 We thank Bidhan Chandra Sanyal of India for sending us this ecard. |
B: Anand Mohan Bain, President of the Pariwer Bandhu Short Wave Listening Club of India,sent greetings to the VOV staff and to all radio enthusiasts around the world.
“I’ve been listening to VOV since 1985. Voice of Vietnam is an encyclopedia of Vietnam for us. There’s very little news about Vietnam in our local media. What I know about Vietnam is through VOV. On World Radio Day, I wish that VOV will connect more new people to the radio every day.”
A: Rabi Sankar Bosu, an Indian listener who won a trip to Vietnam in 2000 in our contest “What do you know about Vietnam?”, sent his best wishes and congratulations to all VOV staff and all VOV listeners on World Radio Day. Bosu said it’s a day that celebrates the value of radio in building a close friendship between listeners and radio broadcasters through the powerful waves of radio, even in this age of social media.
“Whenever I think of VOV, memories of many news stories I heard through VOV come to my mind.Looking back down memory lane, I recall a wonderful program in February of 1988 on the occasion of the Year of the Dragon and for the first time I became acquainted with the Vietnamese lunar zodiac system, the twelve animal symbols. This program gave me a great insight into Vietnamese culture and traditions. I hope VOVWORLD will bring more good stories about Vietnam and the world to its global audience. I strongly believe that we, your international listeners, will continue our friendship and support for VOVWORLD in the years to come!”
B: Vicentiu Daniel Gheorghe, Founder and President of the Romanian VOV Club, said radio has been an integral part of his life, and VOV, in particular, has provided a sense of connection to Vietnam that he can’t find elsewhere.
A: He wrote: “VOV has profoundly shaped my understanding of Vietnam by offering a well-rounded and immersive perspective, one that highlights its rich cultural traditions, historical resilience, and ambitious modern aspirations. More than just a source of news, VOV serves as a gateway into the soul of Vietnam. Through its broadcasts, I have gained a deeper appreciation for Vietnam’s diverse landscapes, from the misty mountains of the north to the serene waters of the Mekong Delta.”
B: Like many other listeners, Mr. Gheorghe said he loves listening to radio because, unlike streaming platforms or podcasts, which often feel more polished or pre-recorded, radio offers a level of intimacy and real-time connection that feels genuine. “Whether it’s the host sharing their thoughts, reading listeners’ messages, or giving shout-outs, it creates a space where listeners feel like they are part of something much bigger than themselves,” Mr. Gheorghe said.
A: We sincerely appreciate each and every one of you for being a part of the VOV community and for sharing your thoughts with us. Now we’d like to play a song called “Radio” by Ha Anh Tuan, as a token of thanks to all our listeners.
B: The song captures the universal experience of listening to a radio, a timeless medium that bridges generations and communities, whether in bustling cities or quiet rural areas. For the elderly, it might be a nostalgic reminder of simpler times, a source of comfort and familiar melodies from their youth. For the younger generation, it remains a vital tool for staying informed and being entertained, even in the digital age.
 Thank you Amir Jameel of Pakistan for this ecard. |
A: Here’s an email from Janne Petäjä, a DXer from Tampere, the second largest city in Finland. Janne said: “Due to my remote location, it’s challenging to receive distant radio stations. However, under the right weather conditions, radio reception can be surprisingly good.”
B: It’s surprising how much weather conditions can affect radio reception.
A: Carlos Daniel R. da Silva of Brazil tuned in to VOV on a frequency of 7220 kHz on February 3 using a Tecsun model PL-330 receiver with an external dipole antenna. He rated the overall reception quality at 3 and attached an audio file for us to verify his reception.
B: Jayanta Chakrabarty of India told us that he received VOV’s QSL card verifying his reports in December, 2024. He wrote: “VOV’s programs are not only entertaining and educational but they have helped me learn more about Vietnam and its hardworking and ingenious people. As an economist, I’m enthralled by Vietnam’s rapid development.”
A: Thank you, dear listeners, for sharing your listening experience with us. Your feedback is invaluable and helps us improve.
B: This week, Mogire Machuki Kisii of Kenya, asked about how Hanoi copes with plastic waste?”
A: Hanoi, like most cities, faces a significant challenge managing plastic waste. It has been tackling the issue through government initiatives and public awareness campaigns.
B: Approximately 3.2 million tons of plastic waste is generated each year in Vietnam, including more than 30 billion plastic bags. About 80% of them are released into the environment after a single use. Hanoi has been promoting the sorting of recyclables like plastics, metals, and paper by consumers.
A: Plastic bag bans have been implemented in a few areas. Some supermarkets and retail stores have introduced alternatives like environment-friendly packaging and reusable cloth shopping bags.
 (photo:pbgdpl.hanoi.gov.vn) |
B: Last year the Hanoi municipal People's Committee set specific goals for sustainable production and consumption. About 85% of businesses in industrial parks and 65% of businesses in Hanoi's craft villages have implemented sustainable production and consumption methods and clean, environment-friendly technology. 70-80% of traditional markets and 100% of supermarkets and shopping centers are scheduled to stop using non-biodegradable plastic bags by 2025.
A: Hanoi has also launched movements to combat plastic waste called "Exchange scrap for trees", "Recycle plastic waste", "Women use baskets when shopping ", and "Greenhouse collects scrap".
B: Plastic waste elimination initiatives have been launched nationwide targeting school children, Youth Union members, Women’s Union members, office workers, and other specific groups.
A: Last December, 20 pupils at schools nationwide were honored as “Ambassadors of Plastic Waste Reduction” by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
B: The children proposed ways to reduce plastic waste, such as using eco-friendly products, saying no to plastic, and raising children’s awareness on this issue through performances. Cao Minh Tuan, Deputy Director of the Center for Natural Resources and Environment Communication, said: “The Plastic Reduction Ambassador contest has received a lot of attention from secondary school pupils nationwide. The Organizing Committee has coordinated with schools, media agencies, and localities to encourage children to join the contest. I applaud individuals and organizations for submitting their innovative ideas and solutions to the contest.”
A: This year World Radio Day is themed “Radio and Climate Change”, and is highlighting broadcasters’ coverage of environmental issues.
B: VOV will produce more reports on how people can contribute to saving the environment and will try to inspire a new generation of advocates to carry the message forward.
A: Our time is up for today on VOV’s Letter Box. We welcome your feedback at English Service, VOVWORLD, the Voice of Vietnam, 45 Ba Trieu street, Hanoi, Vietnam.
A: You can email us at englishsection@vov.vn. You’re invited to visit us online at vovworld.vn, where you can hear both live and recorded programs. Once again, thank you all for listening. Goodbye!