A beacon for the book industry.

Former Deputy Minister of Culture and Information and the first President of the Vietnam Publishers Association, Phan Khac Hai, noted that there is a lack of mechanisms for the Association to truly fulfill its supervisory and constructive roles.

To mark the 25th anniversary of the Vietnam Publishers Association (2001-2026), Tri Thuc - Znews had a conversation with the Association's first Chairman - Major General, journalist, former Deputy Minister of Culture and Information (old) Phan Khac Hai.

Even in his 80s, he maintains a calm demeanor, bright eyes, and deep concerns about a publishing industry that aspires to reach regional prominence.

Major General, journalist, former Deputy Minister of Culture and Information Phan Khac Hai. Photo: Institute of Journalism and Communication Training.

Mechanisms are needed to enhance the role of the Association.

- Sir, it has been 25 years since the Vietnam Publishers Association (the Association) was founded. In the memory of its first Chairman, what was the most memorable moment?

- That was the day the Association was founded - in 2001. At that time, we had very little: no headquarters, no staff, no funding. Jokingly, we were "three zeros," but our hearts were full of enthusiasm. The most important thing when establishing the Association was not to be an administrative organization, but a common home for those working in the book and publishing industry - from publishers and book companies to editors and distributors… I will always remember the saying: "The Association must be a place where people in the profession feel heard and protected."

- But in reality, for many years the Vietnam Publishers Association has been called the "three no's association"? What do you think about this?

- The "three lacks" are true, but not the whole truth. It's true that we live in borrowed accommodation, work for others, and have limited funds. But the biggest "lack" isn't money, but the lack of mechanisms for the Association to truly play its role in critical analysis, oversight, and constructive development. Over the years, the Association has accomplished many things: organizing the National Book Award, training, workshops, international connections… but all of this has been done without clear assignments in the law.

I'm glad that this issue has now been raised in Directive 04-CT/TW. We are talking about "legalizing the role of associations" - that's a huge step forward.

- Directive 04-CT/TW of the Party Central Committee (2026) stipulates that publishing must become a "developing economic and technological sector, playing a core role in the ecosystem of value creation." What was your mindset when reading this Directive?

- I've read it over and over again. I must say: Directive 04 is a "shift in thinking." Previously, publishing was often viewed as a purely ideological and cultural field. Now, the Party and the State place it at the center of the knowledge ecosystem, and most importantly: technology and economics are no longer peripheral issues, but the backbone.

I particularly appreciate the term "nucleus." The nucleus is the core, the source of energy. If publishing only involves producing paper books, packaging them, and shipping them, it cannot be the nucleus. Publishing must be on a digital platform, transforming content into intellectual property (IP), and exporting Vietnamese knowledge to the world .

- What will be the role of the Vietnam Publishers Association in implementing Directive 04, sir?

- It's very clear. The Association cannot stand idly by. If Directive 04 is the path, the Association must be the one to draw the map and lead the way. Specifically:

Firstly, the Association must participate in institution building: providing input on the Publishing Law, decrees on digital copyright, and taxes for the publishing industry. Currently, publishing management fees in partnerships are low – this is unreasonable and distorts the market.

Secondly, the Association must act as a bridge for public-private cooperation. The models of "public investment - private management" and "public leadership - private governance" in Directive 04 are very new. Private publishing companies such as Saigon Books, Thai Ha Books, Alpha Books, etc., have done very well. The Association needs to create a level playing field, without discrimination based on economic sector.

Thirdly, the Association must lead digital transformation and international integration. I was very impressed when Ms. Claudia Kaiser - Vice President of the Frankfurt Book Fair - said that Germany is producing very beautiful and engaging young adult novels. We can learn from that.

- Sir, it is known that in 2012, the Publishing Directors' Club was established under the Vietnam Publishers Association. Could you share more about the significance and outstanding activities of this Club?

- That's right. In 2012, the Steering Committee for the establishment of the Publishing Directors' Club officially launched the Club under the Association. From the very beginning, despite many difficulties, the Club has become a very important support system. Its activities have been very active: organizing seminars to introduce new books by member authors, donating books to school libraries in remote areas, visiting and giving gifts to elderly members on their birthdays, and encouraging them to write about their profound memories in the publishing industry.

In particular, in 2025, the Club launched the book "The Bookmaking Profession - Unforgettable Stories," published by Ho Chi Minh City University of Education Publishing House, which was introduced at the Academy of Journalism and Communication, the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics , and the Ho Chi Minh City Book Street - a beautiful way to spread the love of books.

I believe that these small but humane actions are the very heart of the Association, proving that even without a complete system, those working in publishing can still connect and contribute.

Hanoi's Book Street is a place with many activities promoting reading culture. Photo: Tran Hien.

Don't turn reading culture into a trend or a library check-in.

- You experienced the era of print journalism and traditional publishing. Now, in the digital age, with AI writing books, translating books, summarizing content, etc., are you concerned that those working in publishing will be replaced?

- I'm not worried, but I demand that publishers change. AI can write and translate quickly, but AI can't cry, laugh, or be moved by a person's fate. True publishing is about conveying deep emotions and knowledge. Paper books and e-books don't replace each other – they complement each other. As I always say: reading paper books helps the brain develop better. But that doesn't mean we should reject technology.

The opportunity is: AI can simplify translation tasks and create audiobook narrations. But the challenges are also significant: copyright, intellectual property rights for AI-generated works, and most importantly, the risk of widespread publication of low-quality content. Therefore, the role of the Association in establishing professional standards and codes of conduct for AI becomes extremely urgent.

- Regarding reading culture, how do you see Vietnam changing after 25 years?

- Significant progress has been made, but it's still not enough. In the 1990s, the average Vietnamese person read less than one book per year. Now the number is higher, but there is still a gap compared to countries with developed reading cultures. This Directive 04 mentions reading culture six times – that's a very strong signal. In particular, making book reading a selective subject in schools is a breakthrough.

My only concern is: don't let reading culture become just a "photo-taking and checking in at the library" trend. It has to be genuine. School libraries shouldn't just be storage for books, but vibrant living spaces. And there should be bilingual books, and books in ethnic languages ​​for remote areas. That's what true fairness in accessing knowledge is all about.

- If you could send a message to the younger generation in publishing today, what would you say?

- I'll just say one thing: "Publishing isn't just about printing books – publishing is about creating reality." Young people shouldn't just make books for revenue, nor should they just do it for empty ideals. Create content that has soul, identity, and international competitiveness. Turn each book into a gateway to the world.

And above all, let's build the Vietnam Publishers Association into a truly strong organization – a beacon for the entire industry. A beacon must always shine brightly.

Thank you for this conversation!

Source: https://znews.vn/ngon-hai-dang-cho-nganh-sach-post1653935.html