On November 13, the Ho Chi Minh City Peace & Development Foundation organized the Vietnam Forum – The Moment 2025 with the theme “Vietnam’s Soft Power: Advantages – Challenges – Prospects” at Military Hospital 175 in Ho Chi Minh City.
This year’s forum was designed as an open space that brought together scholars, experts, business leaders, artists, and young representatives. Its main goal was to discuss, analyze, and propose practical solutions to promote Vietnam’s soft power in the context of deeper global integration.
Soft power – the foundation of national identity and competitiveness
Speakers at the forum agreed that soft power is the ability to create influence through cultural appeal, values, and beliefs—distinct from hard power, which relies on coercion or material strength. For Vietnam, soft power is rooted in long-standing traditions of patriotism, unity, compassion, harmony, diligence, creativity, and a rich cultural heritage.
Many experts emphasized that culture, the element that shapes identity and uniqueness, is the “core” of Vietnam’s soft power. When combined with high-quality human resources, the creative economy, digital technology, and innovation, cultural values can be transformed into real advantages that enhance the nation’s competitiveness.
According to experts, investing in soft power is not only the responsibility of the cultural sector but also a long-term economic development strategy. Vietnam needs stronger mechanisms to promote cultural industries, education, and cultural diplomacy to effectively spread its national image in the region and around the world.
Soft power – an invaluable national asset
In her opening remarks, Ms. Ton Nu Thi Ninh, Chairwoman of the Ho Chi Minh City Peace & Development Foundation, emphasized: “Soft power lies in culture, values, people, and the stories that inspire others. In a world full of uncertainties, strengthening soft power has become even more urgent.” She noted that the forum aims to gather practical recommendations for policymaking and to promote an image of Vietnam that is humane, creative, and sustainable.
From the perspective of foreign affairs, Ms. Le Thi Hong Van, Director General of the Department of External Affairs and Cultural Diplomacy (Ministry of Foreign Affairs), stated that the world is entering a period of forming a new multipolar order, requiring Vietnam to enhance its soft competitiveness. “A priceless asset of Vietnam, rare among nations, is our deep tradition of patriotism, unity, and the vitality of a thousand-year-old culture. Soft power is essential to national development and an important internal resource.”
Representing the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr. Nguyen Van Thuat – Deputy Director of the Department of Grassroots Information and External Information – reaffirmed President Ho Chi Minh’s thought: “Culture must light the path for the nation.” He stressed that culture is the spiritual foundation of society, both a goal and a driving force for development, and the core of Vietnam’s soft power.
Collaboration with ASEAN Consulates at the forum
On the sidelines of the event, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Hong Xuan held a brief but meaningful discussion with representatives of ASEAN Consulates General in Ho Chi Minh City on strengthening cooperation in culture, education, and people-to-people diplomacy as the ASEAN Community moves toward its 2045 Vision.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Hong Xuan emphasized the role of cultural diplomacy, youth exchanges, academic collaboration, and community engagement as effective channels for building mutual understanding and promoting the image of a humane, dynamic, and creative Vietnam in the region.
ASEAN Consulate representatives appreciated Ho Chi Minh City’s initiatives in cultural–educational–creative cooperation and expressed their desire to strengthen collaboration with Vietnamese universities, research institutes, and social organizations to further enhance ASEAN’s soft power in the coming years.
Enhancing Vietnam’s national brand
The Vietnam Forum – The Moment 2025 aims to:
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Better identify Vietnam’s identity and values in the new era
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Promote the national brand toward a humane, creative, and sustainable direction
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Spread the country’s image through culture, education, creative industries, communication, and overseas communities
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Mobilize the combined strength of businesses, artists, intellectuals, the media, and the public
As Vietnam moves toward its strategic goals for 2030–2045, the forum serves as an important starting point, opening new dialogues to strengthen soft power as a pillar of sustainable development and international integration.
