"Two brands ahead of their time at Dan Tri online newspaper"

(Dan Tri Newspaper) - As someone who once directly led the governing body of the online newspaper Dan Tri, Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Doan hopes for a journey closely linked to the mission of raising public awareness, training human resources, and nurturing talent.

On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Dan Tri online newspaper, we had a conversation with Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Doan - former Vice President of Vietnam, currently the Chairwoman of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Association for the Promotion of Learning . As someone who directly led the governing body of Dan Tri online newspaper during a special period, she shared many stories, perspectives, and expectations about a journalistic journey closely linked to the mission of "raising public awareness, training human resources, and nurturing talent."

Two "brands" that were ahead of their time for Dan Tri newspaper.

Professor, during the period when the online newspaper Dan Tri was still an agency under the Vietnam Association for the Promotion of Learning, what policies and directions did the Association have to develop the newspaper, especially in spreading the spirit of promoting learning and talent?

- I started serving as Chairman of the Vietnam Association for the Promotion of Learning in 2016, at which time the newspaper had already been operating for some time. Until 2020, when the newspaper was still under the Vietnam Association for the Promotion of Learning, in this new phase, we inherited and continued to emphasize the directions for the newspaper to follow.

First and foremost, newspapers have a responsibility to fully disseminate the Party's guidelines and policies, and the State's laws on education , promoting learning and talent, and building a learning society. This is the top priority.

Chairperson of the Vietnam Association for the Promotion of Learning, Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Doan (Photo: Hai Long).

Secondly, the media needs to promptly disseminate exemplary learning role models – from teachers and students at all levels, workers in various fields, to those involved in promoting education – in order to encourage, motivate, and replicate best practices, of course with a spirit of fairness and objectivity.

Thirdly, through the two aforementioned propaganda tasks, the broader goal is to raise public awareness, train human resources, and cultivate talent. This is the long-term strategic direction of the Association in the context of digital transformation.

Fourth, the press plays a crucial role in mobilizing the entire society to support teachers, especially excellent teachers, as well as raising resources to help teacher training colleges – where the future generation of educators is trained.

In addition, another major task is for the newspaper to successfully organize the Vietnam Talent Award – an award of national significance and international reach, especially in the field of information technology.

Finally, there was the task of building and developing the Charity Program. Under the guidance of the Association, the newspaper did an excellent job of connecting compassionate hearts, helping poor students, needy patients, building bridges, houses, and schools…

And of course, newspapers must also fulfill the task of disseminating economic, political , and social information both domestically and internationally, thereby encouraging patriotism, enhancing understanding, and promoting emulation movements for learning and talent development, and building a learning society nationwide.

It's clear that the Vietnam Talent Award and the Humanitarian Program are prominent "legacies" from the time when the newspaper belonged to the Vietnam Association for the Promotion of Learning. How do you assess the significance and vitality of these two "brands"?

- That's right, these are two very important highlights of the Dan Tri online newspaper, contributing to increasing the prestige of the Vietnam Association for the Promotion of Learning.

The Vietnam Talent Award reflects a forward-thinking vision of the Vietnam Association for the Promotion of Learning and the online newspaper Dan Tri . Since 2005, when information technology had not yet exploded as it has now, the online newspaper Dan Tri was entrusted with organizing an award to encourage scientific research, technological innovation, and promote reform.

The person who laid the foundation and successfully organized this award was journalist Pham Huy Hoan – then the Editor-in-Chief. He organized the award with a very clear objective, a scientific process, and an innovative approach, attracting the participation of scientists from many fields: information technology, environment, medicine, agriculture, etc.

This is not a mere formality. The award is profound, recognizing the right people and talents, and honoring them appropriately. Many of the products and projects honored here have been applied in practice domestically, and some have even been implemented abroad. The award creates an environment for young scientists to passionately pursue research, igniting a desire for innovation for the benefit of the country.

What I find valuable is that the significance of this award remains intact after nearly 20 years, and is even spreading further. To date, the directions that the Association assigned to the newspaper in 2005, such as organizing the "Self-Learning to Achieve Success" award and "honoring scientists," have now become major policies of our Party and State.

Back then, the Association had very dedicated people in its Standing Committee such as the late Professor Dr. Nguyen Huy Hieu, Professor Dr. Pham Tat Dong..., these people provided very correct and comprehensive directions, ahead of their time.

Regarding the Charity Program, it is a highly humane program, operating transparently according to the principle of "every penny received is a penny given away." Each week, the newspaper publicly announces the amount of money donated by readers and transfers it to those in need. Many patients have been saved, and many children have had the opportunity to go to school thanks to the heartwarming articles in this section.

Bridges of Compassion, Houses of Compassion, Schools of Compassion… these are all beautiful "footprints" that perhaps not many newspapers have maintained and developed programs for such a long time.

During your time working at the newspaper, what special memories do you have of the newspaper, and especially of journalist Pham Huy Hoan – the Editor-in-Chief at that time?

- Before I joined the Association for the Promotion of Learning, I paid close attention to the online newspaper Dan Tri . Sections such as Education, Talents of Vietnam, Shining Examples - Promoting Learning, and Philanthropy... all left a deep impression. The articles were insightful, honest, reflected reality accurately, had depth, and evoked emotions. Especially the articles in the Philanthropy section; many of them moved me deeply.

From those articles, I thought that the reporters at Dan Tri must be capable, dedicated, honest, and passionate about their profession. Later, having the opportunity to interact and work with Dan Tri reporters, I realized that my initial assessment was correct.

