca, who introduced the participants. Dr. Lilian Diana B. Parreño also delivered her message of support for this internationalization program as part of the university’s commitment to empowering and producing globally competitive students through cross-cultural learning.
The program also featured a Filipino cultural presentation prepared by GSU students, who showcased various traditional dances that reflected the richness of Philippine heritage.
The highlight of this event was the Language and Cultural lecture by Ms. Thao, who introduced the rich history and traditions of Vietnam through various topics including:
▶️ The Vietnamese alphabet and accent system
▶️ Counting and numbers in Vietnamese
▶️ Traditional costumes
▶️ The role of coffee in Vietnamese society (Trivia: There are 500,000 coffee shops in Vietnam)
▶️ Festivals, particularly Lunar New Year and associated taboos
▶️ Religion in Vietnam, with Buddhism comprising 35% of the population
▶️ Iconic landmarks such as pagodas and the largest cave in Vietnam
▶️ Culinary traditions, arts, and folklore
▶️ Water puppetry as a unique cultural expression
▶️ Vietnam’s form of government
To make the session more interactive, Ms. Thao facilitated a quiz bee after her lecture, which tested the students’ learning from her discussion. The activity was met with enthusiasm, as students eagerly participated and enjoyed the prizes that awaited the winners.
The activity not only provided participants with a deeper appreciation of Vietnam’s language, traditions, and identity but also strengthened the academic and cultural ties between GSU and its partner institution, Dong Thap University.
This post was reviewed and cleared for posting by the University Information Unit with POST ID: SOC-250903-0213.
