2nd ASEAN Former Ambassadors Golf Tournament marks a notable moment for regional sports and diplomacy
WVR - The year 2025 marks 30 years since Vietnam joined ASEAN- and regional unity is being celebrated in a unique way: on the golf course. The 2nd ASEAN Former Ambassadors Friendship Golf Tournament brought together former national representatives, continuing bonds of friendship and cooperation long after their diplomatic tenures. More than a sporting event, it served as a commemorative milestone and a meaningful expression of people-to-people diplomacy within the ASEAN community.
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| 2nd ASEAN Former Ambassadors Golf Tournament marks a notable moment for regional sports and diplomacy. |
30 years of integration: From dialogue to diplomatic swings of friendship
July 28, 1995 marked a historic milestone as Vietnam officially joined the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The event carried profound strategic significance, opening a new chapter of proactive and comprehensive regional integration. Since that turning point, Vietnam has steadily become an active, responsible member with meaningful contributions to regional and global issues.
To commemorate this special milestone, on 29 November 2025, the Vietnam Senior Diplomats Golf Club hosted the 2nd ASEAN Former Ambassadors Friendship Golf Tournament at FLC Ha Long Golf Club, one of Vietnam's most stunning golf courses. The event continues the tradition of sports and diplomatic exchanges among former Ambassadors in the region, following the inaugural tournament held in Thailand in January 2025.
ASEAN friendship continues on the green
Over more than three decades, during their missions overseas, Vietnamese diplomats have consistently received strong cooperation and support from ASEAN Embassies at their posts. This camaraderie, professional solidarity and ASEAN spirit have been nurtured not only through official work but also through informal exchanges long after retirement – including sports, and particularly golf.
A well-known anecdote recalls that when Vietnam first joined ASEAN, regional Foreign Ministers encouraged former Deputy Prime Minister and former Foreign Minister Nguyen Manh Cam to take up golf "to blend in with ASEAN". Thirty years later, Vietnam now boasts nearly 100 golf courses, over 100,000 golfers, and has twice been named the World's Best Golf Destination.
Two days of competition, one shared spirit of connection
This year's tournament brought together 128 golfers from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam - all of whom had previously held senior posts such as government leaders, ministry officials or former Ambassadors. With a focus on sportsmanship and diplomatic etiquette, the tournament contributed to promoting the "live well - live actively - live meaningfully" values within the diplomatic community and society at large.
The two-day tournament took place on 28 November at Dragon Golf Links and on 29 November at FLC Ha Long Golf Club. After a series of intense and exciting rounds, the overall championship title was claimed by Shukob Bin Yatim of the Malaysian team.
More than a sporting event, the 2nd ASEAN Former Ambassadors Friendship Golf Tournament served as a meaningful people-to-people diplomatic initiative, reinforcing ASEAN unity while showcasing Vietnam's culture, hospitality and tourism potential to the regional golf community.
Looking ahead to Brunei: The next chapter of ASEAN friendship
Ambassador Le Duc Luu, Chairman of the Vietnam Senior Diplomats Golf Club, shared that all participating teams have agreed for the 3rd Tournament to be held in Brunei Darussalam in November 2026. A gentle yet firm promise was made - closing the chapter in Ha Long while opening a new journey on foreign greens.
As the Ambassador noted, each swing in Brunei will continue to write the story of ASEAN friendship. Just like the moments in Ha Long, every shot will carry wishes of peace, unity and resilience-sending forward the shared belief that regional friendship will keep extending, like a golf ball tracing its path toward the horizon of the future.
