(VOVWORLD) - 79-year-old Most Venerable Thach Huon of the Khmer ethnic group is the head of Prey Chop pagoda in the Mekong Delta province of Soc Trang. A former National Assembly deputy, he has made a considerable contribution to social work.

(VOVWORLD) - Tinh tau is a traditional musical instrument indispensable in the spiritual life of the White Thai ethnic minority people, especially for New Year celebrations and festivals. Emeritus Artisan Dieu Chinh La from Son La province has dedicated dozens of years to making and teaching Tinh tau with a wish to preserve it for later generations.

(VOVWORLD) - Around 43,000 Vietnamese people are living in China, many of them have contributed to promoting the image of Vietnamese people and landscapes as well as fostering bilateral cooperation between the two countries. Nguyen Xuan Dien, a teacher from Sichuan International Studies University, has studied and worked in China for 20 years. He has done his best to teach the Vietnamese language and introduce Vietnamese culture to generations of Chinese students.

(VOVWORLD) - The conical hat-making craft has existed in Chuong village in Thanh Oai district, Hanoi, for four centuries, but only a few artisans are still making an effort to preserve this tradition. Ta Thu Huong has not only done her best to preserve the craft, but has worked to bring Chuong village’s conical hats to the world.

(VOVWORLD) - As the head of Buor hamlet in the Central Highland province of Dak Lak, Y Siem Bkrong a.k.a. Ama Thap always takes the lead in local movements. Ama Thap has contributed greatly to improving local people’s lives.

(VOVWORLD) - People’s Artist Tran Bang is known for his great contribution to the development of Cheo (Vietnamese traditional opera). He is called the grand old master of Cheo and is a renowned Cheo director, composer, and researcher. Bang’s efforts have promoted Cheo inside and outside Vietnam. He passed away this month at the age of 97, from an illness.

(VOVWORLD) - For the past 7 years, the Women’s Union in the border commune of Dak Duc in Kon Tum province, has had 900 members, most of whom from the Gie Trieng ethnic group. As Chairwoman of the Union, Y Chon has led many movements to help local women in their production and improve their living standard.

(VOVWORLD) - Kpa Meo in Chu Prong district, Gia Lai province, is known as a role model in production and poverty reduction in his locality. He has applied technology to agricultural production and improved his family’s income.

(VOVWORLD) - Po Lo Hu was born in the border district of Muong Te in the northern mountainous province of Lai Chau. Despite a difficult life, Hu has worked hard to encourage others to abandon backward customs and help them escape poverty.

(VOVWORLD) - Former Deputy Prime Minister and diplomat Vu Khoan has passed away at the age of 86. Having held various positions in the government, with his experience and expertise, Mr. Khoan was known as a pioneer in Vietnam’s reform, innovation, and international integration process. He made significant contributions to opening up and integrating Vietnam with the world in the early 1990s. The sharp-minded leader was a role model of life-long learning.