On the morning of March 15, at Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade, the Faculty of Foreign Languages – Division of Chinese Language successfully organized an academic seminar entitled “Chinese Characters – A Cultural Journey.” The program was honored to welcome Dr. Tô Phương Cường, lecturer at Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, who delivered an inspiring presentation rich in scholarly value.

The seminar attracted nearly 400 students majoring in Chinese Language. The atmosphere in the hall became lively and enthusiastic from the very beginning as students listened to fascinating stories about the formation and development of Chinese characters through different historical periods.

With a presentation style that was vivid, approachable, and profoundly knowledgeable, Dr. Tô Phương Cường guided the audience through the thousand-year journey of Chinese characters: from oracle bone script, bronze inscriptions, and large seal script to small seal script. He also analyzed the phonological patterns of Chinese characters and highlighted the beauty, sophistication, and cultural depth embedded in every stroke. These insights not only helped students gain a clearer understanding of the origins and development of the writing system, but also inspired a stronger passion for exploring Chinese culture and the profound significance of studying Chinese Language.

The program was honored to welcome Dr. Tô Phương Cường, lecturer at Ho Chi Minh City University of Education

The program became even more engaging through the direct exchange session between the speaker and the students. Many interesting questions were raised regarding the study of Chinese characters, language research methods, and career orientation. With his open manner and extensive knowledge, Dr. Cường answered each question in a detailed, accessible, and highly convincing way, further deepening the students’ admiration for and appreciation of his profound scholarship.

With his open manner and extensive knowledge, Dr. Cường answered each question in a detailed, accessible, and highly convincing way

Interwoven throughout the program were impressive musical performances presented by students of the Chinese Language major, creating a joyful and emotional atmosphere. The performance of “Tiếu Nạp – 笑纳” by Nguyễn Ngọc Quý, with its lively rhythm, energized the entire hall. It was followed by the song “Brilliant Sarilang – 火红的萨日朗” performed by Phan Ngọc Quỳnh Anh, whose energetic presentation made the atmosphere even more vibrant and radiant. In particular, the vọng cổ performance “Song in Tribute to Uncle Hồ” by Lê Huỳnh Kim Chi, with her sweet and soaring voice, left the audience deeply surprised and moved.

The seminar concluded with a meaningful moment when the entire audience gathered for a commemorative photo with the speaker. Many students stayed afterward for the chance to take pictures with Dr. Cường, a lecturer whom they all greatly admired for his profound knowledge and passionate dedication to Chinese characters.

The seminar “Chinese Characters – A Cultural Journey” was not only a meaningful academic activity, but also a bridge that helped students gain deeper access to the cultural values of Chinese characters, while providing strong inspiration for those pursuing the study and research of Chinese Language. Although the program came to an end, the knowledge, inspiration, and lasting impressions it brought will surely remain in the hearts of all participating students for a long time.