CROSSING BORDERS: MALAYSIAN CULTURE AND ETIQUETTE SHARED WITH VIETNAMESE STUDENTS

HANOI, 23 June 2025 - The Faculty of Tourism, Hanoi Open University, organised an online workshop titled “Intercultural Communication” as part of the “Sustainable Tourism for a Better Future” project for their students. 

The workshop aimed to expose students to Malaysian culture and etiquette, an essential component in preparing them for future careers in the tourism industry. Understanding cultural norms and practices is particularly important for those entering the global tourism sector, where cross-cultural communication plays a vital role. 

The session began with an opening address and a presentation by Nguyen Thi Thao, a lecturer at the Faculty of Tourism, Hanoi Open University, on “Definitions and Components of Intercultural Communication.” This was followed by a sharing session with Siti Ainun Jariyah Hassan, Senior Language Teacher at the Centre for Modern Languages, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), who was invited as a guest speaker to present on “Malaysian Culture and Etiquette.” 

In her presentation, she shared insights on cultural differences, Malaysian communication styles, and local cuisine. The students were also introduced to basic phrases in Bahasa Melayu, such as “Terima kasih,” “Selamat Sejahtera,” and others. They eagerly practised the correct pronunciation and engaged enthusiastically throughout the session. 

Miss Thanh Hoang, a lecturer and workshop coordinator, noted that the session was both engaging and highly beneficial for students, particularly as they prepare to enter the tourism industry. 

Beyond its educational value, the workshop also served as a platform to foster collaboration between educational institutions in Malaysia and Vietnam. This initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, which advocates for inclusive, equitable, quality education and the promotion of lifelong learning opportunities for all. 

Overall, the workshop was a proactive effort to enrich students’ knowledge, enhance cross-cultural learning experiences, strengthen institutional partnerships, and raise global awareness among future tourism professionals. 

Prepared by: Siti Ainun Jariyah Hassan