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Unveiling The Untold Stories of Thien Kien's Stories of Gratitude Event
In a heartwarming celebration that felt both intimate and grand, Thien Kien hosted the "Stories of Gratitude" gathering. This private event honored partners and clients who played vital roles in its journey over the past two years. Inspired by Thanksgiving traditions from the United States and Canada, along with the New Rice Festival celebrated by ethnic minorities in Vietnam's Central Highlands, the evening beautifully wove together themes of appreciation, community, and cultural richness.
A traditional small kitchen with a traditional steaming pot used to relieve colds is recreated right next to the entrance of a private villa to begin a multi-sensory journey.
Taking place in November, coinciding with the 10th lunar month—a time traditionally marked by harvest and thanksgiving—the event set the stage for a memorable evening filled with heartfelt emotions and deep cultural connections.
2 Thien Kien co-founders welcomed Mr.Mason Cobb (Founder Victoria Healthcare), Mr.Nguyen Duy (Associate & Marketing Lead, NEXVN) and Ms.Nguyen Nhung (Program and Impact Manager, NEXVN)
At the core of this event was a genuine expression of gratitude. It was not just about acknowledging past successes but also about fostering valuable relationships built over the years. As guests entered the venue, they were enveloped in the comforting aroma of folk herbs, which infused the space with a sense of warmth and nostalgia that spoke directly to the heart.
This deliberate ambiance reflected the event's goal—to celebrate community, tradition, and emotional ties.
Upon arrival, attendees felt as though they had stepped into a cultural tapestry celebrating both local heritage and shared histories. Guests were served refreshing lemongrass ginger lemonade—a drink that not only warmed their spirits but prepared them for an evening of connection and joy.
Mr. Mason Cobb enjoys Thien Kien's special welcome drink. A drink that reminds him of his grandmother, who used to take care of him with herbal drinks whenever he was sick as a child. This makes him very impressed with the unexpected cultural similarities between two countries that are geographically and culturally distant.
Painting exhibition, experience traveling to the past with historical stories
The inviting combination of flavors and scents transported everyone to a unique space where tradition met modernity, making each moment feel special and intentional.
As guests moved further into the venue, they discovered an exhibition of historical artworks that celebrated Vietnam's rich heritage. Gallery-style presentations adorned the middle of the hall, showcasing pieces that expressed stories of resilience, unity, and creativity.
The villa's main hall showcases a unique art exhibition. Centered around two parallel S-shaped thatched roofs symbolizing the flow of time, the co-founder's paintings are suspended mid-air.
Positioned at the entrance, viewers embark on a visual journey through time. Starting from the present, the exhibition chronologically retraces Vietnamese history, culminating in paintings depicting the Nguyen Dynasty.
Further back, viewers encounter scenes from the Le, Tran, and Ly dynasties. Each artwork captures the pivotal transitional periods between these historical eras, offering a captivating glimpse into the nation's past.
Hoang Dai (co-founder, Thien Kien) introduces his personal exhibition of historical artworks to Mr. Mason Cobb (founder, Victoria Healthcare)
Enhancing the cultural experience, the soft melodies of the Vietnamese guzheng floated gently through the air. This traditional music created a serene ambiance, encouraging guests to relax, mingle, and reminisce about shared experiences and collaborations.
Enjoy Vietnamese guzheng
Tung Lò Mò (beef sausage of Muslim Cham people in An Giang)
As couples and friends enjoyed each other’s company, the beautiful sound of the guzheng lingered in their minds, deepening their appreciation for Vietnamese culture and enriching the evening.
The culinary experience was undoubtedly one of the evening's highlights. Tables were adorned with an enticing spread of Vietnamese-style finger foods, inviting guests to gather, share, and savor flavors that told their own stories.
Dishes range from familiar dishes such as bamboo rice of the Tay ethnic minority from the Central Highlands to the explosive taste of Tung Lò Mò (beef sausage of the Muslim Cham people in An Giang). Approximately 70% of guests noted that the shared plates fostered a strong sense of community and gratitude, creating an atmosphere of nourishment and thankfulness.
Beyond food and art, the event incorporated a traditional archery activity that engaged participants on a deeper level. This exciting experience not only provided fun but also offered a hands-on connection to Vietnam's cultural heritage.
Guests took turns trying their hand at archery, which drew smiles and laughter, transforming the gathering into an interactive celebration of skills long treasured in Vietnamese history. This unique experience encouraged attendees to appreciate the lore and legacy that shape their partnerships.
Mr. Henri van Eeghen (CEO, New Energy NEXUS) experiences traditional archery at Thien Kien's event
Throughout the evening, stories of gratitude were shared, echoing the gathering's intentions. Like Thanksgiving traditions where families recount tales of appreciation, attendees reflected on their shared journeys, milestones, and unwavering support for one another.
Mr. Huy Do (Chairman, SAVVI Code), Mr. Long Lam (Chairman, ISC Vietnam), Mr. Mason Cobb (Founder, Victoria Healthcare), Mr. Johan Nyvene (Chairman of the Board of Directors, HSC) experience at Thien Kien 2024's "Stories of Gratitude" event
These narratives strengthened connections and highlighted the importance of collaboration and community, showcasing the hands-on approach that Thien Kien values in its partnerships. The evening became a platform for storytelling, reinforcing how gratitude fuels mutual growth.
As the night concluded, a lingering appreciation filled the room. Guests left with tokens of gratitude—a symbolic gesture that embodied the connections established throughout the evening.
This event left participants pondering their unique roles and how their collective journey binds them together as a community.
The "Stories of Gratitude" event organized by Thien Kien was much more than just a gathering; it was a vibrant celebration of life, culture, and partnership. The interconnected layers of culture, food, art, and shared stories resonated deeply with every attendee.
As the memories from this enchanting evening linger, they serve as a reminder that gratitude shines brightest through actions and experiences shared together.
Reflecting on the successful "Stories of Gratitude" event, it captures the essence of giving thanks while honoring invaluable relationships. By blending Vietnamese traditions with modern appreciation, Thien Kien has exemplified how to celebrate partnerships meaningfully.
It is hoped that this event inspires others to actively embrace gratitude in their lives actively, nurturing deeper connections that go beyond formalities.