In a remarkable blend of education and musical talent, Mai Thành Sơn, a teacher at Hanoi - Amsterdam High School for the Gifted, has captured the hearts of millions with his English adaptation of the song "Viết tiếp câu chuyện hòa bình," which has garnered over 4 billion views in its original Vietnamese version. This English rendition, sung by his student Nguyễn Xuân Mai, has also made waves across social media platforms, amassing over half a million listens since its release.
Mai Thành Sơn, who proudly identifies as a "con nhà lính" (military family), carries a rich legacy of service in his family. His grandfather was a military doctor who participated in the historic Điện Biên Phủ campaign in 1954 and the Bình Trị Thiên campaign in 1968. His father also served in the Quảng Trị campaign in 1972 and was present during the liberation of the South on April 30, 1975. These familial ties to Vietnam's military history deeply influenced Sơn, shaping his desire to honor the sacrifices made by past generations.
In an interview with Dân trí, Sơn shared, "I grew up listening to the battlefield stories of my ancestors and through real interactions with the soldiers of the Hồ army. Therefore, the memories and love for these soldiers compelled me to do something special as the nation commemorates the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and reunification of the country. I chose to express my gratitude by translating 'Viết tiếp câu chuyện hòa bình' into English. My hope is to spread the love for our homeland not only to students studying abroad but also to international friends."
The song, composed by Nguyễn Văn Chung, embodies a spirit of national pride and heroism through its melody and lyrics. Sơn noted that it moved him deeply, saying, "It made me both tearful and thrilled. From the first time I heard it, I was determined to translate this song." The English version was shared on his YouTube channel, "Nhạc dịch," on April 30, 2025, coinciding with the significant date in Vietnam's history.
Sơn's journey into music translation began in 2009, starting with a Japanese song. However, his passion truly ignited after participating in a cover competition for the film "Mắt biếc," where he translated the song "Từ đó" by Phan Mạnh Quỳnh into English. This song quickly gained attention online, paving the way for the creation of his YouTube channel, which now features nearly 40 translated songs.
"Translating music is a way for me to unwind after stressful working hours. I always strive to work creatively. Besides translating music, I also write books. These activities keep my mind active and curious, and I find joy in them," Sơn explained. He believes that Vietnamese music is just as beautiful as foreign music and that translating songs into English can help spread their appeal more widely.
Moreover, Sơn's commitment to his students shines through in his teaching methods. As an English teacher, he integrates historical content into his lessons to inspire national pride among his students. "For me, students are like rough diamonds that need to be polished. If teachers need to develop and inspire students to shine, then as a music translator, I also aim to maximize their potential," he said.
In a related development, the British Council is making significant strides in Vietnam's education sector. Recently, it has partnered with the Ministry of Education and Training (Bộ GD&ĐT) to create a roadmap for teaching English as a second language in Vietnamese schools from 2025 to 2035, with a long-term vision extending to 2045. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of English education across the country.
James Shipton, the new director of the British Council in Vietnam, shared insights into the organization's strategic direction during the inauguration of their new headquarters in Hanoi. He emphasized the importance of their long-standing collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Training and their commitment to providing high-quality resources and training for English teachers.
"Our strength lies in our sustainable partnership with the Ministry of Education and Training and stakeholders over more than two decades, along with our ability to gather experienced consultants with top-notch expertise in English teaching from the British Council and the UK. This enables Vietnamese policymakers to access the best practical expertise globally, case studies, and foundational principles in English teaching policy development," Shipton stated.
He further elaborated on the critical role of teacher training in enhancing English teaching quality, noting that the British Council supports teachers through capacity-building programs, including the Teacher Action Group model, which fosters a professional learning community and effective teaching practices. They also provide free resources, webinars, and online courses (MOOCs) through the TeachingEnglish platform, ensuring equitable access to learning opportunities for teachers, even in remote areas.
Additionally, the British Council supports the National Foreign Languages Project (NFLP) by offering expertise in designing, evaluating, and implementing teaching and testing policies. Their international assessments, such as Aptis and IELTS, have been widely recognized and implemented in Vietnam, reflecting their ongoing commitment to improving English education in the country.
As the British Council continues to build its presence in Vietnam with its new headquarters, Shipton expressed optimism about the potential contributions of the organization as a strategic partner in realizing Vietnam's national development goals. "This new facility represents our long-term commitment and vision to further enhance cooperation between Vietnam and the UK. With modern facilities, the British Council can improve its capacity to deliver English teaching programs, international-standard assessments, and other educational and cultural activities," he remarked.
Both Mai Thành Sơn's musical endeavors and the British Council's educational initiatives highlight a shared commitment to fostering national pride and enhancing English proficiency in Vietnam. As the country moves forward, these efforts will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping a brighter future for its students and the nation as a whole.
