A driving force for Dong Nai cultural development

The strategy for the development of Vietnam’s cultural industries through 2030, with a vision to 2045, recently approved by the Government, provides an important basis for localities, including Dong Nai, to review and clearly identify areas with competitive advantages and to harness cultural values as a development resource.

Performing art is expected to become a key driving force in the development of Dong Nai cultural industries. Photo: My Ny

Developing cultural industries in Dong Nai not only serves the spiritual life of the people but also contributes to job creation, increased budget revenues, and enhanced image and attractiveness of the province in the process of integration and development.

Unlocking potential, creating new competitiveness

During the 2021–2025 period, Dong Nai has prioritised the development of sectors with strengths such as performing arts, fine arts, photography and cultural tourism. Amid digital transformation, the province has gradually modernised cultural activities. A notable example is the application of virtual reality technology to offer 3D tours at relics and destinations such as Tran Bien Temple of Literature, Cat Tien National Park, Magic Bay water park and the Hang Gon megalithic tomb, providing new experiences and attracting residents and visitors.

Among the key factors contributing to the development of Dong Nai cultural industries is human resources. Dong Nai Intermediate School of Culture and Arts plays the role of a “cradle” for training highly skilled professionals in disciplines such as dance, traditional musical instruments, Western musical instruments and vocal music.

According to Phung Ngoc Long, Principal of Dong Nai Intermediate School of Culture and Arts, for many years the school has focused on training cultural and artistic human resources to meet the requirements of international integration and digital transformation, contributing to the development of cultural industries in the province. Particular attention is given to traditional music disciplines, with preferential policies for students, especially those from ethnic minority areas.

Dong Nai currently has more than 120 ranked relics and a rich repository of folk culture of the Choro, Ma, Stieng and Hoa ethnic communities, along with a system of traditional craft villages, especially Bien Hoa fine ceramics known for their distinctive “bronze-green floral glaze”. These are valuable resources for Dong Nai to develop distinctive cultural tourism products.

At the same time, Dong Nai has stepped up promotion with messages such as “Dong Nai – A safe destination” and “Dong Nai – Beautiful natural landscapes” while linking with Ho Chi Minh City to form inter-regional tourism routes, attracting visitors to Suoi Mo, Chua Chan Mountain, Bu Gia Map National Park and the Dong Nai Culture and Nature Reserve. The number of domestic and international visitors has increased annually, with tourism revenue making an increasingly positive contribution to the province’s socio-economic development.

Cultural vitality from the grassroots

The development of Dong Nai cultural industries has also been vividly reflected through grassroots movements.

According to Bui Hong Lam, Head of the Culture and Social Affairs Division of Long Phuoc commune, encouraging private investment in advertising, visual propaganda and the organisation of folk dance and dance clubs has brought new vitality to local cultural life, better meeting the growing cultural and spiritual needs of residents.

In Trang Bom commune, priority has been given to developing certain cultural industry sectors, enhancing people’s access to and use of cultural products and services, especially in rural areas. The commune regularly coordinates with the Dong Nai Center for Culture and Cinema to organise mobile film screenings for local hamlets. During the 2021–2025 period, 128 film screenings were held, serving thousands of residents.

On the occasion of the New Year 2026, heading toward the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026, Dong Nai is organising many distinctive, vibrant and attractive events. Large-scale programs include Tran Bien Countdown 2026 – a light festival along the Dong Nai River; “Dong Nai welcomes the New Year 2026” in Binh Phuoc ward; countdown and artistic flare performances in Tam Hiep Ward; and a New Year’s Eve festival at Long Khanh Stadium. These activities not only create healthy recreational spaces and enhance people’s spiritual life but also help promote the image of a compassionate, creative and integrated Dong Nai.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has signed Decision No. 2486/QD-TTg approving the Strategy for the development of Vietnam’s cultural industries through 2030, with a vision to 2045. The strategy identifies 10 key cultural industry sectors to be prioritised for development: cinema; fine arts, photography and exhibitions; performing arts; software and entertainment games; advertising; handicrafts; cultural tourism; creative design; television and radio; and publishing.

To lay the foundation for cultural industry development, according to Member of the Provincial Party Committee and Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism Le Thi Ngoc Loan, in the coming period, the department will step up communication to raise awareness and vision about the important role of cultural industries in socio-economic development. It will also apply modern science and technology achievements in the production, dissemination and preservation of cultural and artistic products, effectively exploit tourism potential and advantages, and expand cooperation, exchanges and cultural-artistic interactions with other countries, gradually enhancing Dong Nai’s cultural position in the integration process.

By My Ny – Translted by Thuc Oanh, Thu Ha