Hoa Sen University Hosts the First Viet Nam – Taiwan Poetry Exchange 2026: Fostering Literary and Cultural Connections
On July 13, 2026, at Hoa Sen University (HSU), the HSU Institute of International Education and Global Engagement, in partnership with the HSU Library, Chi Culture Joint Stock Company (Chibooks), and the Taiwan Modern Poetry Association, presented the Opening Ceremony of the First Viet Nam – Taiwan Poetry Exchange 2026. More than an opening ceremony, the event marks the start of a meaningful literary and cultural exchange, creating opportunities to deepen academic connections, encourage intercultural dialogue, and celebrate the enduring values of poetry.
The event brought together distinguished guests from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Ho Chi Minh City, the Association for Sponsoring Chinese Literature in Ho Chi Minh City, and the Taiwan Modern Poetry Association, including a delegation of 14 Taiwanese poets. Furthermore, the Vietnamese delegation featured renowned poets and writers from the Ho Chi Minh City Writers Association, including Mr. Le Thieu Nhon, Ms. Pham Phuong Lan, Ms. Luong Cam Quyen, and Ms. Doan Diem Quyen, joined by scholars, translators, lecturers, students, and readers with a shared passion for literature.
In his opening remarks, Dr.Le Van Ut, HSU Vice President, highlighted the importance of cultural exchange in today’s globalized world. He affirmed that sustainable international cooperation was built not only through education, science, and economic development but also through shared cultural and humanistic values. Moreover, he claimed that poetry had the unique power to transcend language and distance, bringing people closer together while cultivating friendship, mutual understanding, and empathy among cultures.
Where Literary Dialogue Inspires New Perspectives
Participants were immersed in a rich literary dialogue that examined the evolution of modern poetry in Viet Nam and Taiwan, covering its history, artistic movements, and ongoing significance today. Led by Dr. Ho Minh Quang, former Director of the Taiwan Education Center, and Ms. Nguyen Le Chi, Translator & Director of Chibooks, the session featured poetry readings, recitations, open discussions, and reflections on the creative and translation efforts behind works from both literary traditions.
Conversations between poets and translators created a vibrant space for literary exchange, offering new insights into contemporary literature and illustrating how poetry transcends cultural boundaries. While each work reflected the distinct identity of its motherland, they were united by universal themes of compassion, human emotion, and the timeless search for beauty.
Beyond bringing together distinguished writers, the exchange offered HSU students a unique opportunity to engage with scholars, poets, and translators from Viet Nam and Taiwan. These cross-cultural interactions enriched students’ learning experiences, strengthened their communication and language skills, encouraged creative thinking, and highlighted the role of literature in promoting global understanding.
Global Engagement Opportunities for HSU Students
Through a series of activities, the First Viet Nam – Taiwan Poetry Exchange 2026 aims to bring the literary values of both cultures closer to the public, inspiring young generations in creativity, research, and translation while strengthening future cooperation in culture and education between Viet Nam and Taiwan.
As the host institution for the opening ceremony, HSU continues to demonstrate its commitment to connecting cultures, expanding academic exchange, and promoting international cooperation. This further demonstrates HSU’s vision of fostering an internationally oriented learning environment where students develop specialized knowledge, global mindsets, cross-cultural skills, and the capacity to engage with a diverse world.
