Vietnam Launches Online Contest to Promote Cultural Values

Vietnam has launched an online contest to promote the inheritance of mother tongue and traditional crafts to the next generation, aiming to protect and widely disseminate the value of the nation's cultural heritage. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang stressed that the mother tongue is something that accompanies every Vietnamese person throughout their lives, from the lullabies of childhood to the memories of village communal houses, riverside wharves, and rural fields, serving as a repository of the nation’s history, culture, and soul. She emphasized that wherever they live and whatever path they choose, Vietnamese remains an invisible yet enduring bond connecting them with their roots. This initiative reflects Vietnam's foreign policy, which combines flexibility in dealing with partners with a steadfast commitment to independence, self-reliance, and national interests. Professor Shimizu Masaaki from Osaka University of Japan noted that Vietnam’s foreign policy mirrors the country’s historical and cultural identity. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has launched a nationwide competition to design the official logo and visual identity for APEC Vietnam 2027. This move seeks to enhance Vietnam's cultural presence on the international stage. Furthermore, the challenge of transforming traditional materials, knowledge, and skills from Vietnam's craft villages—such as bamboo, rattan, ceramics, weaving, basketry, and embroidery—into products that fit modern life is highlighted. This requires not only fresh ideas and designs but also closer links between artisans, designers, training institutions, businesses, and the market. Additionally, Vietnam is accelerating the development of an International Financial Centre, with financial cooperation emerging as an important pillar of the Vietnam–UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This signifies Vietnam's ambition to deepen economic growth and international engagement. These efforts in cultural heritage protection and international cooperation demonstrate Vietnam's strong will to cherish and promote its unique culture and identity to the world while continuing its economic development. Source: VietnamPlus English