More than 400 red ao dai combined with 60 yellow ao dai to form a five-pointed star. Photo: Nhan Dan

Dr. Dang Thi Bich Lien, former Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, was elected President of the Association, with Nguyen Thi Thanh Tam as the Standing Vice President.

Other Vice Presidents include Khuc Thi Dau (also serving as General Secretary), Nguyen Thi Lan Vy, Hoang Thi Ngoc Mai, Phung Thi Thu Thuy, and Do Trinh Hoai Nam.

The first congress of the Association for the 2025–2030 term marked an important milestone in preserving and promoting traditional cultural values while elevating the ao dai in contemporary life and on the international stage.

To celebrate the launch of the Vietnam Ao Dai Cultural Association, the community art program “Radiant Homeland - Proud Heritage - Spreading Vietnamese Culture” took place, highlighted by the formation of a giant “National Flag” made up of nearly 500 people in ao dai at the Opera House Square. The event was held in the lead-up to the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2.

At the event, more than 400 participants in red ao dai joined 60 others in yellow ao dai to create a five-pointed star, achieving the standard 2:3 ratio of the flag. The result was a “living flag” that inspired immense national pride when viewed from above.

The fashion collection “The World as I See It” by designer Do Trinh Hoai Nam was also presented, with the red ao dai bearing a yellow star always at the center, delivering a strong message of patriotism.

“The National Flag ao dai is a sacred symbol, a source of pride, and a message to promote Vietnamese culture to the world,” the designer shared.

In addition to the formation display, the program featured a mass ao dai performance to the song “Hello Vietnam,” gathering more than 500 designers, artisans, and ao dai enthusiasts from across the country.

The event emphasized the role of the ao dai, particularly the National Flag ao dai, as a living heritage that unites the community and spreads the image of Vietnam globally.

The Vietnam Ao Dai Cultural Association was established under Decision No. 579/QD-BNV dated June 9, 2025, by the Minister of Home Affairs.

It operates as a socio-professional organization under the approved charter, complying with the law and under the State management of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and other relevant ministries and sectors.

PV