On June 15, 2025, the vibrant atmosphere of camaraderie and cultural pride filled the iconic Turtle Hall of Can Tho University, where the program “Fellowship Spirit in the Western Capital” 2025 was held.
This year’s event featured an emotional and artistically rich gathering, organized by the Student Associations of Bac Lieu and Ca Mau provinces, with all participating members currently studying at Nam Can Tho University (DNC).
The program was a celebration of shared heritage, youthful creativity, and meaningful connection among students from the Mekong Delta living and studying in Can Tho. Despite featuring only two provincial student associations, the event delivered impressive performances and left a lasting mark on all who attended.
“Fellowship Spirit in the Western Capital” is an annual program that serves as a space for students from the Mekong Delta to come together and honor their shared roots, despite being far from home. It is a rare opportunity for students from the same hometowns to bond, perform, support one another, and express their cultural identity through music, dance, and storytelling.
The 2025 edition was modest in scale but rich in heart and depth. The event featured the Student Association of Bac Lieu Province and the Student Association of Ca Mau Province, both currently managed by student leaders at Nam Can Tho University. While there were only two performing units, the program offered a heartfelt showcase of regional identity, meaningful artistic expression, and impressive teamwork.
The Ca Mau Student Association delivered a powerful performance titled “Thuận Thiên” — a contemporary dance piece portraying resilience, renewal, and the unwavering spirit of people in the southern delta region. The choreography blended traditional elements with modern visuals, evoking images of perseverance and spiritual harmony with nature. For its rich content and impactful delivery, the performance earned the Second Prize.
In addition, the team presented a mashup of two revolutionary-themed songs — “Duong Len Phia Truoc” (Onward to the Frontline) and “Ho Keo Phao” (Pulling the Cannon) — reimagined with modern rhythms and dynamic staging. The piece reflected youthful strength, unity, and purpose. It was awarded a Consolation Prize, recognizing the group’s creative direction and performance energy.
The Bac Lieu Student Association chose a softer, more nostalgic approach with two well-known southern folk songs:
The team’s performance was unpretentious yet deeply moving. Their emotional delivery, sincerity, and understanding of the music’s heritage touched the hearts of the audience and earned them a Consolation Prize.
Beyond the awards, “Fellowship Spirit in the Western Capital” serves a vital purpose: it provides a safe and familiar space for students from the same hometown to reconnect and support one another in a big city far from home. For many, the event is a rare chance to meet fellow Ca Mau or Bac Lieu students, share experiences, and build meaningful friendships.
It is also an opportunity to introduce cultural values, regional traditions, and stories of the homeland to a broader audience of students from different backgrounds. Such activities strengthen the spirit of unity, identity, and collective growth within the university and the wider student community.
At the conclusion of the 2025 event, the organizing committee officially announced that Nam Can Tho University will host the 2026 edition of “Fellowship Spirit in the Western Capital.” This exciting news was met with great enthusiasm and pride by the DNC student community.
With modern facilities, experienced organizers, and a vibrant network of student clubs and associations, DNC is well-positioned to elevate the program to new heights. The 2026 event is expected to expand in scale and impact, offering a richer platform for cultural expression, regional pride, and student engagement.
“Fellowship Spirit in the Western Capital” 2025 concluded with applause, laughter, and heartfelt connections — a reminder of how powerful community, culture, and collaboration can be. For Nam Can Tho University, the event was not just a performance showcase, but a testament to the university’s commitment to developing well-rounded, culturally grounded, and socially responsible students.
With the baton now passed to DNC, preparations for 2026 are already underway. The university is committed to hosting a program that honors the legacy of the event while introducing fresh ideas, broader participation, and lasting memories.
See you at Nam Can Tho University in 2026 — where culture meets connection, and tradition embraces tomorrow.
