Lao and Cambodian students win top prize at Vietnamese-speaking contest in Da Nang
DNO - A story titled “Markets along the Mekong”, presented by three students from Laos and Cambodia, won the first prize at the final round of the 2026 National Vietnamese-Language Speaking Contest for Foreigners recently held in Da Nang.
The first-prize winning team, called OPEN TEAM, comprised three members. They were Senchonghack Chaisavanh, a second-year Lao student majoring in Banking and Finance under the Advanced Program; Khamsavath Bounmy, a first-year Lao student majoring in Business Administration under the Advanced Program; and Lim Mey Mey, a first-year Cambodian student majoring in Chinese Language under the Advanced Program.
Despite having arrived in Vietnam through different journeys and experiences, they met at the Ho Chi Minh City Open University and embarked on a shared new journey of learning Vietnamese language.
Their purpose of learning Vietnamese language is to gradually adapt to their living environment, support their studies, connect with friends and explore Vietnamese culture.
For the contest, OPEN TEAM chose the theme “Markets along the Mekong” as an everyday subject.
Lao markets are gentle and familiar, and Cambodian markets are vibrant, colorful and full of life. Meanwhile, Vietnamese markets are bustling and closely associated with images of hardworking and warm-hearted people.
Through the markets, the distinctive cultural characteristics of each country were portrayed from the perspective of young people studying far from home.
Through “Markets Along the Mekong” story, the three students not only showcased their Vietnamese language skills but also conveyed a message about cultural exchange and friendship among Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.
The 2026 National Vietnamese-Language Speaking Contest for Foreigners was organized by the University of Science and Education - the University of Da Nang, in coordination with the municipal Union of Friendship Organizations and Peace Committee.
The contest was open to foreigners living, studying and working in Vietnam.
The contest provided a platform for contestants to interact and gain deeper insights into Vietnam’s culture, history and people, thereby contributing to strengthening friendship between Vietnamese people and students and their international counterparts.