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POTTERY PAINTING π¨Β
& WHEEL-THROWING EXPERIENCE π₯£Β
The Art (and Heart) of Pottery
The art of Vietnamese pottery is an ancient and diverse craft β from the hand-coiled and unglazed Cham pottery to the wheel-thrown and glazed ceramics seen across the country. Today, our Canberrans got to try their hands at traditional wheel throwing β turning the wheel manually as they shaped their own clay creations.
It was not easy β it took patience, steady hands, and lots of do-overs. But in the process, they learnt that every wobble and every restart is part of the beauty of creating something with your own hands. Pottery teaches resilience, focus, and the quiet joy of trying again (and again!).
Our Canberrans also painted their own ceramics β each one different, each one uniquely theirs.
VIETNAM-SINGAPORE INDUSTRIAL PART (VISP) -Β
VISIT TO YAKULT FACTORY π₯€
From Lab to Bottle: The Yakult Story
Our Canberrans visited the VSIP Yakult Factory to discover what goes into making those tiny bottles of probiotic goodness.
The students learnt about Yakult's history and the science behind its beneficial bacteria. Then came the tasting session β they sampled both the original and light versions, comparing flavours while learning about gut health.
Next, they observed the production process from behind glass viewing panels. Watching the machinery in action was mesmerizing β from the cultivation of live probiotics to bottles being filled, arranged, and labeled with remarkable precision and speed.
From laboratory to bottle to taste buds β our Canberrans enjoyed the fruits (or probiotics!) of modern food science and production.
BEN THANH MARKETποΈ
The Art of the Deal (Ben Thanh Market Edition)
The bustling Ben Thanh Market was a whole new kind of classroom! From colourful souvenirs to local snacks, every stall was an invitation for our Canberrans to practise their bargaining skills. Part of the thrill (and a little bit of stress) was in negotiating β making offers and counteroffers, reading body language, and figuring out when to seal the deal.
Amidst all the laughter and friendly haggling, they were also sharpening important E21CCs β communication, adaptability, confidence, and even a touch of critical thinking. Who knew buying a keychain or T-shirt could be such a hands-on lesson in negotiation and interpersonal skills?
At the end of the day, it wasn't just about getting the best price β it was about learning how to connect, listen, and communicate effectively, even across languages and cultures.
WATER PUPPET SHOW π
Stories on Water
Our Canberrans ended the day with a feast for the senses β a traditional Vietnamese Water Puppet Show! Against the shimmering water stage, the puppets danced, fought, and told stories to the sounds of live traditional music. The entire show was in Vietnamese, yet they found themselves laughing, gasping, and clapping along.
At the end of the show, the puppeteers emerged from behind the backdrop, dressed in waterproof overalls, to take their curtain calls. They had been standing in waist-deep water the whole time, skillfully bringing each puppet to life with precision and grace.
Even without words, our Canberrans understood β through rhythm, movement, and emotion. Sometimes, that's all it takes to tell a story.
Day 4 was a celebration of craft, culture, and connection. From shaping clay with their own hands to bargaining in bustling markets to being moved by stories told through water and music, our Canberrans have experienced Vietnam not just as visitors, but as learners and participants. As they prepare to return home tomorrow, they carry with them not just souvenirs, but skills, stories, and memories that will last a lifetime.
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