They are: Vigor, Integrity, Endurance, Togetherness, Nimbleness, Adaptability, and Mindfulness. Together, these intrinsic values have shaped and continue to shape Vietnam on its journey of integration and development.
(1) V – Vigor: The Drive of a Young Population
Vietnam’s vigorous vitality is most evident in its golden population structure. With nearly 100 million people, more than 60 percent of them of working age, the country boasts a youthful and abundant labor force. This demographic dividend is a major competitive advantage and a key driver of economic growth. Its dynamism is reflected not only in impressive economic statistics but also in the relentless work ethic and eagerness to learn that characterize each individual.
A youthful workforce is a decisive factor enabling both domestic enterprises and foreign investors to see Vietnam’s growth potential. Young Vietnamese are quick to embrace new technologies, display strong entrepreneurial spirit, and are ready to confront challenges head-on.
The boom of startups, particularly in technology, stands as clear evidence of this vitality. Vietnam’s young generation is unafraid of risks, bold in their ambitions, and driven by a vision to take the nation’s products and services to global markets.
This vigor also stems from the determination of individuals across all walks of life, from factory workers striving to upgrade their skills, to engineers and researchers working relentlessly on breakthrough innovations. Together, they create a powerful current of optimism that fuels sustainable economic growth.
Vietnam’s vigor is not only an economic factor, but also a cultural hallmark, a profound aspiration of a nation that never ceases to move forward.
(2) I – Integrity: The Foundation of Trust and Cohesion
Integrity is one of Vietnam’s core values, deeply embedded in its culture and way of life. It is reflected not only in individual behavior but also as a guiding principle in all social and business relationships. For Vietnamese people, integrity manifests in two key dimensions:
In family and community life, filial piety and the spirit of “loving others as oneself” are among the clearest expressions of integrity. These values foster a cohesive society where people trust, support, and protect one another. Such bonds create a safe, humane, and nurturing environment in which every individual feels a genuine sense of belonging.
In business, trustworthiness is regarded as the most valuable asset. Companies and individuals who uphold their promises can easily build long-term relationships with partners and clients. Integrity in business not only helps attract investment but also fosters a competitive environment that is fair, transparent, and sustainable.
By combining both dimensions, integrity becomes a defining quality that enables Vietnam to build trust domestically and internationally. It is the key to attracting investment, promoting tourism, and advancing long-term, sustainable partnerships.
(3) E – Endurance: The Power of Unyielding Resilience
Endurance is a defining trait forged through thousands of years of history, becoming an essential part of Vietnam’s national identity. It goes beyond mere survival, embodying unwavering determination and extraordinary resilience in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Vietnam’s history stands as living testimony to this spirit. From protracted wars of defense to the hardships of the post-war subsidy period, the Vietnamese people have consistently shown unity, perseverance, and an unbreakable will. Thanks to this enduring strength, the nation secured independence, achieved reunification, and steadily overcame poverty and underdevelopment.
In today’s turbulent global economy, Vietnam’s ability to break through challenges has become a major asset. The country has managed to rein in inflation, stabilize its macroeconomy, and sustain growth even during periods of global downturn. This resilience makes Vietnam an increasingly attractive destination for international investors seeking both stability and long-term potential.
Endurance is not only a legacy of the past but also a guiding principle for the present and the future. It empowers individuals and the nation as a whole to face adversity with confidence, paving the way toward a prosperous and sustainable future.
(4) T – Togetherness: The Key to Collective Strength
Togetherness in Vietnam is not just a phrase, it is an intrinsic force of the nation. It reflects the unity and solidarity of millions of people working hand in hand to overcome adversity. This spirit has been proven throughout history and continues to thrive in modern life.
In times of natural disasters, floods, or pandemics, Vietnamese people embody the spirit of “mutual support” and “the good leaves protect the torn leaves”. From nationwide fundraising campaigns and convoys delivering essential supplies, to acts of mutual aid in quarantine zones, the power of community solidarity shines through.
This collective spirit forms a solid foundation for achieving the nation’s major goals. Whether in building new rural areas, driving economic growth, or safeguarding sovereignty, every Vietnamese citizen plays a vital role in a unified whole.
Solidarity also extends beyond national borders. Vietnamese communities worldwide remain deeply connected to their homeland, contributing both materially and spiritually to the country’s development. This global sense of belonging is a priceless resource and clear testament to the enduring strength of national unity.
It is thanks to this spirit of togetherness that Vietnam has turned formidable challenges into opportunities for progress. It is a source of collective strength and a guiding principle that continues to propel the nation forward.
