Van Lang University Faculty of Tourism students win top prizes for the fifth consecutive year at the Cultural Tourism Ambassador Contest

On September 20, 2025, two young talents from the Faculty of Tourism, Van Lang University, were honored at the Cultural Tourism Ambassador 2025, winning multiple awards: Second Prize, Encouragement Prize, the “Creative Idea for Sustainable Tourism” award, and the “Most Voted” award. This achievement once again affirms the creativity and academic excellence of Van Lang University students on the national stage.

In 2025, the contest brought together nearly 1,000 students from 86 universities and colleges across Vietnam. The Faculty of Tourism proudly contributed two outstanding and inspiring projects that earned four awards in the final round.

Lu Thanh Hung, Class 30, majoring in Travel and Tourism Management, and his team Tinh Hoa Ban Viet (Vietnamese Essence) won the Second Prize and the “Creative Idea for Sustainable Tourism” award with their project “Dua Tuong xuong pho” (Bringing Tuong to Life). Aiming to bring Tuong – Vietnam’s traditional operatic art – closer to the community, especially young audiences, the team designed a series of interactive cultural experiences, including exhibitions, mask-painting workshops, and makeover-to-performance sessions with Tuong artisans. The project offered a creative blend of education and entertainment, helping preserve cultural heritage while fostering love for traditional arts.

Meanwhile, Le Ngoc Huong, Class 28, majoring in Travel and Tourism Management, and her team Anh Duong Vinh Moc (Sunlight of Vinh Moc) impressed the Judges with their project “Am vang long dat” (Echoes of the Earth). The team won the Encouragement Prize and the “Most Voted” award. Inspired by the Vinh Moc Tunnels in Quang Tri Province, where hundreds of resilient villagers lived underground for more than 2,000 days during wartime, the project brings history to life using immersive art and modern technology, including 3D mapping, 360° surround sound, scent diffusion, interactive AR/VR, and traditional culinary experiences. Through these, visitors can relive the underground experience in a multi-sensory setting that blends history, storytelling, and cuisine — promoting messages of peace and resilience.

Though the two projects take different approaches, they share a common goal: reviving cultural heritage in contemporary life. While “Dua Tuong xuong pho” believes that preserving heritage means bringing traditional art closer to the public, “Am vang long dat” shows how historical heritage can become more engaging when retold through technology and multisensory experiences.

Reflecting on their journey, the participating students expressed pride and excitement about achieving success at such a prestigious national contest in the tourism field. For Lu Thanh Hung, the moment his team’s name was called was deeply meaningful: “It wasn’t just a moment of happiness of being recognized, but a reminder of the power of teamwork and our shared desire to spread the beauty of national culture to the community”.

Le Ngoc Huong shared that she believes when young people dare to challenge themselves and stay true to their passions, they not only step further on personal growth but also contribute to building a generation of creative, dynamic, and culturally proud Vietnamese students. Sharing their future plans, Thanh Hung and Ngoc Huong expressed their intention to further develop their ideas into practical cultural tourism projects, contributing to the sustainable growth of Vietnam’s tourism industry and promoting the spirit of Van Lang University students as confident, intelligent, and ambitious young talents.

Dr. Tran Thi Thuy Trang, Head of the Department of Travel and Tourism, who mentored the students throughout the project, shared: “This contest not only helps students develop their skills but also encourages them to create value for the community. From their academic foundation and real-world experiences, our students have turned ideas into meaningful projects that promote cultural heritage and sustainable tourism development of Vietnam”.

Since 2021, Travel and Tourism Management students have continuously earned awards at the Cultural Tourism Ambassador contest. This five-year streak highlights not only the faculty’s quality of practice-oriented education but also our role as a creative incubator that nurtures innovative ideas and promotes Vietnamese culture to both local communities and international audiences.

News: Anh Hong
Photos: Faculty of Tourism, Cultural and Tourism Talent Incubator