“Literary Entrepreneurship”: Journey of the 3rd VNU

On April 18, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (USSH, VNU–HCM) held the Award Ceremony for the 3rd "Literary Contest of VNU–HCM Youth” for 2024.

The ceremony welcomed university leaders, faculty members, literary enthusiasts, and journalists. It served as a convergence of artistic expression and social awareness, launching a new literary journey under the theme “Soar High with Literature".

In his address, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Minh Tâm, Vice President of VNU–HCM, emphasized that the event is more than a competition – it is a platform for young people to express their authentic thoughts and sense of social responsibility, while cultivating humanistic values in the youth. Through this initiative, VNU–HCM aspires to nurture a generation that is not only knowledgeable but also empathetic and courageous.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Minh Tâm delivers his speech at the ceremony – Photo: Lý Nguyên

Representing the judge panel, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Võ Văn Nhơn, Senior Lecturer of the Faculty of Literature cum Vice Chairman of the Literary and Arts Theory and Criticism Council of HCMC Writers' Association, praised the diversity of inspiration, tone, and stylistic approaches in this year's submissions. He acknowledged the dedication of young writers, emphasizing that each literary work should carry emotional weight, stimulate reflection, and leave a lasting impact. He framed the contest as a meaningful journey for young writers to deepen their introspection and passion for the demanding yet noble pursuit of literature.

The judge panel is honored – Photo: Lý Nguyên

The 2024 contest, themed “Literary Entrepreneurship", received 1,032 entries from 159 educational institutions – both domestic and international – ranging from middle schools to universities. Submissions spanned three genres: poetry (538 entries), prose (242), and short stories (252), reflecting a wide range of topics, voices, and styles. USSH, the host institution, submitted a notable 371 works from 198 participants.

A panel of established writers, poets, scholars, and educators selected 29 outstanding works. The final results included 1 First Prize, 4 Second Prizes, 9 Third Prizes, and 15 Consolation Prizes. The First Prize was awarded to “Hẻm mùi hương” (The Alley of Scents) by Đinh Ngọc Bảo Trân, an alumna of USSH.

A highlight of the event was a conversation with four top–winning young authors, who shared personal insights into their creative processes. First Prize winner Đinh Ngọc Bảo Trân described The Alley of Scents as a deeply personal narrative rooted in lived experience. For her, literature preserves what is small, and therefore, what is precious.

Thân Trọng Anh Khoa, Second Prize winner in the short story category, explained that his writing is inspired by everyday observations and emotional undercurrents.

Lê Nguyễn Ánh Dương, Second Prize winner in poetry, viewed poetry as an emotional refuge when other modes of expression fail. Her poem, “Một mai con sẽ ra đến biển” (One Day, You’ll Reach the Sea), captures introspection in a whisper.

Phan Thanh Bảo Ngọc, another Second Prize winner in short story, reflected on writing as “mental training” – a form of inner dialogue and a way to capture ephemeral emotions.

Through these narratives, the audience gained valuable insight into the creative journeys of emerging writers. Each work is not merely a product of talent but a resonance of lived reality shaped by the tension between ideals and experience.

At the event, Dr. Phan Thanh Định, Vice Rector of USSH cum Head of the Organizing Committee, officially launched the 2025 Creative Writing Experience under the theme “Soaring with Literature". He emphasized that this initiative marks a methodological shift. Rather than simply competing, young writers will engage in an immersive program of living, learning, writing, and connecting. Scheduled for summer 2025, the program targets four key objectives: strengthening peer connections within the young writing community; enhancing writing and content creation skills; fostering mentorship from established authors and poets; and engaging in real–life experiences to enrich creative material. This initiative represents a transition from contest to training, from competition to holistic development, aiming to build a creative ecosystem across both secondary and tertiary education.

Alongside the award ceremony and author discussion, the program featured artistic performances imbued with cultural identity. The opening act, “Festival Drums – Spring in Ho Chi Minh City", performed by the university’s Traditional Music Club, set a celebratory tone, evoking a vibrant literary spring. This was followed by “Tự nguyện” (Voluntarily), a song by composer Trương Quốc Khánh, which portrayed youthful idealism, devotion, and bravery—qualities that echoed the spirit of the competition. Particularly poignant was the recitation of “Một mai con sẽ ra đến biển” (One Day, You’ll Reach the Sea), performed in the traditional ca trù style by artist Thục An. Her delicate voice, paired with resonant traditional instruments, stirred deep emotions and reminded the audience of the intertwined nature of literature and culture in guiding and empowering youth.

Another notable performance was “Vietnamese Language", a musical–poetic interpretation blending the poetry of Lưu Quang Vũ with music by Lê Tâm. This tribute to the Vietnamese mother tongue highlighted its role as the spiritual core of the nation and the wellspring of its literary tradition. Each performance was thoughtfully selected, contributing to an emotionally rich and artistically layered program.

The 3rd Young Literature Award – VNU–HCM was officially launched on January 9, 2024, under the theme “Literary Entrepreneurship”. Hosted by USSH, the contest received support from the Ho Chi Minh City Writers’ Association, VNU–HCM Publishing House, and VNU–HCM Software Park. More than a competition, the program conveyed a powerful message: in an age defined by speed and digitalization, there remains a profound need for those who pause to write – those whose voices reflect, question, and heal. Every written work stands as a whisper of conscience, a deliberate choice to live with compassion, persistence, and integrity – a choice made by a generation bold enough to dream and pursue the creative path.

Some highlights from the visit: