Eighty years ago, when President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence proclaiming the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, the first words etched into the new chapter of national history were not only about the right to live, to be free, and to pursue happiness, but also a clear affirmation of Vietnamese cultural and spiritual values.

At that time, culture was the war drum, the song overcoming hardship, and the unwavering belief in national independence. Through eight decades, from the early 20th-century struggles for independence to today’s era of globalization, culture has remained a steadfast companion to the Vietnamese people – the root of national identity and a resilient force for progress.

Since the establishment of the Ministry of Culture, cultural workers have continuously affirmed their pioneering role in preserving, nurturing, and spreading the essence of Vietnamese identity. In every historical phase, culture has demonstrated immense intrinsic strength: during wartime, it served as the "opening gunfire," a spiritual force uniting the nation; in times of peace, it became the glue to heal wounds and rebuild society; in the reform era, it laid the foundation for integration while preserving national character.

Today, we are justifiably proud of the dozens of UNESCO-recognized heritages Vietnam possesses, including tangible and intangible cultural assets and global documentary legacies. Renowned figures in literature, cinema, music, and art have brought pride to Vietnam on the world stage. Cultural institutions have received robust investment; festivals, customs, and traditional arts have been preserved and promoted. Beyond preservation, Vietnam has learned how to “revitalize” its heritage, transforming what once belonged only to the past into powerful drivers for tourism and creative industry.

Over 80 years, the cultural sector has grown alongside the nation, enduring every historical fluctuation while contributing to an extraordinary transformation: from a war-torn, impoverished country to one with international prestige and distinct identity within the global community.

From heritage to industry: culture steps into the 21st century

While the 20th century viewed culture mainly through the lens of preservation and moral education, the 21st century presents a new trajectory – cultural industries. This direction transforms cultural resources into economic power, converts creativity into added value, and elevates culture from a spiritual foundation into a driving force of national development.

The foundations of cultural industries were laid long ago through performing arts troupes, theaters, cinema, publishing, visual arts, advertising, and design. Today, Vietnam boasts a diverse and dynamic cultural ecosystem.

Recent successes in youth music, television dramas, video games, fashion, and literature are proving the global appeal of Vietnamese creativity. Cultural products are no longer confined to domestic audiences but are reaching international communities, expanding Vietnam’s global footprint.

Crucially, Resolution 33/NQ-TW and the Strategy for Developing Cultural Industries through 2020, with a vision toward 2030, outlined a clear path: cultural industries must become a central pillar of Vietnam’s creative economy. This evolution not only continues tradition but represents a breakthrough, enabling Vietnam to leverage its identity, people, and technology for deep international integration.

Cultural industries not only generate economic value but enrich the soul, deepen identity, and affirm Vietnam’s position on the global creative map. A thriving cultural economy will empower Vietnam to integrate confidently while preserving its national identity amid globalization.

Culture – Vietnam’s global passport

As part of the 80th National Day celebrations, a remarkable exhibition is underway at the National Exhibition Center in Co Loa, Dong Anh, Hanoi. The "80-Year Journey of Independence - Freedom - Happiness" exhibition, hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, is a space where the collective memory of the nation converges. It recreates the arduous yet glorious journey of the country.

Each exhibition hall tells a vivid story – from the heroic resistance years to the decades of reform and integration. Especially notable is the use of modern technology to convey the nation's narrative. Visitors can experience virtual reality and AI applications in medical diagnostics, exemplifying how culture and science intersect in this new era.

The exhibition is not only a tribute to tradition but also a spark for aspiration – the desire to carry forward the legacy of past generations and propel the country to new heights. It serves as a reminder that culture is not only about the past but is also paving the way for the future.

In today’s globalized world, nations compete not only through economics or military power but also through culture. A country's soft power is now measured by its ability to spread values, charm international audiences, and shape a positive image in the global community.

For Vietnam, culture is the passport to the world. From pho, spring rolls, and coffee, to ao dai, court music, and folk art – all serve as cultural ambassadors helping the world understand Vietnam. When developed properly, cultural industries can catapult these values far and wide, turning them into the Vietnamese brand on the world stage.