Brushstrokes of spring: HaUI's calligraphy writing competition 2026

On February 26, the School of Languages and Tourism, Hanoi University of Industry (HaUI) rang in the Year of the Horse with its signature calligraphy festival, "Calligraphy Writing Competition 2026." The event offered students a vibrant cultural experience and set a hopeful tone for a peaceful and prosperous new year.

HaUI's Calligraphy Writing Competition 2026

A Platform for Cultural Exchange

The festival has become a highly anticipated HaUI tradition that preserves Vietnamese heritage while fostering a global community. This year’s event drew a diverse crowd of students from various majors, highlighted by the enthusiastic participation of 10 international students from Mozambique.

The event brought together calligraphy artists, Vietnamese students, and international participants, creating a vibrant and inclusive cultural atmosphere that reflected the diversity and unity of the HaUI community.

Surrounded by the festive red décor typical of the Lunar New Year, students gathered around inkstones and traditional Điệp paper, showcasing a beautiful display of cross-cultural friendship. Fernando Francisco Alcino, an international student who joined the competition, shared his experience: "Holding a calligraphy brush for the first time and writing Vietnamese words for spring was an incredibly moving experience. It wasn't just about practicing a new language; it was about feeling the warmth and hospitality of Vietnam firsthand."

Fernando Francisco Alcino shares his cultural experience and wishes for the Year of the Horse

Setting Intentions for the New Year

Centered around the theme "Welcoming Spring," the competition was more than just a showcase of penmanship; it was a heartfelt way to set intentions for the year ahead. The delicate scent of ink, combined with meaningful traditional verses, brought a deeply reflective and artistic atmosphere to the campus.

The organizing committee awarded the following top honors to the most outstanding participants:

- First Place: Duong Ngoc Linh Chi (Japanese Language 1 - K18)

- Second Place: Hoang Thuy Linh (Linguistics 1 - K20)

- Third Place: Dam Thi Ngoc Anh (Chinese Language 1 - K18), Truong Thuy Linh (Korean Language 1 - K18), and Fernando Francisco Alcino (International Student).

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Ba Phong, Vice Principal of the School of Languages and Tourism, and Calligrapher Tran Quoc Chi present the First Place award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cam Tu Tai and Calligrapher Nguyen Van Nguyen present the Second Place award

Ms. Pham Thi Trang, Vice Dean of the Chinese Language Faculty; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Trong Duong from the Faculty of Vietnamese Language and Culture; and Dr. Quach Van Dau from the Military Science Academy, presented the Third Place awards to the contestants

Calligraphy Writing Competition 2026 successfully bridged the gap between tradition and modern global integration. The vibrant red calligraphy pieces, carrying wishes for the Year of the Horse, prove that traditional values still resonate strongly with today’s youth. Once again, this annual event highlighted how culture acts as a unifying force at HaUI, bringing together different academic disciplines and nationalities to build a brighter, shared future.