Vietnamese Youth Drive History Preservation and Cultural Promotion Through Creative Initiatives

In Vietnamese cultural life, gratitude toward preceding generations has long been preserved as an integral part of the nation's identity. This tradition is reflected in ancestor worship practiced in families, the Worship of the Hung Kings, village deities, national heroes and eminent cultural figures, as well as tributes to generations who sacrificed their lives for the nation's independence and freedom. In recent years, youth have begun to play a proactive role in preserving this history and tradition. In educational settings, students are taken beyond the classroom to historical sites, turning knowledge into first-hand experience while fostering respect for tradition and promoting heritage values in practice. For instance, Ho Chi Minh City is set to introduce a free textbook loan program for students from the 2026-2027 academic year, aiming to equalize educational opportunities. Vietnamese youth are also actively participating in events where they showcase their Vietnamese proficiency and cultural understanding through singing, poetry recitals, drama performances, and presentations on topics related to Vietnam's culture and history. These events serve as opportunities to strengthen the foundation of understanding and cooperation between Vietnam and Singapore, as well as with other countries in an increasingly integrated world. Vietnamese Ambassador to China Pham Thanh Binh noted that the strong participation of delegates showed that bilateral cooperation is being driven not only by the two governments but also by businesses and young people. Furthermore, the wave of digitalization is extending to religious activities. Buddhist sermons can now attract tens of thousands of online viewers, and believers in remote areas can join Bible study classes via smartphone. Religious activities once closely tied to places of worship are increasingly taking place in cyberspace. Meanwhile, Vietnam continues to grapple with the scars of war. On War Invalids and Martyrs' Day (July 27), families and society as a whole pay tribute to the heroes who sacrificed for the nation's freedom and support their families. The Sangha urged its central committees and institutes to hold requiem ceremonies in memory of heroic martyrs and join efforts to support the nationwide campaign. Quang Ninh province has completed DNA sample collection from the remains of all unidentified war martyrs buried at 18 cemeteries across 15 localities. The remains of 81 Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and military experts were recovered during the 2025–2026 dry-season search campaign, all of them yet to be identified. These efforts underscore the importance of not forgetting past sacrifices and honoring those who laid the foundation for the nation's peace and development. Economically, an increase in the regional minimum wage is proposed, with an expected rise of between VND 310,000 (approximately USD 11.81) and VND 390,000 (approximately USD 14.87) per month, depending on the region. This is expected to contribute to improving workers' living standards, though potential impacts such as inflation and increased burdens on businesses also need to be monitored. In recent years, Vietnam has also reported economic losses due to natural disasters, with severe damage in the northern mountainous regions. Total economic losses were estimated at about 255 billion VND (nearly 9.7 million USD), with Lai Chau accounting for the largest share of the damage with 190 billion VND, followed by Son La with 46.04 billion VND, Lao Cai with 16.7 billion VND, and Dien Bien with 2.3 billion VND. Under Vietnam's one-party system, the government prioritizes social stability and development, with history education and cultural promotion playing a crucial role in fostering national unity and patriotism. In relations with China, while economic ties are deepening, there are also sensitive aspects such as historical perceptions and territorial issues. The active role of youth in narrating history holds significant importance in establishing Vietnam's unique identity amidst these complex international relations. Source: VietnamPlus English