Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities Lecturer Awarded First Prize in the “My Bond with China – 2025” Competition

The year 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Vietnam, and has been designated the “Vietnam–China Year of People-to-People Exchanges”. In celebration of this milestone, and with the aim of promoting cultural exchange, mutual understanding, and people-to-people bonds between the two countries, VTV Times, in collaboration with the Chinese Cultural Center in Hanoi, organized a creative writing and storytelling competition entitled “My Bond with China”. The initiative sought to further deepen the humanistic connections between Vietnam and China.

After 20 days since its launch, the award ceremony for the “My Bond with China” Creative Writing and Storytelling Competition 2025 was solemnly held on the afternoon of 15 December 2025 at Vietnam Television (VTV). The event honored 100 outstanding authors whose works were selected by the Judging Panel through two rounds of evaluation from more than 800 submissions nationwide as well as from international students studying abroad.

The ceremony was attended by Mr. Chu Wen, Counsellor of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Vietnam; Ms. Vu Thanh Thuy, Editor-in-Chief of VTV Times and Head of the Organizing Committee; Mr. Truong Duc Son, Director of the Chinese Cultural Center in Hanoi; along with representatives of Vietnam Television, the Confucius Institute, and members of the Judging Panel. The event also welcomed representatives of media agencies, award-winning authors, and lecturers and students from universities in Hanoi.

At the ceremony, Mr. Nguyen Hieu Tin, Deputy Head and in charge of the Tourism Department, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Ton Duc Thang University, was honored with the First Prize for his calligraphy artwork entitled “Vietnam – China: Profound Affection, Enduring Friendship”. Sharing his reflections, Mr. Nguyen Hieu Tin stated: “This work is expressed through two calligraphic scripts, namely Chinese characters (Han script) and the Vietnamese national script, creating a visual harmony between the two cultures. I believe this combination not only honors the distinct beauty of each writing system but also symbolizes the spiritual exchange and shared cultural history between our two nations. In this piece, I place the concept of ‘Affection’ at the center, conveying profound emotional bonds and enduring goodwill, and evoking a relationship shaped not only by history but also nurtured by the deep cultural continuity of both countries”.

Speaking on stage upon receiving the award, Mr. Nguyen Hieu Tin expressed his honor and deep emotion at being among the First Prize recipients: “For me, today’s award is not merely a recognition of achievement, but also a moment of resonance, when emotions, memories, and cultural experiences are truly touched. I would like to sincerely thank the Organizing Committee, the Judging Panel, and the competition itself for creating such a meaningful space for cultural exchange and heartfelt friendship between our two nations. I believe that in each person’s life, there are special bonds, some quiet yet enduring and sincere. To me, China represents such a bond, not merely a geographical space, but a cultural and spiritual one. Like the Yangtze River flowing endlessly onward, I hope that my bond with Chinese culture will likewise remain enduring, expansive, and always open to the future”.

The works honored at the “My Bond with China” Creative Writing and Storytelling Competition 2025 not only reflect the creative dedication of the authors, but also serve as vivid testimony to the long-standing friendly and neighborly relations between Vietnam and China. The competition has contributed to strengthening people-to-people connections, broadening mutual understanding, and fostering lasting trust and friendship between the two nations.

News and article compilation: Hoa Thu

Figure 1: First Prize recipients at the competition
 

Figure 2: Mr. Nguyen Hieu Tin sharing his reflections upon receiving the First Prize on stage

Figure 3: Mr. Nguyen Hieu Tin receiving the award at the competition

Figure 4: Mr. Nguyen Hieu Tin with his award-winning artwork

Figure 5: Mr. Nguyen Hieu Tin sharing the creative inspiration behind his First Prize-winning work on VTV3