This marks the first time Vietnam’s renowned pho has been the focus of a dedicated festival in the island country, offering new opportunities to promote cultural exchange, cuisine, and trade cooperation between the two countries.
Under the theme “Pho-Enjoying Together, Growing Together,” the two-day event presents Vietnamese pho as a “cultural ambassador” that connects communities and fosters collaboration in culture, tourism, trade, and investment between Vietnam and Singapore.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Singapore Tran Phuoc Anh and delegates cut the ribbon to open the Vietnam Pho Festival 2025 in Singapore. (Photo: VNA)
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Desmond Choo, Singaporean Minister of State for Defence, highlighted pho as a symbol of Vietnamese heritage and resilience, saying it embodies cultural values that connect people across borders. He noted that the festival’s theme reflects the close friendship and shared aspirations between Singapore and Vietnam. The festival’s highlights included an authentic Vietnamese culinary space where master chefs and artisans prepare traditional pho alongside other favourites such as banh mi and nem ran (fried spring rolls). Exhibitions feature images, agricultural products, spices, and tourism services from Vietnam, complemented by cultural performances blending traditional music with modern elements, offering visitors a taste of Vietnamese culture and hospitality.
Desmond Choo described the festival as a practical expression of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and Singapore. He said the event helps Singaporeans better understand Vietnam’s diverse agricultural products, paving the way for future business cooperation both within Singapore and across the region.
Visitors warmly welcomed the festival, expressing delight at experiencing authentic Vietnamese flavours and diverse regional pho styles in Singapore.
A key feature of the festival was the Vietnam–Singapore Investment, Trade, and Tourism Promotion Forum, which gathered around 150 enterprises from both countries. The forum provided networking opportunities, discussions, and business-matching sessions aimed at strengthening partnerships and promoting new bilateral agreements.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Singapore Tran Phuoc Anh highlighted that the festival holds special significance as it takes place at a time when Vietnam–Singapore relations are at their best, especially following the recent upgrade to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He noted that hosting the event at Our Tampines Hub-Singapore’s largest integrated community and residential complex-helps spread Vietnamese culinary culture more widely while also strengthening bonds within the Vietnamese expatriate community.
The Vietnam Pho Festival 2025 is jointly organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Singapore, Tuoi Tre (Youth) Newspaper, and the Saigontourist Group, in collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade and the Vietnamese Liaison Committee in Singapore.
