Overseas Vietnamese in RoK Urged to Foster Solidarity, Preserve National Cultural Identity

Overseas Vietnamese in the Republic of Korea (RoK) have been urged to foster solidarity and preserve their national cultural identity. This call underscores the importance for Vietnamese expatriates to maintain connections with their homeland and pass on their cultural heritage to future generations. Economically, South Korean companies are aiming to build long-term partnerships with Vietnamese firms through product showcases, business-to-business (B2B) matchmaking, investment opportunities, and sustainable supply chain development. Notably, cooperation in the startup ecosystem between Vietnam and South Korea is shifting from fact-finding tours and short-term networking towards a robust partnership model that delivers concrete market access, business partner matchmaking, product validation, technology piloting, and investor connectivity. The Vietnamese Ambassador to the RoK, Vu Ho, stated that bilateral relations are currently enjoying the best conditions, underpinned by "favourable timing, geographical advantages, and strong public support." Domestically, in education, Ho Chi Minh City is set to introduce a free textbook loan program for all students from the 2026-2027 academic year. For the 2026 admissions cycle, nearly 467,600 university applicants, accounting for 53.45% of all candidates, have registered for STEM majors, indicating a growing interest in science and technology fields. Regulations on higher education curricula now require learning outcomes to be defined as measurable and assessable competencies. Socially, ahead of the 79th anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs Day (July 27), the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha urged its central committees and chapters nationwide to hold requiem ceremonies in memory of heroic martyrs and join efforts to support the nationwide campaign. Visits to support centers for war invalids and revolutionary contributors are also being undertaken, alongside creative and accessible approaches to bring history closer to younger generations and foster a deeper appreciation of peace and national pride. Regarding economic losses, total estimated losses were about 255 billion VND (nearly 9.7 million USD), with Lai Chau accounting for the largest share of the damage with 190 billion VND, followed by Son La with 46.04 billion VND, Lao Cai with 16.7 billion VND, and Dien Bien with 2.3 billion VND. The Vietnamese government, operating under a one-party system, aims to balance economic growth with social stability, with the effectiveness of its policies being a key factor in driving social and economic reforms. In its relationship with China, while economic ties are strong, geopolitical challenges, such as those in the South China Sea, necessitate a balanced foreign policy. Information source: VietnamPlus English