World cultural exchange: The United Kingdom - Unraveling the Myth of the Misty Isle

More than just the land of royalty, world-class football, and elegant afternoon tea, the UK also boasts distinctive cultural symbols unmistakable from any other nation in the world.

1. Highlights you can only find in the United Kingdom

1.1 English Literature: The quintessence of written culture

English literature has reached global prominence, becoming one of the greatest and most influential literary traditions in history. William Shakespeare, considered one of the greatest writers of all time, with works like Hamlet, Macbeth, and Romeo and Juliet, not only explores profound themes of love, power, and fate but also creates timeless characters, such as Hamlet and Lady Macbeth, who symbolize internal struggles. Shakespeare also contributed to the development of modern English by coining new words and sentence structures.

Besides Shakespeare, Charles Dickens vividly portrayed English society during the Industrial Revolution. His works, such as Oliver Twist and A Tale of Two Cities, reflect social injustice and stratification. J.K. Rowling, with her Harry Potter series, revitalized children's literature and influenced a generation of readers, affirming the global impact of English literature. These works not only enrich English culture but also create a global cultural legacy through literary festivals like the Booker Prize and book events held worldwide.

1.2 English Art: From classical to modern

English art has flourished for centuries and achieved global acclaim. The English Renaissance left an enduring mark through the paintings of Hans Holbein and Joseph Mallord William Turner, who created works like The Ambassadors (Holbein) and The Fighting Temeraire (Turner), notable for their transition from Gothic to Renaissance styles.

In the 20th century, Pop Art thrived with names like David Hockney and Peter Blake. Hockney, with his famous paintings of Californian landscapes and colorful portraits, brought new life to English art. Blake designed the album cover for The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, which became an icon of popular culture and contemporary art. The British museum system, especially the Tate Modern and National Gallery, not only preserves classical works but also serves as a creative space for contemporary artists to showcase their talent, demonstrating a wonderful blend of tradition and innovation.

1.3 Architecture: A blend of classical and modern

English architecture is an interplay between historical past and modernity. Classical structures like Westminster Abbey and Windsor Castle are not only symbols of Gothic and Tudor architecture but also places steeped in the history of the British Monarchy. These buildings showcase grandeur in design and reverence for long-standing cultural values.

At the same time, England is also home to profoundly modern buildings, notably The Shard in London – the tallest building in Europe. Its modern pyramid design with reflective glass has transformed the capital's skyline. Christopher Wren's St. Paul's Cathedral, an icon of Baroque architecture, imparts solemnity and deep history, combining with modern structures to create a harmonious blend of past and present, showcasing the continuous evolution of English architecture.

1.4 Museums and libraries: Invaluable cultural treasures

With a rich museum system, England is home to invaluable cultural assets. The British Museum is one of the largest museums in the world, with collections from ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, and Rome. It is not only a place to admire historical artifacts but also a center for research and education on human history and culture.

The Victoria and Albert Museum and the Natural History Museum offer unique learning experiences in art and science. The British Library, with its precious documents, such as manuscripts by Shakespeare and Da Vinci, is an unmissable destination for those who love cultural history.

1.5 Festivals and ceremonies: Celebrating tradition and modernity

England is renowned for its grand festivals and ceremonies, linked to royal traditions and major cultural events. One of the largest annual events is the Trooping the Colour, where the British people show their reverence for the Monarchy, while also expressing national love and pride. St. George's Day (April 23), a national holiday honoring England's patron saint, is also an occasion for people to express their connection to national history and culture.

Furthermore, the Glastonbury Festival, famous for its music and free culture, is a melting pot for generations of artists, musicians, and music enthusiasts. The Notting Hill Carnival, a large festival with the participation of the Caribbean community, is also an opportunity for Britons to celebrate cultural diversity, reflecting openness and integration in society.

2. InterLOG mcembers explore the ulture of the United Kingdom

Continuing the #Innovation4Culture international cultural exchange series, InterLOG took all its employees on a journey to the United Kingdom – not by plane, but through imagination and a spirit of learning. In the creative space of the exchange, members transformed into famous characters from the classic Harry Potter series, recreating iconic scenes at Hogwarts: from thrilling Quidditch matches and mischievous spell lessons to dramatic battles with the Dark Lord.

The atmosphere of the event was not only filled with laughter but also an opportunity for everyone to discover a new facet of their colleagues - sometimes an actor, sometimes a director, even the "scene setup logistics" all contributed to an improvised yet emotionally rich performance. Besides the colorful transformations, quizzes about British culture, history, and cuisine also kept the office both "brain-racking" and excited.

Through these activities, InterLOG members not only gained a deeper understanding of a culture that produced Shakespeare, The Beatles, and even "the boy who lived," but also learned about flexibility, creativity, and connection – values that InterLOG always upholds in every development journey.

Notably, the exchange was also an occasion to celebrate the birthdays of members born in April - an indispensable part of nurturing the warm "Happy - Happy" culture of the InterLOG family.

This program was not only an activity to celebrate the UK's National Day but also contributed to realizing core values and a commitment to sustainable development according to the ESG model - where people, culture, and business journey together.