The Penlogue, Nhà Xuất Bản Thế Giới, Ban Văn học – Nghệ thuật (VOV6) Đài Tiếng nói Việt Nam, and Truyền hình kỹ thuật số HiTV are uniting to launch the "Di sản nét mực", or "Legacy in Ink", writing contest aimed at young Vietnamese aspiring writers for 2025 around the theme "Bản sắc chúng ta" or "Our Identity". This contest is set to be not only a platform for creativity but also
an opportunity for youth to affirm their identities and connect deeply with their cultural heritage, showcasing the rich Vietnamese values on the global stage. By encouraging submissions in both Vietnamese and English, "Di sản nét mực" aims to share personal stories worldwide, allowing for cultural dialogues, connecting generations, and boosting pride in Vietnamese identity.
Open to Vietnamese youths aged between 15 and 25, regardless of their location, the contest also invites foreign youth studying or working in Vietnam. Works can be submitted from March 20, 2025, to April 20, 2025. Participants are encouraged to write poetry, essays, or short stories (up to 1500 words). The contest facilitates storytelling across borders and languages, enabling young Vietnamese to express their narratives and heritage.
The distinguished judging panel features well-known figures, including literary critic Ngô Văn Giá, linguistics expert and poet Đỗ Anh Vũ, young author Hiền Trang, Australian author Catherine Cole, American writer and journalist Lady Borton, American author and editor Wayne Karlin, and Vietnamese-American poet Alexandra Huynh. Their expertise is expected to provide valuable insights, aiding the contest's integrity and fairness.
Prize distribution will be significant, with the first-place winner receiving a certificate and 3 million VND, the second-place receives 2 million VND, and the third-place receives 1 million VND. Seven encouragement prizes will also be awarded, each with certificates and 500,000 VND. The outstanding works will have the added incentive of being published across several platforms, including The Penlogue Literary Journal, VOV6's Literature and Arts Broadcast Program, and the digital TV channel HiTV, along with selections for publication by Nhà xuất bản Thế giới.
The contest aims to resonate deeply with the youth's experiences and their reflections on identity—vital themes as they grow and navigate their place within both local and global contexts. This initiative not only aids personal growth for many of the entrants but also strives to weave their voices more firmly within the fabric of Vietnamese cultural narratives, allowing youths to represent their generation.
The opportunity to publish their works affords participants not only recognition but also encouragement to continue developing their writing talents. With such extensive support, the contest encourages conversations about cultural identity, the value of narratives, and the importance of heritage, inviting interested participants to contact via email at [email protected] for submissions or inquiries.
This initiative serves as both an artistic endeavor and a community-building opportunity, bringing together the next generation of storytellers to share their unique perspectives and experiences.