(VOVWORLD) - Thank you for your continuous support and for sharing your thoughts with us! Last week, we received 385 letters, emails, and phone calls from listeners across 34 countries and territories. Your engagement is truly inspiring, and we appreciate the insightful feedback, contest participation, and thoughtful questions.
 Rehearsal for parade marking 50 years of Southern Vietnam’s liberation |
B: We’d like to acknowledge Sanil Deep of India for your regular reception reports of our English service. The letter reads “Nowadays reception on the frequency of 12020 khz at 13.30 hours to 14.00 is facing lot of QRM from Chinese stations. Best frequency to India is at 16.00 hours on 7220 Khz. Letterbox program is my favorite where I can hear letters sent by listeners all around the globe. Your news bulletin is updated and covers news in and out of your country. Saturday music & Sunday show are the best programs in which listeners are able hear all types of songs and music.”
A: Thanks for your dedicated comments and for informing us that you will participate in our contest What do you know about Vietnam this year.
B: Over the past week, we have received entries for the “What do you know about Vietnam 2025” contest from many listeners around the world. We’d like to acknowledge entries from Binita Sanyal of India, Mizanur Rahman of Bangladesh, and Amjad Ali Baloch of Pakistan.
A: From Indonesia, Rudy Hartono wrote: “It is a pleasure to once again participate in this year’s VOV Contest. Vietnam has taken many steps toward becoming a developed country, and VOV keeps us updated on these developments. Hopefully, this contest will be a great success, and Indonesia will have the largest number of participants!”
B: Thank you, Rudy! We encourage all listeners to take part in the contest and showcase their knowledge of Vietnam. We look forward to more entries from Indonesia!
 Mending Net by Phan Thi Khanh, alias Khanh Phan
Winner of the Travel Photography Contest by Wanderlust Magazine 2019;
Published in Wanderlust Magazine (UK) in March 2020 |
A: From China, Fan Hong Jie was thrilled to participate after a decade, stating: “Participating in the contest allows me to better understand Vietnam’s progress and achievements under the Party’s leadership. It also strengthens my connection with the Voice of Vietnam and deepens my affection for the Vietnamese people.”
B: We are delighted to hear this, Fan Hong Jie! The contest is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VOV and the 40th anniversary of the first contest. We wish you the best of luck!
A: Several English program listeners also had suggestions. Bidhan Chandra Sanyal from India recommended: “Each contestant should receive a small souvenir from VOV along with a thank-you letter. Besides the main prize, there should be additional awards for three contestants in a ‘talent category,’ and the names of all participants should be published on the VOV5 website.”
B: Thank you, Bidhan! These are great suggestions, and we will discuss them with the organizing team to see if we can incorporate them into the contest.
To participate in the contest, check out the following links:
http://https//vovworld.vn/en-US/about-us/questions-for-2025-what-do-you-know-about-vietnam-contest-1373386.vov
A: Liana Safitri of Indonesia shared her thoughts on Earth Hour: “I was very happy to hear about Earth Hour 2025. Our planet needs more care. Even simple actions—like unplugging devices, avoiding littering, and turning off car engines periodically—can make a difference. Hopefully, we can protect the Earth better!”
B: Thank you, Liana! Your message is a great reminder that small, daily actions contribute to a larger environmental impact. We will continue to promote awareness about sustainable living.
A: In his email to VOV this week, Champa from Vientiane, Laos, asked about Vietnam’s four sacred animals and their meanings.
B: According to Vietnamese belief, the four sacred animals including the dragon, unicorn, tortoise and phoenix, symbolize power, intellect, longevity and nobility. Probably, for this meaning, these animals have been seen in many architectural works.
 The dragon symbolizes power |
A: These four sacred animals were mythologized by the Vietnamese. The images of dragon appear in architectural decorations in Royal Palaces, temples, pagodas and tombs. The Vietnamese dragon looks lither and more flowing than in other Asian countries and has been modified over time.
 The unicorn represents prestige, peace and good luck |
B: The unicorn, the second mythical animal of the four sacred animals represents prestige, peace and good luck. It has a strange appearance, half dragon-half mammal; sometimes it has only one horn, which never butts anybody and symbolizes mercy. The Vietnamese believe that the unicorn is a strong and faithful animal, suitable for guarding pagodas and places of worship.
 The tortoise is the symbol of strength and longevity |
A: The third animal is the tortoise, the symbol of longevity. Tortoise imagery can be seen in pagodas, temples and shrines. In the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university built in 1070, there are 82 steles of doctors placed on the backs of stone tortoises to underscore the importance of learning.
 The phoenix is a beautiful and noble bird. |
B: The fourth one is phoenix, a beautiful and noble bird. The Vietnamese people believe that a phoenix bodes well for those areas where it settles. The combination of the dragon and phoenix represent lovers’ happiness, good luck, position and fame.
A: These creatures hold a significant place in Vietnamese mythology and architecture. Thank you for your question, Champa!
B: Lastly, we greatly appreciate the kind words from Azam Ali Soomro of Pakistan, who wrote: “Voice of Vietnam is the best source for learning about all aspects of Vietnam, and we continue to receive information about various events and developments through it. The collaboration and partnership between Vietnam and many countries in various sectors is a clear indication that the country is on the path of development and prosperity. Thank you very much, our beloved Voice of Vietnam, for keeping us informed about all aspects of Vietnam. Keep up the good work!”
A: We’re honored to be your window into Vietnam, Soomro and we hope to bring you many more fascinating stories.
B: Once again, thank you to all our listeners for your continued support and engagement. Keep your letters, emails, and contest entries coming! Until next time, happy listening from all of us at Voice of Vietnam!