Vietnam Unveils Cultural Blueprint to Boost Soft Power and National Growth

The blueprint seeks to deepen international cultural integration, export Vietnamese values and absorb the essence of world cultures. The end goal is an advanced culture steeped in national identity, deployed as a soft power to fuel rapid, sustainable growth, lift Vietnam’s global standing, and add a distinct thread to the tapestry of human civilisation. Artists and cultural experts shared the view that the top leader's guidance at the second meeting of the Central Steering Committee for the Development of Vietnamese Culture not only reviewed the initial implementation of the Politburo's Resolution No. 80-NQ/TW but also identified four major gaps requiring urgent action and three strategic shifts to unlock the full potential of culture. Drawing on Party General Secretary and State President To Lam's detailed and practical guidance, artists and researchers voiced confidence that Vietnamese culture will undergo a sharp transformation and truly become both a spiritual foundation and a key driver of sustainable development in the new era. Hue stood out for its imperial cuisine, a culinary tradition rooted in the city's history as the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty. Renowned for its refined flavours, meticulous preparation and artistic presentation, Hue's cuisine reflects centuries of royal and cultural traditions. Party General Secretary and State President To Lam has stressed the need to address bottlenecks hindering the transformation of culture into an endogenous resource, soft power and a driver of national development, as the appeal and reach of positive cultural values in the digital environment have yet to keep pace with the rapid growth of digital platforms and content. Hanoi has recently launched a series of initiatives to realise its vision of becoming a "Civilised – Distinctive – Creative" capital, where culture and innovation serve as key growth engines. Among the most notable are the creative infrastructure development programme and the 2026 creative space design competition, which encourage architects, designers and creative communities to revitalise former industrial sites, relocated facilities, traditional craft villages, parks, squares and other public spaces through innovative yet practical design solutions. This year's tournament marked the first edition of the Southeast Asian championship to be held in a cup format, replacing the former SEA V League. It also saw Vietnam reach the final for the first time. Businesses and coffee artisans in Da Nang city are reimagining the central region's signature specialties through creative coffee beverages, offering visitors distinctive flavours while adding value to OCOP (One Commune One Product) items and strengthening links between agriculture, culture, tourism and commerce. In the 18th Games in 2018, Vietnam lost 0-3 to the RoK in Palembang, Indonesia, but defeated the strong rival 3-2 in the 2023 Games in Hangzhou, China. Originating in Vietnam, Vovinam – Viet Vo Dao has steadily gained international recognition. In France, this martial art has become firmly established, with more than 10,000 practitioners and about 50 clubs operating under the French Vovinam Federation. Beyond preservation, digitalisation is opening new opportunities for smart tourism, thereby expanding public access to heritage and enhancing research activities. Beyond museum walls, technology is also reshaping how the public experiences the city's heritage. Held from July 12 to 25 across eight cities and provinces, Vietnam Summer Camp 2026 offered a rich array of experiences. Participants explored historical landmarks, visited iconic cultural heritage sites such as the imperial city of Hue, Hoi An ancient town, and the My Son Sanctuary, and engaged in charitable activities valued at over 300 million VND (11,400 USD), including the installation of a "Youth Bookshelf." Produced by the India Book of Records (IBR) based on an idea by Prof. Dr. Chu Bao Que, "Love Garden" weaves Quan Ho folk singing into a bridge connecting past and present. The storyline follows a young Indian woman from Madhya Pradesh state who travels to the heartland of Quan Ho in northern Vietnam and performance stages in Hanoi to trace memories of her late mother. Seven goals were scored in the match by Vietnam, with a hat trick by Nguyen Dinh Bac, a brace by Do Hoang Hen and two goals from Nguyen Xuan Son and Nguyen Quang Hai. Today’s souvenirs capture the rhythm of everyday life: a “banh mi” (Vietnamese baguette) lapel pin, a sketchbook of Hanoi’s tangled streets, and illustrations of daily life in Ho Chi Minh City. They work because they paint a Vietnam that feels authentic, approachable and alive. Simple, compelling stories are giving cultural souvenirs a whole new appeal. Themed "City Awakening – Awakening Heritage," Hue Wonderverse Music Fest 2026 aims to offer an immersive experience that combines Hue's rich cultural heritage with contemporary music, art and cutting-edge performance technology. As the reigning champions and with a squad widely regarded as possessing greater depth than the one that lifted the trophy in 2024, Vietnam now has the opportunity to make history by becoming the first team ever to successfully defend the ASEAN Cup title in 2026. Nguyen Nam Nhan, Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Culture and Sports and head of the organising committee, said Vietnamese traditional martial arts embody the essence of martial arts excellence, fostering a philosophy of life that upholds the values of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty, while continuing to gain recognition among the international community. The excavation was conducted as an emergency by the Quang Ngai provincial Museum since early June after a local man reported that he accidentally discovered artefacts suspected of being an ancient kiln relic. The committee commended Vietnam for fulfilling the commitments it has made since the citadel was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2010, as well as for implementing recommendations from the committee and its advisory bodies. It also praised the country's efforts to preserve the site's cultural, historical and social values, transforming the imperial citadel into a space for public engagement, cultural exchange and historical education. The committee further welcomed the long-term vision as an important basis for the proposed restoration of Kinh Thien Palace in line with the approved conservation strategy. Vietnam earned a top-seed position in the men's tournament after reaching the quarter-finals of the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup, allowing the team to avoid hosts Japan, China and the Republic of Korea in the group stage. The book, titled “Vietnam, Proceso de Reunificación” (Vietnam: Process of Reunification), was written in Spanish by Gaston Fiorda and examines how Vietnam overcame the economic crisis, international embargoes and the devastation of war to become one of Asia’s most dynamic economies. Copyright, VietnamPlus,