The program seeks sounds connected to memories, homeland, and community life, ranging from street hawkers' calls and lullabies to traditional musical instruments and festival songs. With the message, "Each person one melody. Millions create the sound of Vietnam", the organizers hope to inspire sharing and creativity using familiar musical elements.

The contest features three categories:

• 'Do vui Thanh am Viet Nam' (Sounds of Vietnam Quiz) is an online multiple-choice quiz about songs, folk instruments, folk music, and musical heritage.
• 'Cam nhan Thanh am Viet Nam' (Experiencing Sounds of Vietnam) is for short videos sharing memories, stories, or personal perspectives related to music.
• 'Sang tao Thanh am Viet Nam' (Creating Sounds of Vietnam) accepts original compositions, arrangements, recordings, performances, or combinations of sound with images, video, and digital art.

Director of Performing Arts Xuan Bac speaks at the launch event on 12/10. *Photo: Organizers provided*.

Participants can utilize melodies, voices, sounds, musical instruments, folk tunes, and everyday sounds as creative material. Submissions meeting the requirements will have the opportunity to be featured on official platforms and added to the 'Sounds of Vietnam' archive, complete with author information and exploitation rights.

Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Huy Dung stated that the program aims to build a valuable resource for the preservation, promotion, and development of cultural industry products. The initiative also seeks to connect artists, musicians, experts, and the wider creative community.

At the launch event on 12/10, Director of Performing Arts Xuan Bac suggested that people record familiar sounds such as the clang of hoes and shovels in fields, night hawkers' cries, or train whistles. He believes these simple sounds, if properly connected and processed, can become creative material for melodies that embody Vietnamese identity.

The organizers are accepting submissions from now until 30/11. The final round will take place after 30/11, and the results announcement and award ceremony are scheduled for December. The contest is open to Vietnamese citizens both domestically and abroad, as well as foreigners who appreciate Vietnamese culture and music, with no age or profession restrictions.

Ha Thu