On May 26, at the Community Startup Village in Tan Son Nhat Ward (446 Hoang Van Thu Street, Ho Chi Minh City), the International Agent Orange Victims Support Foundation (HOAVAVA) successfully organized a Cultural Exchange and Charity Program in Support of Agent Orange/Dioxin Victims in collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh City Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin and the People's Committee of Tan Son Nhat Ward.
The program was one of the representative humanitarian activities that HOAVAVA has been steadfastly carrying out in Vietnam under the leadership of Chairman Kim Dae Jong. Driven by his dedication to community service and his deep concern for Agent Orange/dioxin victims, Chairman Kim Dae Jong has continuously promoted practical support initiatives, mobilizing resources from Korea to help alleviate the suffering and losses caused by the aftermath of war.
For many years, Chairman Kim Dae Jong has regarded supporting Agent Orange victims as one of HOAVAVA’s most important social responsibilities. Beyond providing material assistance, he has sought to create opportunities for cultural exchange, fostering greater understanding and stronger bonds between the peoples of Vietnam and Korea through meaningful and sustainable humanitarian activities.
Supporting the program, Mr. Ki Do Seung, Director of International Cooperation at HOAVAVA, actively connected Korean partners, organizations, and cultural performance groups to participate in the event, contributing to its success as a meaningful cultural exchange and charitable activity.
The event was attended by Chairman Kim Dae Jong, HOAVAVA executives and members; representatives of the Ho Chi Minh City Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin, including Ms. Truong Thi Huong, Vice Chairwoman of the Association; local leaders of Tan Son Nhat Ward, including Mr. Le Hoang Ha, Secretary of the Ward Party Committee and Chairman of the People's Council; Mr. Doan Van Du, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People's Committee; and Mr. Nguyen Thanh Danh, Member of the Standing Committee of the Party Committee and Vice Chairman of the People's Committee, together with numerous local residents and children. In particular, the participation of the Korean cultural delegation and members of the Sanggu Foundation created a warm and friendly atmosphere, further strengthening the friendship between Vietnam and Korea.
As part of the program, HOAVAVA, together with Yeram Co., Ltd. and ICM Co., Ltd.—both member companies of HOAVAVA—provided financial support to the Ho Chi Minh City Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin. In addition, 60 gift packages, each valued at VND 500,000, were presented to local Agent Orange victims. Although modest in material value, these gifts carried the sincere care and heartfelt compassion of HOAVAVA members and their Korean friends.
Speaking at the event, representatives of the local authorities expressed their appreciation for HOAVAVA’s meaningful contributions to improving the lives of Agent Orange/dioxin victims. HOAVAVA’s continued support not only provides timely assistance but also brings encouragement, confidence, and hope to families still affected by the consequences of war.
In addition to the charitable activities, the program offered participants the opportunity to experience various aspects of Korean culture, including wearing Hanbok for commemorative photographs and enjoying a variety of engaging cultural performances.
The event opened with a performance of the Haegeum, a traditional Korean string instrument that reflects Korea’s rich cultural heritage. This was followed by modern dance performances, flute recitals, card performances, and other artistic presentations. Particularly noteworthy was the performance of the Vietnamese folk song “Cây Trúc Xinh” by young Kim Eunhoo, which received warm applause from the audience and reflected the spirit of cultural exchange and mutual respect between the two nations.
Traditional fan dances, drum performances, Taekwondo demonstrations, and a choral rendition of the famous Korean folk song “Arirang” brought emotional moments to the audience while conveying messages of peace, love, and international solidarity.
Through this program, Chairman Kim Dae Jong and HOAVAVA once again reaffirmed their long-term commitment to humanitarian activities in Vietnam, particularly in supporting Agent Orange/dioxin victims. More than a charitable event, the program served as a bridge of friendship between Vietnam and Korea, helping to spread humanitarian values and a sense of social responsibility throughout the community.
Guided by the principles of sustainable development and human-centered values, HOAVAVA will continue to expand its social support initiatives, connecting even more compassionate hearts from Korea with the people of Vietnam and contributing to the development of a united, caring, and loving community.