Hanoi (VNA) – The “Happy Vietnam 2025” Awards, an annual human rights media contest, were held on December 6 in Hanoi, with the first prizes presented to photographer Pham Ngoc Long Thien and videographer Luu Minh Khuong.
The event was organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in coordination with the Hanoi People’s Committee, the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists, and Vietnam Television.
In his remarks, Permanent Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Le Hai Binh said that the contest drew more than 17,000 photo and video entries had been submitted over the four months since its launch — a 1.7-fold increase compared with 2024. The judging panel, he noted, had worked with professionalism and fairness to select 36 prize-winning works, along with 150 standout photographs and 29 notable videos for exhibition.
“Each work offers an authentic slice of life — a beautiful moment capturing the country’s transformation. Together, they form a vivid portrait of a joyful, civilised and culturally rich Vietnam rising strongly on its path of integration and development,” he said.
He added that contributors came from diverse professions, age groups, regions and ethnicities, using equipment ranging from professional cameras to simple devices, yet all shared a deep love for their homeland and a desire to show the image of a peaceful, dynamic and happy Vietnam.
Now in its third year, the award continues to honour meaningful stories and moments that reflect Vietnam’s achievements in the promotion and protection of human rights.
To produce his award-winning video "Nhung nu cuoi hanh phuc" (Happy Smiles), Khuong travelled across Vietnam for two and a half years, filming everyday life, the beauty of labourers and mountainous children, and the impressions of international visitors.
Meanwhle, Thien's work "Vietnam – Ky nguyen vuon minh" (Vietnam in the Era of National Rise) was taken during the series of events marking the 50th anniversary of national reunification.
In addition to the top prizes, the organisers presented four second prizes, six third prizes and 20 consolation prizes to outstanding works.
Reporters and photographers from the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) earned one second prize and two consolation prizes at this year's edition. Bui Cuong Quyet (Photo Editorial Department) won the second prize for his photo series "ASEAN Cup Champions 2024 – Vietnam Claims Southeast Asia’s Football Crown for the Third Time", and a consolation prize for the series "Revived Lungs – A Miracle for Patients". Trinh Xuan Tu, from the VNA’s office in Dien Bien province, received a consolation prize for the video "Technology Lights Up Hope".
Notably, the organisers also presented two Creativity Awards to one photo and one video demonstrating innovative ideas and creative expression, along with two Audience Choice Awards for works that resonated most strongly with viewers./.
