Vietnam Embraces Digitalization to Boost Global Reach of Folk Culture

Vietnam is identifying cultural industries as a new driver of economic growth and national branding, and is expected to play an increasingly important role in strengthening their competitiveness through AI. 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. Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Pham Duc Long described Le Quy Don as one of Vietnam's most distinguished cultural figures of the 18th century. A celebrated scholar, poet, historian, thinker, educator, and diplomat, Le Quy Don left behind an extensive body of work whose enduring value continues to enrich the nation's cultural, scientific, and educational heritage. Located in Thu Bon commune, Da Nang city, My Son is renowned for its architectural heritage, but it also preserves an exceptional archive engraved on stone. These inscriptions have enabled scholars to unravel the history of the sanctuary and trace the rise and development of the ancient Champa kingdom over many centuries. The implementation of Resolution No. 06 alongside the cultural diplomacy strategy sends a clear message: by combining its rich cultural heritage with proactive diplomacy, innovation, and digital transformation, Vietnam would strengthen its competitiveness on the global stage. 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. 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. Beyond preservation, digitalization is opening new opportunities for smart tourism, thereby expanding public access to heritage and enhancing research activities. "Love Garden," produced by the India Book of Records (IBR) based on an idea by Prof. Dr. Chu Bao Que, 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. Vietnam is aiming for a historic feat by becoming the first team ever to successfully defend the ASEAN Cup title in 2026. Furthermore, 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. Additionally, the Quang Ngai provincial Museum conducted an emergency excavation after a local man reported the accidental discovery of artefacts suspected of being an ancient kiln relic.