On the evening of 12/12, the Central Steering Committee for External Information Work, in coordination with the Central Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Commission and Vietnam Television, organized the National External Information Service Awards 2025 ceremony. During the event, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized the need for external information professionals to possess courage, sharp intellect, dedication, and commitment, driven by the spirit of "steel in their pens, fire in their hearts."

The Prime Minister noted that despite challenges, external information work has achieved significant results. Information strategies were systematically, proactively, and timely implemented. The content was comprehensive, and diverse transmission methods created a positive ripple effect. These activities helped strengthen public trust, enhance social consensus, connect the overseas Vietnamese community, and shape international opinion about Vietnam. According to the Prime Minister, external information efforts amplified Vietnam's independent, self-reliant, and righteous voice, highlighting the nation's image as peaceful, stable, dynamic, responsible, sincere, trustworthy, and rich in identity.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaking on the evening of 12/12. Photo: Nhat Bac

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaking on the evening of 12/12. Photo: Nhat Bac

The 11th National External Information Service Awards 2025 received 2,412 entries, double the average number from previous seasons. These submissions comprehensively covered important events, national achievements, the innovative policies of the Party and State, and activities promoting Vietnam's image, culture, and people. The entries showcased the authors' vision, insight, and creativity, utilizing diverse formats and advanced new media technology. Many works by foreign authors offered positive, profound perspectives on Vietnam.

Congratulating the recognized organizations and individuals, the Prime Minister urged that future external information work must continue to innovate in thinking and methods, ensuring strategic proactivity for both immediate and long-term goals. Agencies need to enhance digital technology application, effectively leveraging global media platforms such as social media, artificial intelligence, and big data to better serve domestic citizens and international friends. External information professionals are expected to develop with courage, sharp intellect, creativity, responsibility, dedication, and full commitment, unafraid of difficulties, guided by the spirit of "using beauty to overcome ugliness."

The government leadership believes these awards will continue to motivate and inspire external information professionals to utilize their talent, intellect, and sense of responsibility to excel in their duties. The awards honored eight first prizes, 16 second prizes, 24 third prizes, and 40 consolation prizes across eight categories: Vietnamese newspapers and magazines; foreign language newspapers and magazines; radio; television; books; photos; digital and multimedia products; and initiatives and products with external information value.

Nguyen Phong