That generous city has opened its heart, offering opportunities, sheltering, and nurturing each individual with its own unique compassion and kindness. No matter where they come from, they all grew up with the city to some extent, receiving here a part of their youth, a belief, a chance for a better life, and above all, a sense of belonging. And so, with love and gratitude, each person chooses to remain connected, contribute, and give their best to the city that has supported them.
- Mr. Luu Nhat Tuan , Vice President of the Ho Chi Minh City Culinary Association:
I appreciate every opportunity the city offers me.
I was born and raised in Ho Chi Minh City. Having worked in the entertainment, culinary , tourism, and service industries for nearly 30 years, I've witnessed a very different Ho Chi Minh City when night falls. It's a special energy emanating from the brightly lit streets, the bustling and lively shops and restaurants, the lively gatherings of friends, and the thousands of hardworking people who keep the city from sleeping.
For me, it's part of Saigon - Ho Chi Minh City's identity: always moving, always connecting people. Despite working in many different fields, I've always persistently pursued the goal of contributing to creating more engaging experiences so that residents and tourists will love the city even more. Through the process of building and operating various nighttime entertainment models, I've realized that residents and tourists need more spaces to meet, socialize, and connect.
From that idea, Asiana Food Town, an underground food market in the basement of 23-9 Park, was born. Seeing crowds of domestic and international tourists stopping by to explore Vietnamese cuisine here, I understand that the appeal of Ho Chi Minh City lies not only in its iconic landmarks, but also in its ability to create new experiences. It is these experiences that make tourists want to stay longer and return more often.
Above all, I am proud of the tolerance, openness, and generosity of Ho Chi Minh City. The city has nurtured me, given me opportunities to build my career, and been as generous to me as it is to so many others who have chosen, are choosing, and will choose this place as their home. So many people from all over the country have gathered here to study, work, build their future, and contribute to the vitality of this beloved city.
- Ms. Phan Thu Hang , Workers of Phong Phu International Joint Stock Company:
Always grateful to the city
At the age of 17, I left Dak Lak and moved to Ho Chi Minh City to work as a factory worker. The city provided me with a stable job to support myself, pay for my younger siblings' education, and help my parents back home for many years. All the joys, sorrows, loves, and turning points in my life have been connected to this city.
Perhaps no one will ever forget the time when the Covid-19 pandemic broke out. It was a time of so much loss and hardship, especially when so many workers left the city to return to their hometowns. I remember my mother's anguish, but she still decided to stay in the city even though she didn't know what tomorrow would bring. My siblings and I spent months eating, sleeping, and working together in the factory following the "three-in-one" plan. Then the pandemic passed. What remains in me is the human connection – which is the most important reason why I am attached to this place.
The city gave my sisters and me the opportunity to build our careers, make a living, and step out into a wider world. During the most difficult times, I always received support and assistance from colleagues, my company, and my neighbors. No matter how challenging life is now, I am always grateful to this forgiving city.
- Hero of Labor Hoang Duc Thao Chairman of the Board of Directors and General Director of Vietnam Science and Technology Joint Stock Company (BUSADCO):
Proud to be connected to the land named after Him.
I was born into a farming family in the Northern Delta, then attended the Technical Workers Training School - Ministry of Construction in Thai Nguyen. In 1979, I was transferred to the South to participate in the construction of the Ha Tien Cement Factory, after which I continued my studies and work in Ho Chi Minh City and have been associated with this land until today.
I have a special affection for this city, home to dynamic and creative people who are always at the forefront of economic, social, and scientific and technological development. In particular, the city has many generations of leaders who dare to think, dare to act, and dare to take responsibility for the common good. It is these foundations and values that motivate me to stay here.
Ho Chi Minh City is not my birthplace, but it has witnessed my growth and career development. The city has also motivated me to pursue my goal of applying science and technology to solve many urban management problems. Before the year 2000, in Vung Tau, every time it rained, the roads turned into rivers; rainwater and wastewater flowed directly into the sea, affecting the environment and tourist beaches.
Based on that reality, we gradually researched and contributed to the planning and construction of a closed drainage system. Water is channeled through a system of regulating lakes and main drainage lines before reaching the sea. A centralized wastewater collection and treatment system was gradually formed, contributing to reducing flooding and improving the urban environment. From those initial concerns, I and my colleagues continued to research and develop many scientific and technological products to solve urban problems.
At 66, I still wish to continue my involvement with the city. As a scientist awarded the Ho Chi Minh Prize, I am even more proud to have grown up, lived, and contributed to this land named after him.
- Distinguished Teacher Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy , Principal of Huong Sen Kindergarten (Tam Thang Ward, Ho Chi Minh City):
Over 40 years of nurturing talent in our homeland.
In 1985, after graduating from preschool teacher training college, I started working at a branch of Chau Thanh Kindergarten, now located in Vung Tau ward. I entered the profession at the age of 18 with many uncertainties. During my first few lessons, I was so nervous that my hands and feet turned ice cold, and I even forgot my lesson.
But every time I stumbled, I told myself I had to try harder. I diligently observed my colleagues' lessons for 15 periods each semester to learn from their experience. Every month, I registered to teach one lesson well and then invited the school administration to observe another lesson for feedback. The encouragement from superiors, colleagues, and the innocent eyes of the students gave me the strength to overcome the initial challenges and stay committed to this profession until today...
Over the years, this land and its people have silently nurtured and supported me, transforming me from a young teacher into an Outstanding Teacher, from someone directly caring for and educating children into an educational administrator. Looking back on the past 40 years, what makes me most proud is not the awards or titles, but the fact that I have lived and dedicated myself fully to the profession I love in my homeland.
Ho Chi Minh City is entering a new phase of development. I believe that early childhood education must undergo significant innovation to meet the demands of the times. Together with the teaching staff, I strive to create a safe, happy, and child-centered educational environment; to enhance experiential activities, develop life skills, and foster creativity and self-learning in children from their early years.
I believe that today's young generations will be nurtured to become useful citizens, contributing to building Ho Chi Minh City into an increasingly civilized, modern, and sustainably developed city.
- Actor Hua Wei Wen:
The place that nurtured my passion and shaped my journey of growth.
Born and raised in Ho Chi Minh City, I spent my childhood participating in activities at the District 5 Children's House (formerly), and later became involved with the City Youth Cultural Center. That period helped me nurture my love for art, hone my life skills, and enrich my spiritual life. My love for the city was cultivated from childhood memories and youthful days, gradually shaping me as I grew older.
Looking back on the past years, I am always grateful to the city for caring for the younger generation, creating healthy cultural spaces where we can study, play, explore our abilities, and nurture our dreams.
For me, Hoa Binh Theatre, the City Theatre, and other stages, big and small, are an indispensable part of my life. They are the places where I honed my skills and pursued my burning dreams as a young person; where I learned my craft, matured, and gradually established myself on my artistic path. If I hadn't grown up in the city, it would have been very difficult for me to realize my dream of becoming an actress as I am today.
As a major film center in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City always creates many opportunities for young people to pursue their passion for art. The city not only provides career opportunities but also offers positive energy, an open spirit, and encouragement to help me persevere on the path I have chosen.
I will always strive to do my best in my work, spreading positive values through my creations and community activities. I hope that the city will continue to develop and modernize while preserving its inherent kindness and civility; becoming even more livable as everyone works together with responsibility and love for this land.
Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/lon-len-o-thanh-pho-mang-ten-bac-post860382.html
