Some outstanding entries at the 2025 “What Do You Know About Vietnam?” contest

B: Between March 10 and June 30, the contest received a mountain of entries from both longtime and new listeners in 32 countries and territories.

A: Many contestants were members of international radio listeners’ clubs in Indonesia, India, and Pakistan, and the overseas Vietnamese community.

B: After careful review in the preliminary and final rounds, the jury has chosen what it deems to be the most outstanding entries. And now, it’s our pleasure to congratulate the winners!

Our 3 top prizes – 3 trips to Vietnam for 5 days and 4 nights – are awarded to:

- Mr. Rudy Hartono, an Indonesian national who listens to our Indonesian program

- Mr. Vicentiu Daniel Gheorghe, a Romanian national who listens to our English program

- And Mr. Oikawa Kazuaki, a Japanese national who listens to our Japanese program

Our 10 consolation prizes – some desirable gifts from Vietnam – are awarded to:

(1) Mr. Andreas Fessler, a German national who listens to our German program

(2) Mr. Ashik Eqbal, a Bangladeshi national who listens to our English program

(3) Mr. Rabi Sankar Bosu, an Indian national who listens to our English program

(4) Mr. Ratchapol Ploythet, a Thai national who listens to our Thai program

(5) Mr. Paul Jamet, a French national who listens to our French program

(6) Mr. Fan Hong Jie, a Chinese national who listens to our Chinese program

(7) Mr. Liu Wei, a Chinese national who listens to our Chinese program

(8) Mr. Phetsavan Sixanone, a Lao national who listens to our Lao program

(9) Mr. Nikolay Prigodich, a Belarusian national who listens to our Russian program

(10) Ms. Lê Thương, a Vietnamese national living in Japan who listens to our Vietnamese program

2 Impressive Entry prizes are awarded to:

- Mr. Johnny Antonio Ramírez López, a Peruvian national who listens to our Spanish program

- And Mr. Uch Leang, a Cambodian national who listens to our Cambodian program

Our Youngest Contestant prize is awarded to:

Andika Arga Nugraha (12 years old), an Indonesian national who listens to our Indonesian program

Our Oldest Contestant prize is awarded to:

Mr. Ezequiel Hernandez Gómez (87 years old), a Cuban national who listens to our Spanish program

Our prize for the club or organization with the largest number of participants is awarded to:

The Vietnamese Association in Kansai, Japan, 51 members of which took part in the contest

A: We warmly congratulate the winners of the 2025 “What do you know about Vietnam?” contest. Information about the awards ceremony will be announced as soon as possible.

B: The Organizing Board is now reaching out to the winners to collect the information needed to arrange the top prize winners’ trips to Vietnam and to deliver the prizes they’ve won to the other winners. And as a reminder, all contestants will receive a certificate of participation.

A: Vietnam is brimming with excitement for the celebration of the August Revolution (August 19) and National Day (September 2). There’s a festive atmosphere everywhere, and streets have been decorated with red flags and fresh flowers for public celebration activities. Many listeners have kept asking about major events to take place in Vietnam on this occasion.

B: Thanks for your interest! In recent months, the armed forces have been training for a grand parade next month. This year’s parade promises to be a spectacular display of discipline, strength, and national pride.

A: It will begin at 6:30 a.m. on September 2 at historic Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, where, in 1945, President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence, giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

B: The parade will comprise contingents of the Vietnam People’s Army, the People’s Public Security Force, the Militia and Self-Defense Force, and representatives of social organizations and mass associations.

A: The parade formations will feature a torch procession, ceremonial artillery salutes, an air force fly-past, marching contingents, static display units, and marching formations creating shapes and words on the field.

B: For the first time since 1985, the parade will include artillery and specialized military vehicles. A naval parade will also be held, for the first time, in Khanh Hoa province, with the participation of the Navy, the Coast Guard, the Border Guard, and Military Region 5.

A: Major General Tong Van Thanh Deputy Director of the Department of Propaganda and Training under the General Department of Politics of the Vietnam People’s Army said the parade and march will be organized in a solemn, dignified, and disciplined manner, ensuring security, safety, and cost-effectiveness.

"The participating forces reflect the unity and discipline of the Vietnam People’s Armed Forces, and the nation’s cultural identity and aspiration for peace. This is an occasion to showcase the strength of the People’s Armed Forces and affirm the determination of the entire Party, people, and army to successfully carry out the national renewal process under the Party’s leadership, and to firmly safeguard the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in all circumstances,” he said

B: Thousands of people are expected to line Hanoi’s streets to witness the parade in person, and 270 LED screens will be set up across the city for public viewing.

A: We can’t wait to see it. And you, overseas listeners, can count on us to bring you the highlights!

The cover of the entry by Vincentiu Daniel Gheorghe of Romania

A: Last week, we received reception reports from many listeners around the world, including Richard Lemke of Canada, who wrote to us about our May 14 broadcast. Mr. Lemke reported receiving the broadcast on 11885 kHz via our relay transmitter, using a receiver which he has operated for nearly 30 years. He noted slight noise from nearby frequencies, but overall good signal strength.

B: Shortwave enthusiast Jyrki Tuominen of Finland recently tuned in to VOV on 11885 kHz. Mr. Tuominen told us that he enjoyed the program and had very good reception. “I’ve developed a great interest in Asia and it's great to have some information on your country. The long, cold winter is finally over, and we’re enjoying the sunny days of summer. During the cold months, I can always listen to radio stations from the South. They keep me warm.”

B: Listener Azam Ali Soomro of Pakistan said he’s interested in news about Party General Secretary To Lam’s visit to the Republic of Korea and his ambitious trade goals. “I must express my sincere appreciation to the Voice of Vietnam for keeping listeners informed about Vietnam’s achievements, culture, and aspirations. Through its broadcasts, VOV connects hearts across borders and makes us feel that Vietnam’s story is, in some way, our story too.”

A: We sincerely thank all our devoted listeners for your warm messages of support for the Voice of Vietnam. Your companionship inspires us to keep bringing you stories that bridge distances around the world.

B: That concludes our program for today. Once again, congratulations to the winners of the “What do you know about Vietnam?” contest, and thank you to all participants for your support. We look forward to your continued companionship.Good bye.