(5) N – Nimbleness: A Key to Adapting and Thriving in a Turbulent Global Landscape
Nimbleness is a defining trait of the Vietnamese people, enabling both society and the economy to adapt swiftly to the world’s constant changes. In an era of rapid technological advancement and unpredictable market shifts, nimbleness has become a critical competitive advantage.
Nimbleness in technology adoption: Vietnamese people have shown remarkable ability to learn and apply new technologies quickly. This is evident in the rapid rise of e-commerce, cashless payments, and other digital services. From startups to large corporations, many Vietnamese businesses have embraced digital transformation, optimizing processes, enhancing efficiency, and reaching global markets.
Nimbleness in business: Vietnamese enterprises, particularly small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), have proven highly adaptable in reshaping business models to meet market demands. They are quick to capture new trends from producing eco-friendly products to offering personalized services.
Nimbleness in mindset: The ability to create innovative products that meet the needs of modern consumers stems from a flexible way of thinking that resists conventional constraints. This allows Vietnamese businesses not only to compete domestically but also to confidently expand onto international markets.
Thanks to nimbleness, Vietnam has weathered challenges, seized opportunities, and continued to strengthen its position on the global economic map. It is a vital quality that will drive the country toward sustainable development in the future.
(6) A – Adaptability: The Key to Surviving and Thriving in Any Circumstance
Adaptability is one of the most distinctive traits of the Vietnamese people, honed and reinforced over thousands of years of history. It is not merely the ability to accept change, but the proactive pursuit of learning, innovation, and resilience to survive and grow under any conditions, whether favorable or challenging.
Vietnam’s diverse geography and climate, often marked by floods, storms, and droughts, have demanded resilience and ingenuity. Generations of Vietnamese have learned to live in harmony with nature, building stilt houses, dikes, and irrigation systems to adapt and endure. This capacity for adaptation has enabled them to transform natural hardships into opportunities for progress.
Adaptability is also evident among the Vietnamese diaspora. Across the globe, Vietnamese communities have integrated seamlessly into their host societies by learning new languages and cultures while preserving their own traditions. This balance has allowed them to thrive abroad while continuing to contribute meaningfully to both their homeland and their adopted countries.
In today’s fiercely competitive market economy, Vietnamese businesses and individuals have once again demonstrated adaptability, shifting from traditional business models to digital platforms, and swiftly aligning products with market demands. This agility has been key to maintaining stability and ensuring continued development.
Adaptability empowers the Vietnamese not only to survive but to rise stronger. It is a crucial competitive advantage that underpins the nation’s resilience and capacity to withstand global upheavals.
(7) M – Mindfulness: Toward Sustainable and Harmonious Development
Mindfulness is becoming an increasingly defining feature of Vietnam’s development journey. It reflects a deep awareness shared by both government and society that economic growth must not come at all costs, but must be balanced with other priorities to ensure a sustainable future. This mindfulness is manifested in three key dimensions:
Mindfulness in the environment: Rather than focusing solely on heavy industry, Vietnam is making strategic moves toward green and circular economies. Renewable energy projects such as solar and wind power are rapidly expanding. Both government and citizens are showing greater commitment to biodiversity conservation, pollution reduction, and waste management. This awareness is enabling Vietnam to grow responsibly, safeguarding the living environment for future generations.
Mindfulness in culture: As Vietnam integrates with the world, it has remained mindful of preserving and promoting its cultural heritage. Tangible and intangible heritages are being protected, while traditional festivals are being revitalized and widely celebrated. This makes Vietnam not only an attractive destination for its natural landscapes, but also for the richness of its cultural depth.
Mindfulness in people: Vietnam places people at the center of development. Investments in education, healthcare, and social security aim to improve quality of life, ensuring that progress is measured not only in material terms but also in knowledge, health, and well-being.
This mindfulness is shaping a harmonious future for Vietnam, one where people and nature grow together, and where tradition and modernity advance side by side. It is a vital quality that positions Vietnam as a nation capable of achieving prosperity while preserving its unique identity.
Through the seven elements that form the word Vietnam (V.I.E.T.N.A.M), a vivid picture emerges of the nation and its people: the vigorous vitality of youth, the integrity that builds trust, the endurance and togetherness that overcome challenges, the nimbleness and adaptability that seize opportunities, and the mindfulness that ensures sustainable growth. These qualities are not merely descriptions but intrinsic solutions that enable Vietnam to surmount difficulties, affirm its standing, and rise with strength on the global stage. The seven letters are more than just a name; they form a roadmap for the nation’s journey toward lasting prosperity.
(Excerpt from “Vietnam: The Aspiration to Rise” by journalist Vuong Xuan Nguyen)
