Students from the Faculty of Finance and Commerce at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (13WIN13) had the opportunity to participate in a meaningful cultural exchange with students from the National University of Singapore (NUS) through the “Wrap & Clap” program, held on May 16 at the University of Economics and Law (UEL) – VNU-HCM.
The event was structured around two main activities: “Wrap” and “Clap.” In the “Wrap” segment, 13WIN13 and NUS students teamed up to prepare and assemble bò bía ngọt – a traditional Vietnamese sweet spring roll. The crunchy sweetness of sugar candy, the freshness of shredded coconut, the richness of roasted peanuts, and the soft texture of rice paper combined to create a delightful treat. Laughter filled the air as participants proudly presented their first creations, sharing both excitement and surprise with their international guests.
The cultural immersion continued with a captivating demonstration by a traditional kẹo chỉ (candy floss) artisan, who showcased the intricate technique of stretching sugar into fine, silky threads. The passionfruit-scented candy, both delicate and delicious, amazed NUS students as they witnessed how simple ingredients could be transformed into a beautiful, handcrafted confection – a testament to the creativity and finesse of Vietnamese artisanship.
The program truly came alive during the “Clap” segment, featuring the sạp folk dance – a traditional bamboo pole dance. Though hesitant at first, NUS students quickly picked up the rhythm with the help of their 13WIN13 peers. Cheers, applause, and joyful energy filled the courtyard, fostering a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere that transcended language barriers.
When asked about her experience, NUS student Goh Ariana Goh Zhi Hui shared:“At first, I struggled with the bamboo dance steps, but once I got the rhythm, it was so fun and exciting. I was also amazed at how sugar could be turned into such fine threads to make a delicious candy. This was truly a new and unforgettable cultural experience.”
More than just a celebration of traditional culture, “Wrap & Clap” offered 13WIN13 students a dynamic environment for holistic development. Through every moment of interaction, they had the chance to connect directly with international peers, enhance intercultural communication skills, and practice English in a real-world context. These natural, spontaneous exchanges helped students develop flexibility in communication, improve active listening, and sharpen their responsiveness — contributing significantly to their language proficiency and confidence.
Nguyễn Khương Tuyển, a student of the Faculty of Finance and Commerce, reflected:“For me, ‘Wrap & Clap’ wasn’t just a cultural exchange; it was a full-on journey — fun, enriching, and full of valuable lessons. Making sweet spring rolls, pulling sugar candy, and dancing with friends from Singapore helped me realize that, no matter where we’re from, joy and openness bring us together. This program showed me that culture isn’t just something you read about — it’s alive in every dish, dance, laugh, and shared moment. I learned to appreciate our traditions more deeply and gained confidence in engaging with international friends. It’s truly one of the most memorable student experiences I’ve had — fun, chill, and unforgettable!”
In addition to cultural discovery, working together in activities like traditional food preparation, folk music, and dance also fostered teamwork and multicultural adaptability — essential skills for thriving in a globally integrated world. With each shared experience, students not only gained a deeper understanding of cultural identity but also enriched their knowledge, resilience, and confidence, preparing to become global citizens: dynamic, creative, and ready to make their mark.
