Vietnam's Impressions at International Migrants Day 2024 in Singapore

Singapore's Minister of Manpower thanked the Vietnamese community for their contributions to the International Migrants Day festival as well as to the economic and multi-ethnic cultural life of the Lion Island.

Minister of Manpower Tan See Leng visits the booth of the Vietnamese Community Liaison Committee at the festival. (Photo: Le Duong/VNA)

On the afternoon of December 15, the Singapore Ministry of Manpower, in coordination with agencies and units supporting migrant workers, celebrated International Migrants Day 2024 at Jurong Lake Gardens, with the participation of thousands of foreign workers. The Liaison Committee of the Vietnamese Community in Singapore attended the festival with many practical activities, leaving a deep impression.

This is the third time the Liaison Committee of the Vietnamese Community in Singapore has been invited by the Organizing Committee to attend the festival, demonstrating the positive recognition of local agencies for the contributions of the Vietnamese community to the economic and cultural life of the Lion Island.

International Migrants Day (18 December) is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of migrant communities around the world and raise awareness of their rights and challenges. In 2024, Singapore – a multicultural country and a destination for hundreds of thousands of migrant workers – will organize many practical and meaningful activities. Cultural events and community exchanges: Organize art programs and cultural performances to celebrate the identity of migrant communities from countries such as the Philippines, India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Indonesia. Activities such as photo exhibitions or videos telling stories about the lives, challenges, and hopes of migrants will also be displayed at major cultural centers. Some charities and hospitals will provide free health check-ups for migrant workers, especially those working in the construction and domestic sectors. Along with that, seminars sharing knowledge on mental health and legal rights for migrants will also be held. The government and social organizations sIGAPOE will promote campaigns on social networks and media to call for respect and fair treatment for migrant workers. Here, success stories and contributions of migrants in Singapore will be widely shared to reduce stigma and promote integration. It is undeniable that migrants play an important role in building and developing Singapore, especially in areas such as construction, services and family care. This day helps to connect the indigenous and migrant communities, eliminating cultural barriers and prejudices. This is an opportunity for the government and society to recognize the challenges that migrants face and move towards building a fairer and more humane working and living environment. International Migrants Day highlights the need to protect the human rights, social security and legal rights of migrant workers. International Migrants Day 2024 in Singapore will not only be an occasion to celebrate migrant communities but also create opportunities to promote understanding, social cohesion and promote a fair living environment for all.

Vietnam left a good impression at the International Migrants Day 2024 in Singapore with many meaningful activities, contributing to promoting Vietnamese culture and people and affirming the positive role of the Vietnamese community abroad. Outstanding activities of the Vietnamese community at the event included the Vietnam Culture and Arts Exhibition. Vietnam's booth attracted the attention of people and international friends with images and artifacts showing the beauty of the country and people of Vietnam. Display activities such as Dong Ho paintings, conical hats, ao dai, and photos of the life and work of the Vietnamese community in Singapore left a deep impression. The Vietnamese culinary booth with famous dishes such as pho, banh mi, goi cuon and banh xeo attracted a lot of visitors. Many people appreciated the unique and sophisticated flavors of Vietnamese cuisine and expressed their love for Vietnam's culinary culture. Traditional art performances: Performances such as the conical hat dance, the Ao Dai performance and folk songs such as "Beo dat may troi" or "Trong com" performed by the Vietnamese community left many emotions and great resonance. These performances not only expressed Vietnamese cultural identity but also conveyed a message of optimism and solidarity of the overseas Vietnamese community.

Ambassador Mai Phuoc Dung (right) and the Vietnamese Community Liaison Committee present gifts to foreign workers in Singapore. (Photo: Le Duong/VNA)

Here, representatives of the Vietnamese community in Singapore participated in seminars to share about the integration journey and the contributions of Vietnamese people in fields such aseducation , science, services and business. Inspiring stories about the perseverance, creativity and hard-working spirit of Vietnamese people received many compliments. The significance of Vietnam's active presence has affirmed the cultural identity of Vietnam, through cultural exchange activities, Vietnam has brought the image of a beautiful country, rich in traditions and friendly, open people. The Vietnamese community has demonstrated the spirit of solidarity and integration, contributing to building a positive image of immigrants in general and Vietnamese people in particular in Singapore. This event is an opportunity to recognize the contributions of Vietnamese people in various fields, from ordinary workers to experts, intellectuals, and businessmen living and working in Singapore. Thereby promoting the relationship between Vietnam and Singapore. The active participation of the Vietnamese community not only contributes to enhancing Vietnam's position in the international arena but also strengthens the friendship and cooperation between the two countries. The participation of the Vietnamese community at the International Migrants Day 2024 in Singapore has left a beautiful impression of a country rich in identity and dynamic, enthusiastic Vietnamese people. This is not only an opportunity for the Vietnamese community to be proud of its roots but also an opportunity for Vietnam to demonstrate its active role in the international community./.

Bui Tue