'Technology from the heart': Painting the picture of the nation in the new era

The "Technology from the Heart" award has demonstrated the power of photography and video in conveying meaningful stories about the impact of technology on people's lives.

The Hmong people in Na Ka village, Pa Kien 1 commune, Moc Chau town, Son La province, are learning techniques for caring for late-season plum trees using internet-connected phones. (Photo: Hoang Quang Ha)

Following the resounding success of its first season, "Technology from the Heart" – an award for photographic and video works organized by the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) in collaboration with the Military Telecommunications and Industry Group ( Viettel ) – has returned, attracting the attention of numerous photography and video enthusiasts nationwide.

With the theme "Vietnamese Innovation - The Path to Prosperity," the award is expected to continue receiving many works that reflect technology from the breath of life, so that science and technology truly become the driving force to lead the country firmly in the New Era - the era of national progress.

Major General Cao Duc Thang, Chairman and CEO of Viettel Group, shared his views on this matter.

- Following the success of the first "Technology from the Heart" Award in 2024, what is your assessment of the positive messages and the impact of the award on the community over the past period?

Major General Tao Duc Thang: The first season of the "Technology from the Heart" award has demonstrated the power of photography and video in conveying meaningful stories about the impact of technology on people's lives. As a co-organizer, Viettel is very impressed with the quality and diversity of the participating works.

Major General Cao Duc Thang, Chairman and CEO of Viettel Group. (Photo: CTV/Vietnam+)

These are simple photos, yet they tell very ordinary and touching stories. For example, the photo of a homeless person huddled under a bridge sleeping online, temporarily forgetting the winter cold. It shows that technology is not something distant, but is truly infiltrating everyone's lives.

The works clearly reflected this. We saw the children's passion for learning and scientific research, the support of technology for patients, the joy of people with disabilities in accessing technology, and the excitement of ethnic minorities in discovering knowledge.

The award's reach is also very encouraging. Nearly 1,700 photos and 100 videos from hundreds of professional and amateur photographers participated, attracting over 8 million views. Many works were widely shared on social media. This shows that the theme "Technology from the Heart" has truly touched the hearts of many people.

- Could this be the motivation for Viettel to continue its partnership for season 2?

Major General Tao Duc Thang: Absolutely. The Technology from the Heart Award is a piece of the puzzle in fulfilling Viettel's mission of "Innovation for Humanity" and affirming its leading role in promoting breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation.

As a leading enterprise in building a digital society, Viettel deeply understands that mastering everything from research into foundational technologies to product development will create greater added value for the economy and affirm Vietnam's position on the world map. This not only helps protect national sovereignty but also provides impetus for economic and social development.

Photo series: Technology is Ms. Tham's "hands". (Photo: Tran Van Hoang)

With this award, we want to amplify beautiful stories and valuable moments to inspire and motivate the younger generation to participate in building the country, determined to conquer higher milestones, and bring our country to a new position in this era of progress.

So, sir, what is the highlight of this year's award?

Major General Tao Duc Thang: Following the success of the first season, and to contribute practically to the implementation of Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW dated December 22, 2024, of the Politburo on breakthroughs in the development of science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, VNA and Viettel Group are launching the second season of the Technology from the Heart Photo and Video Award.

With the theme "Vietnamese Innovation - The Road to Prosperity," this year's award aims to promote and inspire creativity, awaken pride in groundbreaking technological achievements, contribute to the development of Vietnam and its people, bring about change in various fields and regions, and commemorate the 80th anniversary of the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the 40th anniversary of national renewal.

In addition, we also aim to communicate technological solutions that contribute to changing all aspects of social life and elevating the country's standing.

Officials from Ha Giang Power Company instruct the Lo Lo ethnic minority on how to pay their electricity bills via app. (Photo: Truong Vinh)

- As a partner in organizing this event with VNA, how do you assess the collaboration between the two sides and the professionalism of this prestigious award? In your opinion, how has the award contributed to spreading the spirit of promoting the national digital transformation process?

Major General Tao Duc Thang: The first season saw excellent cooperation between the two sides to create a professional and successful award, a meaningful platform for photography and video enthusiasts. That cooperation laid the foundation for us to continue working together in the second season.

Clearly, by vividly showcasing the benefits of digital transformation through images and videos, the entries in the competition have helped people better visualize the advantages of digital transformation, thereby motivating them to participate in this process.

The award contributes to raising community awareness about the role of technology in life, thereby creating a favorable environment for digital transformation.

Major General Cao Duc Thang

The awards also contribute to raising community awareness about the role of technology in life, thereby creating a favorable environment for digital transformation. Many entries reflected successful digital transformation models, thus spreading best practices and fostering innovation.

Viettel is committed to continuing to support the government and the community in the digital transformation process, through investing in research and development of Make in Vietnam technologies, as well as organizing communication and education activities.

The Organizing Committee answers reporters' questions. (Photo: Tuan Anh/VNA)

- As we enter a new era of national progress, what kind of picture do you expect the upcoming "Technology from the Heart" Award to paint of this new era?

Major General Tao Duc Thang: Digital technology has been and continues to affirm its key role as a driving force, promoting socio-economic development and improving people's lives. This is thanks to the policies of the Party and the State that help the country keep pace with global technology, allowing businesses like ours to freely innovate and bring the latest and most advanced technologies into life.

In the second season of "Technology from the Heart," we hope to see images of people across the country, including those in disadvantaged areas, using science, technology, and high-tech solutions to improve their quality of life. This could include simple solutions to help people access public administration online, artificial intelligence solutions, the application of Industry 4.0 technologies to upgrade outdated machinery, or the implementation of the world's most advanced technologies in Vietnam to serve people's lives and contribute to national development…

People are at the center, the core value that all technology and media products aim for, and all citizens have the right and opportunity to access technology and information.

Major General Cao Duc Thang

- Clearly, with Viettel's support, the first season of the award was very successful, creating a great impact in the community. Many people hope that the award will be held annually and for the long term, to provide more opportunities for professional and amateur authors, as well as to promote technology more widely in daily life. What are your thoughts on this?

Major General Tao Duc Thang: This is also Viettel's wish when co-organizing the "Technology from the Heart" award. Viettel always supports and accompanies meaningful programs with the aim of creating a playground where everyone can participate, thereby spreading the message: People are at the center, the core value that all technology and media products aim for, and all citizens have the right and opportunity to access technology and information.

Thank you very much, sir!

The photo and video contest with the theme "Technology with Heart" is open to all Vietnamese citizens both in Vietnam and abroad.

Entries must have been created between May 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025, and must not have won any awards in the photo and video categories.

The deadline for submitting entries is June 30, 2025; the closing ceremony and awards presentation are tentatively scheduled for August 2025.

Each author is entitled to submit an unlimited number of entries to the competition, but may only use one name as it appears on their National Identity Card or Citizen Identification Card.

Authors can submit their entries directly through the "Register for the competition" section on the website: https://congnghetutraitim.com

Delegates perform the award ceremony. (Photo: Tuan Anh/VNA)

(Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/cong-nghe-tu-trai-tim-ve-len-buc-tranh-dat-nuoc-trong-ky-nguyen-moi-post1015138.vnp