This is the first time a large-scale photo contest has been held by UEVF with the involvement of large numbers of Vietnamese students in 18 cities and provinces across France, including Rennes, Nantes, Orléans, Tours-Blois, Rouen, Le Mans, Angers, Caen, Nice, Reims, Bordeaux, Lyon, Montpellier, Strasbourg, La Rochelle, Aix-Marseille, Toulouse and Pau.

The cultural event is a part of activities to mark the 40th anniversary of Vietnam-France diplomatic ties, aiming to strengthen solidarity among Vietnamese students in France as well as create an interesting forum for Vietnamese students who are amateur photographers.

According to Mr. Nguyen Hoang Tan, co-chief organizer, this competition is seen as a chance for the Vietnamese Student Association chapters to compete with each other, not only between individuals.

Each chapter sends 3 - 7 photos to the contest to post on Facebook on May 4-13.

Photos must combine the characteristics of Vietnam, and the beauty of France's provinces, where the contestants are living, learning and working.

After that, audience will grade and vote for their favourite photos on Facebook, the 20 most popular photos will be sent to the board of examiners of the contest.

Mr. Nguyen Viet Long, Vice Chairman of the Vietnamese Student Association in France and Chairman of the Vietnamese Student Association chapter in Rouen, said the contest was held on the initiative of the chapters in the Northwestern region of UEVF, with the support and efforts of most of the Vietnamese Student Association chapters in France, many chapters have voluntarily contributed funds to support the organizing board.

These are valuable contributions to the success of the contest, as well as the excitement of the organizers and strengthening ties within the Vietnamese student community in France.