Speaking at the exhibition's opening ceremony on October 17, Vietnam's Ambassador to Malaysia Nguyen Hong Thao said he hopes that the exhibition, the first of its kind to be held in Malaysia, will introduce Malaysian and international friends to the distinct features of Vietnamese contemporary art, which in turn will help them understand more about the country, its culture and its people.

The exhibition will also help strengthen the friendship and cooperation between both countries, especially in culture and tourism, he added.

Numerous visitors have been impressed by the 40 plus paintings on display, on both silk and canvas that feature Vietnam's countryside, its people and their typical daily activities.

The exhibition, which runs until October 28, is the first in a series of activities to be hosted by the Vietnamese embassy to mark the 40 th anniversary of Vietnamese - Malaysian diplomatic ties in 2013.

Soon after the exhibition, a theatre group from Vietnam will fly to Malaysia to perform in the States of Penang and Kedah.