The event was co-organized by the People’s Army Newspaper (PAN), the Press and Publication Department under the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Publicity, the People’s Army Publishing House, Bac A Commercial Joint Stock Bank, and Corps 20 - Saigon Newport Corporation.
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A musical performance at the closing and award ceremony |
General Nguyen Trong Nghia, Chairman of the General Department of Political Affairs (GDP), attended and addressed the event.
Contest with long-lasting appeal
Held annually for 17 consecutive years, the contest continues to attract strong interest from journalists, editors, and readers, demonstrating enduring appeal and deep humanitarian value.
Among the attendees was 87-year-old Meritorious Artisan Y Bhiong, also known as Ama H'Loan, from Dak Lak province. Featured in Phung Van Minh’s honorable mention story “A Living Treasure in the Vast Highlands,” he brought a special gift for the organizers.
The organizing committee honored both the authors and the subjects of the winning works, presenting each subject with a commemorative trophy, a certificate of recognition, and VND 10 million.
Other notable figures included Sung Manh Hung, who promotes Dong Van Karst Plateau culture online and was featured in “Hung Ha Giang and the ‘Dancing Town’” by To Thi Phuong Chi and Nguyen Duc Tinh (third prize).
Another was Nguyen Van Dung, who climbed a burning roof in Hoang Mai district, Ha Noi, to rescue seven people over seven months ago. Featured in Pham Xuan Thu’s third-prize story “I'm Not a Hero...”, Dung modestly noted, “I'm not a hero. I'm just an ordinary person.”
Ordinary people, extraordinary contributions
The ceremony also paid tribute to individuals quietly dedicating their lives to their communities, notably Uncle Ho’s soldiers whose loyalty remains steadfast in both war and peace.
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General Nguyen Trong Nghia presents first prizes to the authors, co-authors, and individuals featured in the winning works. |
Severely wounded veteran Ngo Quang Diem overcame hardship through resilience. Rather than yielding to his injuries, he resumed studying and working, rebuilding his life while supporting fellow workers.
Physician and veteran Tran Van Ban has dedicated over 40 years to locating fallen comrades' remains. True to his pledge, “I will keep searching until I am no longer able to do so,” his moving accounts touched the audience.
The ceremony also celebrated active military personnel upholding this noble tradition across various sectors.
Major General Pham Van Ty, Deputy Chief of the Office of the National Civil Defense Steering Committee and Deputy Director of the Search and Rescue Department under the General Staff, was highlighted in Hai Ly and Chung Thuy’s second-prize story “The General Who Leads Search and Rescue Operations,” showcasing Viet Nam’s humanitarian spirit globally.
Major Nguyen Thanh Tu, head of Division 316's obstacle clearance team, Military Region 2, was featured in Dang Trieu and Nguyen Ha’s third-prize work “Defusing Death to Sow the Seeds of Life,” carrying the mission of clearing unexploded ordnance.
Lieutenant Colonel Hoang Dinh Hai Truyen, Director of the Broadband Radio Equipment Research Center at Viettel High Tech, was recognized in Vu My’s honorable mention article, affirming that patriotism in technology means creating competitive global products.
Unable to attend due to health issues, Dr. Le Ba Khanh Trinh shared reflections via video.
Once Viet Nam's mathematics “golden boy,” Trinh won a gold medal with a perfect 40/40 score and a special prize at the 1979 International Mathematical Olympiad in London. Rather than staying abroad, he returned home to teach.
“My homeland is where I belong, and I believe I can contribute and have the opportunity to help develop mathematics in our country,” he affirmed, having inspired generations of award-winning students over nearly 40 years.
The gathering featured vibrant exchanges, including a musical performance by Meritorious Artisan Y Bhiong and his daughter, alongside lively traditional dances led by Sung Manh Hung.
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Authors, co-authors, and individuals featured in the winning works receiving second prizes |
Spreading noble values
Author Vu Thi Minh, whose first-prize work was titled “Losing His Right Hand, ‘Rewriting His Life’ with His Left,” remarked that the contest's deep humanitarian spirit lies in spotlighting unsung heroes.
“For me, writing about good people is a way to help spread what is beautiful in life and enable ordinary individuals with extraordinary deeds to continue inspiring the community,” she said.
Author Le Kim Phuong, who won first prize for “Passionate About AI Research and Applications,” profiled Associate Professor and Doctor Nguyen Phi Le, Director of AI4LIFE at Hanoi University of Science and Technology, aiming to bring homegrown scientific breakthroughs into daily life.
These stories fulfill the committee's objective of recognizing impactful contributors and promoting wholesome societal values.
General Nguyen Trong Nghia emphasized, “The contest not only honors exceptional individuals but also affirms a fundamental truth: True beauty is found not only in great achievements but also in ordinary, everyday deeds, quiet actions filled with wholehearted love for the homeland and fellow citizens that deserve our deepest respect. The contest does more than just highlight good deeds; it helps make them more visible, more appreciated, better protected, and more widely embraced.”
He praised PAN and co-organizers for their 17-year stewardship and urged them to build upon this momentum for the upcoming 18th edition.
Aligned with Directive No.07-CT/TW on studying and following Ho Chi Minh's thought, ethics, and style, Major General Doan Xuan Bo, PAN Editor-in-Chief and head of the organizing committee, officially launched the 18th contest.
Concluding its 17th edition, the competition begins a new chapter, continuing to celebrate inspiring role models nationwide.
Translated by Tran Hoai