On April 11, 2025, at APAG Headquarters in Ha Noi, the Academy of Public Administration and Governance (APAG) hosted a celebration for Bunpimay 2025 (Buddhist calendar year 2568), the traditional New Year festival of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, for Lao international students currently studying at APAG.
Delegates attended the Bunpimay celebration.
Bunpimay, also known as the Water-Splashing Festival, is held annually from April 13 to 16. The festival coincides with the clear skies and abundant rivers of spring, symbolizing prosperity and new beginnings. A distinctive feature of Bunpimay is the water-splashing ritual. Rooted in Lao beliefs, water is seen as the source of life, capable of washing away sorrow and negativity, bringing purity, renewal, and vitality. Originating from Laos’ rice-growing culture, the ritual is a way to pray for favorable weather, fruitful harvests, and a peaceful and prosperous year. During the festival, people splash water on one another as a blessing, wishing for happiness and harmony in the new year.
The ceremony welcomed several distinguished guests, including Dr. Bun Pon Keo Pheng La, Second Secretary and Deputy Head of the Education and Culture Department at the Embassy of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in Viet Nam; Mr. Kham La, representative from the Education and Culture Department; Mr. Nguyen Van Co, Standing Member of the Viet Nam–Laos Friendship Association; and Major Dinh Phu Lan from Viet Nam’s 959 Military Expert Group aiding Laos.
From APAG, participants included Dr. Bui Phuong Dinh, Vice President of APAG, leaders of various faculties, departments and units, as well as a large number of Lao students currently pursuing their studies at APAG.
Dr. Bui Phuong Dinh extends New Year Wishes to Lao students on the occasion of Bunpimay.
Speaking at the celebration of Bunpimay — the most important traditional festival of the Lao people — Dr. Bui Phuong Dinh, Vice President of APAG, extended heartfelt greetings on behalf of the APAG Board of Directors, faculty, and staff. He wished the officials of the Lao Embassy in Viet Nam, along with Lao students and their families studying at APAG, a happy and successful new year. He also extended his best wishes to the people of Laos, hoping they would achieve even greater accomplishments under the leadership of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party in the coming year. He also expressed his deep condolences and solidarity with the Lao people over the passing of Khamtay Siphandone, the former President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic — a great friend of Viet Nam and an outstanding leader who made significant contributions to the revolutionary cause of the Lao people and to the special Viet Nam–Laos relationship.
Fulfilling the mission assigned by the Party and State of Viet Nam, APAG (formerly NAPA) has, over the years, worked closely with relevant agencies to support the study conditions and improve the material and well-being of Lao students in Viet Nam. Lecturers and staff of APAG have been dedicated in offering guidance and support, accompanying Lao students throughout their academic journey.
Dr. Bui Phuong Dinh presented New Year gifts to the students in celebration of Bunpimay.
Dr. Bui Phuong Dinh praised the academic spirit and discipline of the Lao students at APAG, noting that many graduates have returned to Laos and successfully applied their knowledge to practical work. Many have been entrusted with important roles within the Lao Party and Government. The academic achievements of these students serve as a concrete contribution to strengthening the special, comprehensive relationship between the two Parties, Governments, and peoples of Laos and Viet Nam.
On the occasion of Bunpimay 2025, Dr. Bui Phuong Dinh once again extended warm New Year greetings to the staff of the Lao Embassy in Viet Nam. He wished all Lao students at APAG good health, happiness, and continued success in their studies, with the hope that they will contribute meaningfully to Laos’ socio-economic development and to building a prosperous, strong nation.
Dr. Bun Pon Keo Pheng La, Second Secretary and Deputy Head of the Education and Culture Department at the Embassy of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in Viet Nam, highlighted the unique Viet Nam–Laos friendship during Bunpimay celebration.
At the ceremony, Dr. Bun Pon Keo Pheng La, Second Secretary and Deputy Head of the Education and Culture Department at the Embassy of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in Viet Nam, emphasized that the bond and solidarity between the Parties and peoples of Viet Nam and Laos is truly unique — a relationship that has been proven over a long history of friendship and shared development. He affirmed that the Lao Party and State have always received valuable support from their Vietnamese counterparts, especially in the field of education and training for Lao students. He also noted the cultural similarities between Laos’ Bunpimay and Viet Nam’s Lunar New Year (Tet Nguyen Dan), both being occasions to reflect on the past year and set goals for the future.
He expressed sincere gratitude to APAG for its dedicated support and care for Lao students. He also expressed hope that Vietnamese lecturers will continue to share their knowledge and experience, helping Lao students become well-qualified and morally upright officials capable of contributing effectively at all levels of government — and ultimately to the development of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
Mr. Kongkeo Lunmarla, a doctoral student from Cohort 21.
Mr. Kongkeo Lunmarla, a doctoral student from Cohort 21, delivered remarks on behalf of all Lao students. He expressed sincere gratitude to the Board of Directors of APAG for organizing a celebration of Bunpimay, the traditional Lao New Year, for the Lao student community. During their time studying and conducting research at APAG, Lao students have always received attentive guidance, support, and care from their Vietnamese lecturers. Vietnamese students, too, have shown warm camaraderie, offering help and encouragement and creating favorable conditions for Lao students to study and live in Viet Nam. Speaking for the entire Lao student cohort, Mr. Kongkeo Lunmarla pledged to study and train even harder to live up to the trust of their teachers, parents, and loved ones. He reaffirmed their commitment to contributing to the deepening of the Viet Nam–Laos friendship, taking it to new heights. He also extended wishes for the special cooperative friendship between the two Parties and States of Viet Nam and Laos to continue flourishing—evergreen, fruitful, and everlasting.
Major Dinh Phu Lan of Viet Nam’s Military Expert Group 959 presented gifts and extended New Year wishes to Lao students on the occasion of Bunpimay.
Lao students also performed traditional music and dance to welcome the New Year and honor the deep friendship between the Parties, States, and peoples of Viet Nam and Laos. A special moment of the event included the traditional Lao baci ceremony—tying sacred threads around the wrists—an indispensable part of Bunpimay, symbolizing good fortune and spiritual blessings.
Dr. Bui Phuong Dinh joined Lao students and attending delegates in the baci ceremony.
