This is the first time the book fair has had a media ambassador.
The Saigon Ward Book Fair, organized by the Ho Chi Minh City branch of the Vietnam Women's Publishing House, will take place from September 5th to 14th at the branch office (16 Alexandre De Rhodes Street, Saigon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City).
Notably, this marks the first time that media ambassadors, influential figures in the community such as translator Nguyen Bich Lan, the couple Nguyen Tung Duong and Ninh Anh Bui, singer Lamoon, author and CEO of The Forum Nguyen Hoang Huy, have been present. Before the book fair took place, these ambassadors actively disseminated information on their channels to help the book fair reach a wider audience.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City branch of the Vietnam Women's Publishing House, said that inviting speakers or influential young people in the community to serve as media ambassadors is a way to jointly help spread the reading culture. According to Ms. Thu, the habit of reading needs to be cultivated persistently and consistently, as this is very difficult, especially in today's technological age where everyone is busy and short, rushed content is abundant. “When it comes to books and reading culture, the speakers and young people are very enthusiastic in supporting, attending, and sharing. Some don't accept any fee or accept only a symbolic amount, while others use the money to buy books to give away,” Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu shared.
Despite only completing the 8th grade and lacking any professional qualifications, translator Nguyen Bich Lan has tirelessly strived to overcome her limitations in translating books for the past 25 years. She is a familiar translator for the Vietnam Women's Publishing House and to readers alike, having translated numerous works such as *Heidi*, *Angele's Ashes*, the *Children of the Noisy Village* series, *Living Intensely*, *Chernobyl Prayer*, and many more. “With the advantage of connecting with over 30,000 readers through my personal page, I am delighted to be a media ambassador for this book fair, with the aim of helping to bring good books to book lovers,” translator Nguyen Bich Lan expressed.
Focus on content
Besides offering discounted books to readers, the Saigon Ward Book Fair also focuses on building reading habits, encouraging generations of readers to come together and share through diverse activities such as: "Take a book home," experiencing a series of talk shows on culture and knowledge such as "There's a Saigon in Today's Memories," "IELTS-biz and English," "Critical Thinking and Social Media," "Men and Mental Health," "Cyberbullying," etc. In addition to creating a series of useful events, the book fair also features the participation of many reputable names as speakers such as author Vu The Thanh, journalist Cu Mai Cong, screenwriter Hanh Ngo, director Minh Cao, Dr. Tra Anh Duy, Dr. Nguyen Thi Minh, model Hoang Thuy…
According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu, the highlight of this book fair is the "Sit Down and Read Together" activity, which will be held throughout. This is a space for slow, tranquil reading where each person can choose a book and sit down to read together. This activity is inspired by Singapore's initiative to build a reading culture; for every 10 participants who complete a reading session of at least 15 minutes, the Vietnam Women's Publishing House branch will donate one book to the Charitable Book Shelf and the House of Wisdom, delivering it to schools in disadvantaged areas and communities lacking access to education.
“When organizing the Saigon Ward Book Fair, we didn't expect to sell books. The aim of organizing this series of events and activities was to help people see the importance of reading. If we receive support, we hope to organize the book fair annually, or 2-3 times a year, thereby creating a reading habit and providing a space for those who love knowledge,” said Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu.
Compared to recently held book fairs such as the Da Nang Book Fair (held from September 6th to 14th in Da Nang City) and the Nha Nam Autumn Book Fair 2025 (held from September 9th to 14th in Hanoi City), the Saigon Ward Book Fair is positioning itself with a fresh and unique approach. Having attended the Saigon Ward Book Fair since its early days, Mr. Khac Binh (residing in Tan Phu Ward, Ho Chi Minh City) shared: “At this book fair, I participated in many events and interactions between authors, translators, TikTokers, etc., on interesting and practical topics. I hope there will be more book fairs like this, to create more spaces for connection between book lovers and the community.”
Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/lam-moi-hoi-sach-post812666.html
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