Regarding Mr. Pham Huy Hoan, he is a journalist I greatly admire. As Editor-in-Chief, he was courageous, decisive, sharp, and visionary. In meetings where no one dared to speak up, he was the one who dared to speak, daring to defend the interests of Dan Tri newspaper and other newspapers. He truly laid the solid foundation for the strong development of the online version of Dan Tri newspaper as it is today.

The newspaper is at the forefront of digital transformation and brand building.

As an organization formerly under the Vietnam Association for the Promotion of Learning, Dan Tri has always paid special attention to the field of education – which is central to its mission of "raising the intellectual level of the people, training human resources, and nurturing talent." How do you assess how Dan Tri has demonstrated its role in supporting the policy of promoting learning and talent, and building a learning society through educational content?

- Education is a field closely intertwined with the life of the entire society, making it difficult to write in-depth, honest, and responsible articles about education. But Dan Tri newspaper has managed to do just that.

It can be said that the education section of the online newspaper Dan Tri actively participates in policy critique. From what I've observed, whenever a new policy, document, or program in the education sector is issued, Dan Tri immediately publishes articles analyzing, commenting on, and reflecting public opinion in a very timely manner.

This isn't about extreme criticism or blindly following trends, but rather about constructive, well-founded, and insightful critique—meaning it's both honest and helpful. This is extremely important in education, where even the smallest policy can affect millions of students, teachers, and their families.

Besides its critical nature, I highly appreciate the role of spreading positive values ​​in articles about education. Dan Tri newspaper never forgets to honor dedicated teachers in remote areas, or poor but studious and resilient students. These stories contribute to nurturing a love of learning and fostering a respect for knowledge within the community.

The newspaper also integrates educational goals very well into its humanitarian program. It not only writes about difficult circumstances but also directly campaigns to build schools and award scholarships, helping children have the opportunity to continue their education.

I have visited the schools that Dan Tri newspaper and its readers have jointly built, and the scholarships that have supported poor students… and I was truly moved. Because education needs not only critical voices, but also practical actions to nurture dreams.

Looking back at the 20-year journey of Dan Tri online newspaper, what is your assessment of the newspaper's recent significant transformations, especially in the context of the ongoing and rapid digital transformation?

- I highly appreciate Dan Tri 's pioneering spirit and early adoption of digital transformation – a step that demonstrates the long-term vision of the newspaper's leaders. In this regard, the role of the current Editor-in-Chief, Mr. Pham Tuan Anh, cannot be overlooked. Mr. Pham Tuan Anh is a man of innovation, boldly shifting direction and possessing a strong brand-oriented mindset.

Currently, Dan Tri is one of the leading newspapers in digital transformation, building its brand through the quality of its information.

It is thanks to this orientation that Dan Tri has not only remained strong in the digital environment but has also risen to become one of the most reputable and influential online newspapers nationwide. Today, the Dan Tri brand is a strong one thanks to its insightful content, sharp critique, and the spirit of commitment to the community that the newspaper has consistently maintained over the years.

Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Doan, President of the Vietnam Association for the Promotion of Learning, working with the Party Committee, Editorial Board, and staff of the online newspaper Dan Tri in February 2020 (Photo: Huu Nghi).

In addition, a key strength that defines Dan Tri 's identity is its team of journalists. Over the past two decades, Dan Tri has built a team of skilled reporters and editors who possess professional ethics, dedication, and a very high fighting spirit.

Dân Trí needs to continue focusing on its human resources, investing in staff training, and creating a good working environment to attract talent. Good people lead to good content. And good content is what maintains reader trust – the greatest asset of a newspaper.

From the perspective of the former head of the managing agency of the online newspaper Dan Tri, what are your expectations for the newspaper in the upcoming development phase?

- I always expect Dan Tri to continue to maintain its pioneering, creative, and groundbreaking spirit, especially in programs with a large social impact such as the ESG forum, grassroots sports events, and even journalistic areas that urgently need insightful perspectives such as public finance or state governance.

I also hope the newspaper will continue to assert its unique identity by developing content aligned with the four pillars of national development today: promoting science, technology, and innovation; international integration; developing the private economy; and innovation in lawmaking and enforcement. These are not only important areas, but also the responsibility of modern journalism if it truly wants to accompany the nation.

The transfer of Dan Tri Newspaper to the Ministry of Interior is a positive turning point, and I hope this will be a solid and lasting home for the newspaper's development. Wherever it is located, I hope Dan Tri will maintain its original character: a newspaper for the people, for the talents of Vietnam, and for those in need. That is what I always keep in mind, and I believe many readers feel the same way.

Thank you very much, Madam!

In April 2005, the online news site Dan Tri was launched as a specialized section of the Khuyen Hoc and Dan Tri newspaper – marking the beginning of the journey to building a pioneering online newspaper.

In the same year, the Vietnam Talent Award was launched, contributing to the discovery of hundreds of innovative talents for the country.

On July 15, 2008, Dan Tri officially received a license as an independent online newspaper.

In 2020, the newspaper was transferred to the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, and from March 1, 2025, it became the official publication of the Ministry of Interior.

Having undergone two decades of continuous innovation amidst the wave of technology and media, Dan Tri has maintained its identity of "for the people's well-being - for knowledge - for the community," attracting more than 162 million global readers last year.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/giao-duc/hai-thuong-hieu-di-truoc-thoi-dai-cua-bao-dien-tu-dan-tri-20250714094954475.htm