On the morning of 17 November 2025, the Party Committee of the Vietnam National Museum of History (VNMH) hosted a thematic talk on “Developing Cultural Industries in Vietnam.” The session was attended by Mr. Nguyen Van Ha, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Deputy Director; Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Hoan, a member of the Standing Committee Head of the Party Committee’s Inspection Commission, and Deputy Director; as well as all Party members, officers, and employees of the museum.
The speaker, Prof. Dr. Tu Thi Loan, a member of the National Cultural Heritage Council, provided a comprehensive perspective on the landscape of cultural industries in both Vietnam and other countries. She introduced new global trends, shared successful experiences from various nations, and offered practical suggestions for Vietnam. She further pointed out the potential, challenges, and opportunities that Vietnam’s cultural sector face in its efforts to establish cultural industries as a foundation for sustainable national development.
Overview of the thematic talk
Prof. Dr. Tu Thi Loan emphasized that many countries today consider culture not only a spiritual value but also a strategic resource for economic and social development. According to UNESCO’s recommendations, combining heritage exploitation with creativity and the application of technology forms the foundation for cultural industries with high economic value. Experiences from Africa and South Korea indicate that Vietnam has strong potential in developing cultural industries, especially in heritage-rich areas such as Phu Tho, known for Hat Xoan and the worship of the Hung Kings, which could become a model for sustainable cultural tourism.
The speaker identified six core factors essential for successful cultural industries: cultural resources, creativity, economic value, production, technology application, and impact. Heritage can become a product within cultural industries only when it is narrated creatively and presented through digital technology, providing engaging experiences and economic benefits to the community.
Prof. Dr. Tu Thi Loan presenting at the thematic talk
Vietnam emphasized 12 key cultural industries: advertising, architecture, software and games, handicrafts, design, film, publishing, fashion, performing and visual arts, TV and radio, and cultural tourism. These industries function like modern cultural enterprises: market-oriented, relying on intellectual property, interdisciplinary, aimed at the public, and connected to everyday life.
According to Prof. Dr. Tu Thi Loan, the VNMH can play a crucial role in cultural industries by transforming heritage into cultural assets. Through interactive exhibitions, educational programs, and technologies such as 3D modeling and augmented reality (AR), the museum can engage a wide audience, particularly young people. This approach helps preserve artifacts and history while turning them into vibrant cultural products that promote Vietnam’s culture on a global scale.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Hoan sharing her opinions at the thematic talk
During the thematic session, Comrade Nguyen Thi Thu Hoan highlighted lessons from South Korea. Despite having limited cultural resources, the country achieved significant breakthroughs due to its political determination, well-defined institutional frameworks, and effective operational models, ultimately transforming culture into a leading industry. Vietnam, with its rich heritage, should similarly harness its resources for sustainable cultural and economic value. She pointed out that the primary challenge lies in developing content and ideas for products within the cultural industry. It is essential for museums to innovate by utilizing heritage for cultural, educational, and digital products. Additionally, there should be a strong focus on enhancing professional standards, improving visitor experience, and highlighting the core values of heritage.
Mr. Nguyen Van Ha giving a summary speech at the thematic talk
In his closing remarks, Mr. Nguyen Van Ha emphasized the support from the Party, Government, and Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism for the cultural sector, including museums. He highlighted the Ministry’s initiatives regarding database creation and digital transformation as significant steps that provide a foundation for the sector’s development. Although the Museum has strong potential for developing cultural industries, it still faces challenges related to mechanisms, human resources, and funding. He urged all staff and Party members to take responsibility and act creatively to successfully implement innovation, digital transformation, and the development of cultural industries.
Prof. Dr. Tu Thi Loan taking a group photo with Party members and museum staffs
The thematic talk provided Party members and staffs at the VNMH a deeper understanding of the values of cultural heritage and its potential for developing the cultural industry. It introduced new approaches to digitalization and interactive experiences, as well as ways to create cultural products from museum artifacts. This initiative aims to enhance public service, strengthen the Museum’s central role in Vietnam’s cultural industry, and contribute to the implementation of the Party’s resolutions.
Thu Hien