Special sporting event of the ASEAN regional diplomatic community

With the motto of promoting cultural behavior and noble sportsmanship, the 2nd ASEAN Former Ambassadors Friendship Golf Tournament contributes to promoting the movement of "living happily - living healthily - living usefully" in the diplomatic and social community.

This July 28 marks a historic milestone when Vietnam officially joined the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This event has profound strategic significance, opening a period of proactive and comprehensive integration of Vietnam in the international arena.

The tournament brings together 128 golfers from Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. (Source: Organizing Committee)

From that turning point, Vietnam has gradually become an active and responsible member with important contributions to regional and global issues.

To celebrate this special milestone, on November 29, the Vietnam Diplomats Golf Club hosted the 2nd ASEAN Former Ambassadors Friendship Golf Tournament at FLC Ha Long Golf Course - one of the most beautiful golf courses in Vietnam.

The event continues the sports and diplomatic exchange activities between former ambassadors in the region, after the first organization in Thailand in January 2025.

Over the past three decades, while working at Vietnamese representative agencies abroad, Vietnamese diplomats have always received active coordination and support from embassies in the ASEAN region.

The championship trophy belongs to golfer Shukob Bin Yatim, Team Malaysia. (Source: Organizing Committee)

Friendship, professional cohesion and ASEAN solidarity are not only cultivated through work but also preserved and developed through exchange activities after the ambassadors have retired – including sports, especially golf.

From an interesting historical story when Vietnam first joined ASEAN, ASEAN Foreign Ministers once advised former Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Nguyen Manh Cam to practice golf "to easily integrate into ASEAN". Thirty years later, Vietnam has nearly 100 golf courses, more than 100,000 golfers and has been honored twice as " The World's Best Golf Destination".

This tournament brings together 128 golfers from Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam – all of whom have held important positions such as leaders of the Government, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ministries or former ambassadors.

The organizers awarded prizes to outstanding golfers. (Source: BTC)

The tournament was held on November 28 at Dragon Golf Links and November 29 at FLC Ha Long, competing in two groups. After dramatic rounds of competition, the championship belonged to golfer Shukob Bin Yatim of the Malaysian team.

After the tournament, the participating teams sent thank you letters expressing their impression of the organization of the host country Vietnam.

The Brunei team said the event was a great opportunity for ASEAN colleagues to meet again and continue to strengthen the already strong friendship.

"Vietnam gave us a truly memorable and enjoyable visit, both on the golf course and off-course. If there is one complaint we have, it is that you have set the bar so high – it is difficult to keep up. We will certainly do our best to successfully host the third Tournament in Brunei in November next year," said Team Brunei.

Golfer Le Duc Luu (left), President of the Vietnam Diplomats Golf Club, Head of the Tournament Organizing Committee. (Source: BTC)

The Thai team highly appreciated the ASEAN friendship and the cordiality from the other teams. Many golfers brought their wives to Vietnam and appreciated the attentive care given to them, considering it a “visa” to guarantee their return. The team wished the teams good health and looked forward to seeing them again at the next tournament.

Congratulations to the Organizing Committee for successfully hosting the Tournament. Team Malaysia would like to express our deep gratitude for the warm welcome, support and cooperation given to the delegation.

They said they had a great experience at the tournament, not only because of the golf course and the thoughtful organization, but also because of the opportunity to strengthen friendships with colleagues and friends from Brunei, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam, thereby contributing to the solidarity and harmony of ASEAN.

The 2nd ASEAN Former Ambassadors Friendship Golf Tournament is also a unique people-to-people diplomacy activity. (Source: Organizing Committee)

Appreciating the Organizing Committee for bringing a successful tournament, the Indonesian Team also shared that they had a great time: playing golf, meeting friends, enjoying Vietnamese cuisine, enjoying the beautiful weather and scenery of Ha Long Bay.

The team especially appreciated the hospitality and friendship that Vietnam showed them and look forward to seeing everyone again next year in Brunei.

Not only a sports playground, the 2nd ASEAN Former Ambassadors Friendship Golf Tournament is also a unique people-to-people diplomacy activity, contributing to strengthening the connection between ASEAN countries, while promoting the culture, people and tourism potential of Vietnam to the regional golf community.

As agreed by the teams, the 3rd edition will be held in Brunei Darussalam in November 2026.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/su-kien-the-thao-dac-biet-cua-cong-dong-ngoai-giao-khu-vuc-asean-336480.html