The Vietnam Museum of Military History, which features more than 150,000 artifacts, is open for free for two months starting from Nov. 1.

B: We’re now sharing some thoughtful comments and questions from our dedicated listeners around the world.

A: First, Juan Diez from Spain expressed his interest in Vietnam’s recent diplomatic activities, such as Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s visit to the Middle East and Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez’s trip to Vietnam.

B: Juan noted that while economic relations between Vietnam and Saudi Arabia have room to grow, he’s optimistic about their potential, seeing a future of increased cooperation and deeper mutual understanding.

A: Regarding the Venezuelan Vice President’s visit, Juan hopes for stronger ties between Venezuela, BRICS, and Vietnam, emphasizing that bilateral relations can help advance Venezuela’s global position.

B: Thank you, Juan, for sharing your insightful perspective! The recent diplomatic engagements indeed underline Vietnam’s proactive foreign relations in both economic and political spheres. We look forward to seeing how these relationships develop further.

A: Liu Fang of China shared her sympathy about recent floods in Vietnam, mentioning that Vietnam and China have a history of cooperation in disaster response. She expressed condolences for the impact of typhoon Yagi, which recently struck both nations, and conveyed her hope for Vietnam’s quick recovery.

B: Thank you for your kind words, Liu Fang, and your heartfelt sympathy. Vietnam has indeed faced significant challenges with recent natural disasters, and it’s reassuring to know that friends like you are thinking of us.

More than 150,000 artifacts, including four national treasures and many precious artifacts, are exhibited throughout the museum.

A: This week, in an email to VOV, Sok Heng of Cambodia, asked about AI training programs at universities and AI development in Vietnam.

B: Vietnam is rapidly advancing in the field of AI, and many universities have integrated AI programs to meet the demand for skilled professionals. Currently, over 20 universities in Vietnam offer AI training programs covering machine learning, data science, robotics, and computer vision, preparing students for emerging AI careers.

A: Hanoi University of Science and Technology is the first university in Vietnam to open a specialized engineering program in Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI). The GenAI program at the University spans one and a half years with 48 credits for graduates in fields related to information technology and similar disciplines.

B: The program will provide foundational knowledge in AI and in-depth knowledge in GenAI, such as machine learning, deep learning, building GenAI applications, AI ethics, and developing reliable artificial intelligence.

Meta’s President of Global Affairs Nick Clegg speaks to the press during the tech conference Innovate Vietnam 2024 in Hanoi on October 1, 2024. (Photo: VietGate)

A: Meta’s Global Affairs President Nick Clegg elaborated on cooperation with Vietnam National University. “I think, compared to other countries in this part of the world, in this hemisphere, I would say Vietnam is one of the leading countries for all the reasons that I've already described – this combination of young demographic, high levels of education, and a very versatile use of digital tools. And I think one of the reasons why I announced that we’re developing an AI literacy curriculum and course which will be offered to students at the Vietnam National University from January next year, is precisely because of the question you raised, and indeed the earlier question asked, which is you can only use AI if you understand it, and you can only understand it if you have the right training and education."

"And I'm very confident, not least through the partnership that we have entered into with the Vietnam National University to introduce a new AI literacy curriculum that will teach more and more engineers and more and more students how to use AI for their own purposes and their own entrepreneurial ideas in Vietnam in the years ahead,” said Nick Clegg.

A: In an email to VOV this week, Chamsida of Cambodia shared his interest in preserving Bat Trang pottery and tourism development in the village.

The center of Vietnamese craft village quintessence, also known as "Bat Trang Pottery Museum." (Photo: VOV)

B: Bat Trang pottery village, with over 700 years of history, is a vital cultural heritage. To preserve its ancient pottery-making techniques, local artisans work with cultural preservation projects, host pottery workshops, and offer training to young artisans.

A: Tourism in Bat Trang has also been growing, with options for visitors to try pottery-making, tour artisan studios, and purchase handmade items. Efforts like these keep the tradition alive while engaging tourists in an authentic cultural experience.

B: This week, Dieter Leupold from Leipzig, Germany, asked about upcoming contests for listeners.

A: Thank you, Dieter, for your enthusiasm! VOV plans to hold a contest for listeners in the coming year, celebrating international friendship and exploring Vietnam’s culture and achievements. Contests often feature quiz questions, essay challenges, or creative submissions from listeners, with exciting prizes. We’ll announce details soon, so stay tuned!

B: Indian listener Siddhartha Bhatacharjee asked if Vietnam celebrates International Literacy Day (September 8).

A: Yes, Vietnam does observe International Literacy Day on September 8! This day is an opportunity to highlight literacy's role in building an inclusive society. Vietnam has made tremendous progress in literacy, achieving a high literacy rate over recent decades. Schools, libraries, and community centers often hold special events to promote reading and education, particularly in rural areas.

B: French listener Philippe Marsan is interested in the historic railway between Vietnam and Laos and the significance of dragons in Vietnamese culture.

A: Thank you, Philippe, for your concerns! The railway connecting Vietnam and Laos was built during the French colonial period but ceased operations around 1947. Some remnants, like stone walls and tracks, are still visible, serving as historical landmarks that evoke the past connectivity between the two countries.

Artifacts feature dragon motifs

B: Regarding dragons, they hold a revered place in Vietnamese culture as symbols of power, prosperity, and protection. Dragons are often featured in folklore, art, and architecture, especially in temples and traditional festivals. In Vietnam, dragons are considered mythical ancestors, believed to bring happiness, fortune, and harmony. Festivals such as the Lunar New Year feature dragon dances to ward off evil and bring blessings.

A: Next, we’d like to thank Mr. Muhammad Aqeel Bashir in Pakistan, for sharing your reception report for our broadcast on 9840 kHz. We're pleased that you, a member of the International Radio Listeners Organization, enjoyed the broadcast, and we’re happy to confirm your reception with a QSL card. We’ll also do our best to include a pennant for your collection.

B: Regarding your audio recording, we appreciate the effort you made to ensure it reached us, even with file-size limitations. Thank you for your dedication and support!

A: Mr. Abdul Mannan from Bangladesh told us that he enjoys our English programs, especially the news, music, and the letterbox segment. Your reception report for our 7220 kHz broadcast has been noted, and we’ll send a verification card to acknowledge it. We look forward to receiving more reports from you and are pleased to count you among our regular listeners.

B: Thank you Mr. Joandric Ávila Fernández in Costa Rica for your kind letter and for your thoughts regarding recent events here in Vietnam. It’s heartening to know we have such compassionate listeners like you around the world. We have received your reception report for the October 27th broadcast on 12020 kHz, along with your audio recording, and we’ll send a QSL card.

A: We much appreciate Mr. Bidhan Chandra Sanyal in India for being a loyal listener and for sending us regular reports and letters. We apologize if some of your previous QSL cards have not yet arrived. Thanks a lot for your dedication and we will work to ensure you receive the recognition you deserve. We'll also do our best to send a small souvenir in appreciation of your steadfast support of the Voice of Vietnam.

B: Once again, thank you all for being a part of our global listening community. Your connection with us and enthusiasm for our programs inspire us every day. We look forward to continuing our broadcasts and to staying in touch through your letters.