The activity took place as part of the top leader’s State visit to Singapore and his participation in the 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue. Beyond a ceremonial tribute to the revered leader of Vietnam, the event also served as a reminder of the historical values, spirit of peace and aspirations for development that President Ho Chi Minh left to future generations.

Standing before the statue and memorial plaque, the top leader, his spouse and members of the Vietnamese delegation observed a moment of silence in memory of the founding leader of modern Vietnam, a national liberation hero and a respected international communist figure.

Located prominently within the Asian Civilisations Museum, the statue of President Ho Chi Minh stands alongside statues of other notable Asian leaders and historical figures. His presence there reflects Singapore’s respect for a leader who had significant influence across the region and whose ideals of peace, national independence and international cooperation continue to resonate in today’s world.

Few people know that the memorial dedicated to President Ho Chi Minh in Singapore originated from the affection and admiration that Singaporeans hold for the Vietnamese leader. In May 2008, on the occasion of the 118th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh’s birthday and the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Singapore, Singapore’s National Heritage Board inaugurated the memorial plaque within the grounds of the Asian Civilisations Museum.

Later, through an initiative supported by friends of Vietnam from Singapore’s National Heritage Board, the Embassy of Vietnam in Singapore and the Ho Chi Minh Museum, the idea of erecting a statue of President Ho Chi Minh beside the memorial plaque was realised. The statue was inaugurated in September 2011 and has since become a meaningful destination for the Vietnamese community in Singapore as well as international friends of Vietnam.

Situated along the Singapore River, the Asian Civilisations Museum preserves and presents stories of cultural exchange across Asia and the region’s connections with the wider world. Within that setting, the statue and memorial plaque dedicated to President Ho Chi Minh stand not only as historical landmarks but also as symbols of the enduring friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Singapore over more than half a century.

At a time when Vietnam-Singapore relations continue to expand across areas such as trade, education, science and technology, and people-to-people exchanges, the images from the memorial ceremony once again highlighted the strong historical foundation and mutual goodwill that continue to deepen bilateral ties.

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