Youth Contribute to the Development of Vietnam’s Cultural Industry

What is the cultural industry?

In Vietnam, the term “cultural industry” is being mentioned more and more frequently. There are also quite a few definitions of this term. However, a common understanding is that “the cultural industry refers to creative, production, distribution, and business activities involving products or services with cultural, artistic, or entertainment value, capable of generating economic value.” Accordingly, the role of the cultural industry is to create jobs, generate economic value that contributes to GDP, promote innovation, enhance the nation’s “soft power,” and help preserve and promote national culture.

A key characteristic of the cultural industry is that it relies on human creativity and talent, involves intellectual property rights, possesses both spiritual and economic value, and can promote the nation’s image and national identity. It can be said that the “cultural industry” is part of the “creative industry.”

Positioning the Cultural Industry in Vietnam

In the era of international integration and rapid digital transformation, the cultural industry is becoming one of the key drivers of economic development and national image promotion. Along with the development of film, music, cultural tourism, design, gaming, and digital content, these sectors have become the driving forces behind the growth of Vietnam’s cultural industry in recent years.

According to the strategy for developing cultural industries through 2030, with a vision toward 2045, Vietnam aims to make the cultural industry a key economic sector, contributing significantly to GDP (7% by 2030 and rising to 9% by 2045), while enhancing the nation’s cultural standing on the international stage. In this process, youth are the most dynamic, creative, and pioneering force, playing a crucial role in creating and disseminating Vietnamese cultural values.

The Role of Youth in Cultural Industry Development

Quick Adoption of Digital Technology Platforms

With their ability to quickly adapt to digital technology, social media, and global trends, young people have created many new cultural products in fields such as music, film, design, fashion, digital media, gaming, and cultural tourism. Young people not only absorb modern culture but also blend traditional values with contemporary elements to revitalize national identity. This is how Vietnamese culture becomes more relatable and appealing to both the younger generation and international friends.

As pioneers in the digital transformation of culture

Through platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and new tech applications, many young people have helped promote Vietnamese cuisine, tourism, traditional arts, and the nation’s image to the world. The entrepreneurial and innovative spirit of youth has also fostered new business models rooted in cultural values, creating jobs and generating revenue for the economy.

In the future, the role of youth will become even more crucial as the cultural industry becomes closely intertwined with the digital economy and creative innovation. They will be the core force in fields such as entertainment technology, digital content, artificial intelligence, film, media, and creative design. At the same time, young people will also contribute to preserving cultural heritage through modern technologies such as digitizing historical sites, virtual museums, and virtual reality (VR/AR), helping traditional culture be preserved and made more widely accessible.

Beyond the arts, young people in government agencies and businesses also play a crucial role in building organizational culture and spreading positive values throughout society. In fact, many Youth Union organizations within corporations, businesses, and the banking sector have effectively harnessed the pioneering and innovative spirit of youth in building corporate culture and driving digital transformation.

Practical Application at BIDV

BIDV Youth Actively Innovate and Apply Digital Technology

As a workforce comprising nearly 40% of the bank’s total staff, BIDV’s youth members are not only highly skilled in their professional duties but also actively participate in creative activities, digital transformation, and the development of a modern, professional, and people-oriented corporate culture. Many members have proactively proposed initiatives to improve business processes and apply technology in operations. This has contributed to enhancing service quality and the image and standing of Vietnam’s financial and banking sector.

Community-oriented activities

Beyond professional duties, the BIDV Youth Union has been proactive and active in organizing volunteer and social welfare activities, fostering a civilized, united, and creative work environment. These initiatives not only help build and practice corporate culture but also demonstrate the social responsibility of the banking sector’s youth toward the broader community.

Proposed solutions

To further enhance the role of youth in general and banking sector youth in particular in the development of Vietnam’s cultural industry, the following measures should be implemented:

First, raise awareness and provide education on the cultural industry for youth

By incorporating content on the cultural industry, the creative economy, digital copyright, and multimedia communication into educational curricula. Additionally, experiential activities and creative content competitions focused on Vietnamese culture should be strengthened to attract youth participation and encourage active engagement.

Second, policies to support youth in creative entrepreneurship

It is necessary to continue developing and refining policy mechanisms for high-potential sectors such as film, music, design, gaming, fashion, and cultural tourism… to enable youth to participate in their development.

Third, accelerating digital transformation in the cultural industry

By providing digital skills training for youth and encouraging them to utilize platforms such as social media, podcasts, short videos, and virtual reality… to promote Vietnamese culture. In fact, the rapid development of artificial intelligence, big data, and digital platforms has already opened up many new professions within the cultural industry in our country.

Fourth, building a creative environment and cultural spaces

A creative environment can be fostered through various concrete measures, such as: developing creative hubs and community performance spaces for young people; encouraging youth to organize festivals, exhibitions, and produce artistic programs; and supporting the activities of art clubs and youth creative groups in schools and local communities… For only by creating an open environment can young people be encouraged to boldly experiment with new ideas and develop valuable cultural products.

Fifth, strengthen international cooperation and cultural integration

By sending young people to participate in international festivals, creative forums, exchange programs, and field studies in countries with advanced cultural industries; and by supporting the training of young talent to meet international standards.

Sixth, leveraging the role of the Youth Union

The role of the Youth Union will be significantly strengthened through “Youth Innovation” campaigns in the cultural sector; connecting youth with businesses, artists, and cultural experts. Additionally, we will recognize and promote outstanding role models among Youth Union members in cultural innovation and entrepreneurship.

With their intelligence, youthful energy, innovative spirit, and ability to adapt quickly to the digital age, young people have been entrusted with the mission to continue building a modern Vietnamese culture rich in national identity, contributing to projecting the image of Vietnam and its people far and wide on the international stage.

Tran Thi Thuy Hang