Brian Jeffrey
A recent seminar focused on strategies to enhance the cultural industry took place in Ho Chi Minh City.
Son, a key member of the National Assembly’s Culture and Education Committee, emphasized that HCM City serves as Vietnam’s largest market for cultural industries. He pointed out that three critical elements for growth are a robust institutional framework, proper infrastructure, and an engaged populace.
He noted that advancing the cultural sector involves professionally developing cultural offerings to adhere to market dynamics, with a strong emphasis on prioritizing the people’s needs as part of the broader national growth.
For instance, he referenced the Singaporean Culture Minister’s visit to Los Angeles, which facilitated securing Taylor Swift for concerts in Singapore, showcasing its positive economic and societal impact.
According to To Dinh Tuan, Editor-in-Chief of Nguoi Lao Dong Newspaper, profits from cultural industries have become essential economic drivers in several countries; for example, the K-pop band BTS generates $5 billion annually for South Korea.
Tuan highlighted that with Vietnam’s larger population and rich cultural resources, it’s surprising there are currently no major projects producing sustained societal benefits.
Nguyen Ngoc Hoi, Deputy Director of the HCM City Department of Information and Communications, stressed the necessity for a long-term vision in cultural industry development, where media plays a vital role.
Hoi revealed plans for HCM City to enhance its brand and image through cultural initiatives, aiming to promote its cultural identity on a global stage. The city intends to host at least one cultural event monthly, contributing to social, economic, and tourism growth.
Director Le Quy Duong underlined the importance of a well-defined institutional framework as the foundational element. He stated that for too long, cultural activities have been regarded as movements rather than a sustainable lifestyle, which is not suitable for a modern cultural industry.
He criticized the misallocation of cultural funding, which often leads to inefficiencies and fails to foster the industry’s advancement.
Duong shared insights from Australia, where the government ensures fairness in opportunities for cultural organizations, allowing theaters to bid on projects set by relevant authorities. This approach fosters transparency, nurtures creativity, and reveals talent in cultural sectors.
Film director Nguyen Quang Dung raised concerns for future generations, advocating for better opportunities for youth to study and gain experience in international settings.
Comparing Vietnam’s film industry with South Korea’s advances, Dung suggested looking to Thailand, which has favorable policies for international film crews, offering comprehensive support in logistics and projects, thus expediting their execution.
Establishing a welcoming environment is crucial to draw foreign film crews to Vietnam, providing chances for cultural exchange and learning.
Experts noted that inadequate infrastructure and ineffective policies are significant hurdles for cultural growth. Pham Dinh Tam from IME Vietnam highlighted the complications in procedures for organizing events, likening them to obstacles that deter organizers.
The aging venues, primarily built two decades ago and now rundown, struggle to meet the demands of contemporary international performers.
Son presented four key recommendations for advancing the cultural industry: 1) Enhance focus on arts education, 2) Develop branding for local businesses and regions, 3) Leverage technology to enrich cultural product quality, and 4) Invest in educational and media initiatives to draw attention to the cultural industry.
