Vietnamese Association in UK charts new course at 9th Congress
The association will remain dedicated to building a compassionate, inclusive, and culturally proud Vietnamese community that remains deeply connected to those in both the UK and Vietnam.
New President of the Vietnamese Association in the UK (VAUK) Le Thi My Le speaks at the congress. (Photo: VNA)
London (VNA) – The Vietnamese Association in the UK (VAUK) convened its 9th Congress for the 2025–2029 term on May 18, reaffirming its mission to promote unity and sustainable development, and elevate the prestige of the Vietnamese community living there.
The congress reviewed the 2018–2024 term, a period marked by challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic and internal leadership changes. Despite these hurdles, the VAUK sustained its flagship events such as Lunar New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations, and held community football tournaments. The association also deepened ties with the homeland through visits to the Truong Sa (Spratly), fundraising for natural disaster and COVID-19 relief, and support for disadvantaged communities back home.
A key achievement was the VAUK’s partnership with the University of Languages and International Studies under the Vietnam National University-Hanoi to provide free Vietnamese language classes for children of expatriates. The association further modernised its outreach by launching a website, //vauk.org/, unveiling a new logo, and establishing a community library to serve as a hub for learning, research and cultural exchange.
Delegates discussed updates to the association’s charter and strategies to boost operational efficiency and community cohesion.
They elected a 14-member executive board representing Vietnamese groups across the UK, and appointed an advisory board of veteran contributors. Le Thi My Le was named the VAUK’s new President while Kien Pham became Vice President.
In her first address, Le pledged to lead with unity, responsibility, and a commitment to community service. She underscored the association’s dedication to building a compassionate, inclusive, and culturally proud Vietnamese community that remains deeply connected to those in both the UK and Vietnam.
Nguyen Tuan Viet, Counsellor of the Vietnamese Embassy in the UK, reaffirmed the embassy’s continued support for the VAUK in all of its endeavors.
💟 Founded in 1977, the VAUK has long served as a vital link for Vietnamese expatriates, promoting cultural traditions and fostering integration while maintaining strong bonds with Vietnam./.
The two sides discussed future cooperation activities, including sharing leadership and organisation experiences, increasing political dialogues, and supporting cultural exchanges.
The UK, with an annual agri-food import value of 67 billion USD, is seen as a high-potential market. In 2024, Vietnam’s agri-export turnover to the UK reached nearly 883 million USD, a 15.4% year-on-year increase.
Vietnam Airlines launched its direct UK route in 2011, initially operating from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) before transitioning to Heathrow in 2015, improving connectivity to one of the UK’s major international hubs./.
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