Portrait of Vietnam's 'Ultra-modern' generation

Vietnamese youth not only embrace technology quickly but also demonstrate flexibility in balancing tradition and innovation, pragmatism and idealism. According to Associate Professor Lim Kok Yoong, they are the "cultural programmers" of the digital age.

Hoa Minzy's " Bac Bling " music video , Duc Phuc's "Phu Dong Thien Vuong " performance , and the performances in "Anh Trai Vuot Ngan Chong Gai "... are some of the outstanding cultural and artistic products that created a big impact last year. These works all share the commonality of being created based on traditional national culture and involving the participation of young people.

Speaking with Tri Thức - Znews , Associate Professor Lim Kok Yoong - Deputy Dean for Research and Innovation, Faculty of Communication and Design, RMIT University Vietnam - stated that the young generation of Vietnam holds the future of the creative industry. They not only consume digital content but also "program" the culture of the new era.

Associate Professor Lim also proposed the establishment of a National Arts Development Program, with a stable and long-term funding mechanism to support artists, cultural workers, and creative organizations. According to him, cultural work should be considered professional, intellectual, and community-based labor, directly contributing to national innovation and identity, rather than merely a passion-driven activity. Investing in creative infrastructure, cultural identity, and talent incubation systems will be the foundation for the sustainable development of Vietnam's cultural industry in the next decade.

Digital culture breathes life into the city.

- The draft document for the 14th National Congress outlines the direction of "strongly developing the cultural industry, cultural services, and cultural market." How do you assess the potential for developing the cultural industry in Vietnam?

Instead of relying on a manufacturing-based economy , Vietnam's next transformation could be to celebrate the nation's inherent creativity and culture. Creativity and cultural depth have shaped Vietnam in many ways, but the creative industries currently contribute only about 3-5% of the national GDP and are projected to reach 7% by 2030. This trend demonstrates the government's strong commitment to placing culture and creativity at the heart of national development.

No developing country can ignore the process of digitalization and the development of culture into the digital space, where entirely new forms of culture are emerging.

Associate Professor Lim Kok Yoong

The National Target Program on Cultural Development (2025-2035) has clearly outlined the direction for developing culture as an intrinsic strength of the economy. This figure holds enormous potential in at least four interconnected aspects: cultural soft power, creative entrepreneurship, creative urban regeneration, and interdisciplinary innovation. With close policy coordination and continuous investment, Vietnam can rise as a creative nation rich in identity.

- He once emphasized the importance of digital culture in the development of smart cities. Why is that?

I believe that digital culture breathes life into otherwise rigid systems. No developing country can ignore the process of digitalization and the development of culture into the digital space, where entirely new forms of culture are emerging.

Digital culture enlivens the system. A smart city may be efficient, data-driven, and technologically advanced, but it remains spiritually empty if it cannot express its cultural identity. Digital culture ensures that technology amplifies a local cultural identity. We are entering the hypermodern era—an age that swings like a pendulum between pragmatism and idealism. This means our technological ambitions must be balanced with cultural intelligence and emotion.

- What should Vietnam do to build cities that are both modern and advanced while preserving their cultural identity?

Vietnam needs to consistently maintain a focus on cultural continuity in its development process. The country has a complex and profound history, encompassing difficult periods but also a significant blend of cultural influences, creating a unique national heritage. Vietnam can leverage this blend to build modern cities that are both advanced and deeply rooted in their cultural heritage.