The award ceremony for the 'Colors of Vietnam - Japan' cultural competition took place in Hanoi on the evening of 5/5. Organizers dedicated significant time to honoring outstanding projects, which demonstrated the enthusiasm and innovative thinking of young people interested in the travel service industry.

Representatives of the winning teams, media ambassador, and companions receive awards. *Photo: Organizers*

Representatives of the 10 outstanding projects stepped onto the stage to receive the main awards. The judging panel presented the championship trophy and a cash prize of 40 million VND to the Mochi Mochi team, from the School of Foreign Languages - Tourism, Hanoi University of Industry. The second prize went to the Samurai team (Thuy Loi University), receiving 30 million VND, while the third prize was awarded to the Giao Hoa team (Vietnam National University of Agriculture) with 20 million VND. The J&V team (Hanoi University of Culture) and Ouren team (Thang Long University) each received consolation prizes.

Nguyen Bao Thach, Chief Operating Officer of SaigonTimes Travel, and Hoshiyama Izumi, Director of AITS Co.,Ltd Japan, presented two special awards: "Impressive Colors" and "Media Ambassador". The Arigato - Pho team won the "Media Ambassador" category, while the Doraemon team received the "Impressive Colors" award.

The professional council also highly praised the Nang Ha (Phuong Dong University), TriShade Co (Vietnam - Japan University), Doraemon (Hoa Binh University), and Wagyu (Thang Long University) projects. These teams captivated viewers by skillfully integrating traditional culture into modern life.

Nguyen The Minh, General Director of Saigontimes Travel, speaks at the award ceremony. *Photo: Organizers*

This year's total prize value exceeded 500 million VND. Beyond cash prizes, the organizers committed to providing professional internship opportunities for all members of the 50 top-performing teams. Reputable travel businesses will directly mentor students, helping them gain work experience while still in school. The competition, organized by Saigontimes Travel, the Vietnam Young Entrepreneurs Tourism Club, and the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), created a high-quality practical environment for young participants.

The Mochi Mochi team's project presentation received praise from the judges. *Photo: Organizers*

Under the theme 'Two Colors - One Journey', the competition challenged thousands of students to solve problems related to geography, cuisine, and festivals, linking five representative provinces and cities from both countries. In the "Startup" and "Challenge" rounds, contestants participated in essay writing and teamwork to demonstrate their understanding of both cultures. The judging panel scored projects based on three strict criteria: creativity, feasibility, and public appeal. Experts noted that Gen Z students quickly grasp market trends, developing highly applicable tourism products.

A highlight of the entries was how students explored the cultural similarities between Vietnam and Japan. The young participants skillfully blended the Omotenashi philosophy, embodying dedicated Japanese hospitality, with the inherent warmth of the Vietnamese people. Both cultures converged on common ground: emphasizing etiquette, respect, and gratitude.

According to the organizers, this year's season not only honored talented individuals and teams but also generated many new ideas for the tourism industry. A representative from Saigontimes Travel stated, "The winning teams serve as enthusiastic cultural ambassadors, continuing to use their intellect and creativity to further strengthen the sustainable tourism cooperation between Vietnam and Japan."

Thanh Thu