Building a cultural 'passport'

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2003, Hue Royal Court Music has become a living testament to the beauty of Vietnamese traditional culture. (Source: Mia.vn)

In the current context of globalization and international integration, preserving and spreading Vietnamese cultural identity has become extremely important. Culture is not only a mark of national history and tradition but also a key factor in affirming a nation's position on the world map.

Preserving and promoting cultural identity helps Vietnamese people feel proud of their origins, traditions, and national history, while also protecting spiritual values ​​from the "invasion" of foreign cultures. This is even more important as globalization can lead to assimilation, gradually eroding the unique characteristics of each nation.

A unique cultural identity easily creates attraction and makes a strong impression in international exchanges and cooperation. Vietnamese culture is not only a soft factor promoting diplomacy but also a potential asset for tourism, the economy, and creative industries. From the ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress), pho (Vietnamese noodle soup), and conical hats to folk songs and traditional arts, all represent the spirit and soul of Vietnam. Therefore, preserving and spreading cultural identity is not only about preserving heritage but also a responsibility to the future.

It can be said that cultural identity is an invaluable treasure that every Vietnamese person inherits and carries with them. These are values ​​that have endured through thousands of years of history, connecting Vietnamese people to their roots and also serving as the strength that propels the nation forward in the integrated world. Each cultural value not only reflects tradition but also represents pride, a thread connecting the past, present, and future.

Folk songs, court music, traditional operas like Cheo, Tuong, and Cai Luong, as well as traditional festivals, embody the soul of the nation. These are not only heritages that need to be preserved, but also an endless source of inspiration for creativity and cultural exchange with the world. Every Vietnamese person, wherever they may be, carries a part of this heritage within them, serving as a bridge to promote Vietnamese culture globally.

If we consider Vietnamese cultural identity as a special "passport" for Vietnamese people when entering international integration, then it is not just a symbol, but a collection of unique, profound, and enduring values ​​that reflect the essence, spirit, and creativity of the nation.

I believe that in the journey of building Vietnam's "cultural passport" and creating an independent and self-reliant culture, the younger generation of Vietnam plays a pioneering and pivotal role. They are the ones who possess new energy, a thirst for creativity, and serve as a bridge between tradition and modernity.

First and foremost, the younger generation is the keeper and spreader of traditional cultural values, revitalizing them and integrating them into the modern era. With a fresh approach, they know how to utilize digital platforms and social media to convey the beauty of Vietnamese culture to the world.

Young people are also representatives of creativity and innovation, helping Vietnamese culture not only stand firm but also develop more strongly in the context of integration. They possess an unceasing spirit of creativity, readily absorbing progressive values ​​from the international community, while also not hesitating to experiment and innovate contemporary art and cultural forms. The films, music , and art works of today's young generation showcase their talent and personality while reflecting stories and thoughts about the country, its people, and Vietnamese identity in the new era.

Furthermore, young people are the core force in spreading cultural values ​​to the world, becoming "cultural ambassadors" through exchange activities, studying, and working abroad. In a world full of changes, where traditional values ​​are sometimes overshadowed by the "wave" of modernization and globalization, young people are the ones who maintain Vietnamese identity and enrich Vietnamese culture by breathing new life into it.