Aspiration captured through lens of art

More than a year after the implementation of the two-tier local government model, Dong Nai City has undergone significant changes in its urban landscape, infrastructure and socio-economic development. These transformations have become a rich source of inspiration for local photographers.

Future Connection by photographer Nguyen Thanh An won the first prize at the 2026 “Dong Nai – Aspiration to Rise” Photo Contest.

Through emotionally rich and artistically compelling images, photographers have captured these transformations, creating a vivid portrait of a city embracing a new stage of development and reflecting Dong Nai's aspiration to rise.

A vivid portrait of a transforming Dong Nai

Each entry submitted to the 2026 "Dong Nai – Aspiration to Rise" Photo Contest offers a unique perspective on Dong Nai's remarkable transformation. Through the creative lenses of participating photographers, the people and landscapes of Dong Nai have been portrayed in compelling, emotionally resonant ways.

Winning the contest's top prize with Future Connection, photographer Nguyen Thanh An captured a bridge under construction, portraying Dong Nai as an emerging transportation hub of the Southeast region during a new phase of development. The image stands out for its striking composition and skillful use of light, capturing the harmony between modern infrastructure and the ambitions of one of Southern Vietnam's leading industrial centers.

Second-prize winner Le Duc Anh offered a dynamic portrayal of the city's construction boom through Night-time Construction, highlighting the tireless efforts of workers helping shape Dong Nai's new urban landscape. The photograph was taken in early 2026 at a residential construction site near Buu Hoa Bridge in Bien Hoa ward at around 6:10 p.m., when construction workers were still assembling steel reinforcement in preparation for concrete pouring.

"The fading daylight blending with the construction site's lighting created a unique visual atmosphere, highlighting the workers' dedication and sense of urgency," Duc Anh said. " The photograph celebrates the dignity of labor while reflecting the dynamic pace of Dong Nai's urban development today."

Organized by the Dong Nai Literature and Arts Association, the 2026 "Dong Nai – Aspiration to Rise" Photo Contest accepted photographs taken in Dong Nai City between June 30, 2025, and June 30, 2026. The contest attracted 192 entries submitted by 31 photographers, with the judging panel selecting 11 outstanding works for awards.

In the sports category, Nguyen Ngoc Cuong won second prize for Dreaming High and third prize for Reaching the Summit of Glory. In particular, Reaching the Summit of Glory captured the memorable moment when Truong Tuoi Dong Nai Football Club earned promotion to V.League 1, thereby fostering solidarity, determination to advance, and pride among the people of Dong Nai.

The only female photographer to receive a third prize, Huyen Quy, impressed the judges with Spring Garden. Rather than focusing on landscapes or architecture, she portrayed the Vietnamese woman as a symbol of spring and renewal. Her portrait depicts a Vietnamese woman with a radiant smile, gracefully dressed in a traditional ao yem and conical hat, symbolizing spring and renewed vitality.

"I wanted to celebrate the beauty of Vietnamese women through the ao yem, the conical hat and the lotus, timeless cultural symbols expressed through modern photographic language. These traditional values are far from outdated. They remain elegant and relevant, reflecting the spirit of aspiration and integration while preserving our cultural identity," Huyen Quy said.

Promoting Dong Nai through photography

According to photographer Nguyen Van Thuong, a member of the Executive Committee of the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists and Head of the contest's judging panel, most participants closely followed the competition's theme by capturing authentic moments that reflected Dong Nai's rapid development and transformation. Many entries demonstrated strong technical quality, thoughtful composition, effective lighting and impressive visual storytelling.

To encourage more creative and distinctive works, the Photography Section of the Dong Nai Literature and Arts Association has organized thematic seminars, professional workshops and field trips for photographers, particularly to Northern Dong Nai.

Pham Linh Ngoc, Deputy Head of the Photography Section, said each field trip provides photographers with fresh perspectives, enabling them to engage more closely with local communities while documenting the transformation of a land with nearly 330 years of history.

"Dong Nai today offers an abundance of creative inspiration. From border communes and rural areas to modern urban districts, transport infrastructure, forests and rivers, every corner reflects the locality's dynamic development. The key is for photographers to recognize meaningful moments and tell the story of Dong Nai and its people through the language of photography," Ngoc said.

Ngoc added that the contest is more than a platform for photography enthusiasts. It also helps build a valuable archive of images serving communication and promotional activities. The award-winning works will continue to be displayed at exhibitions and cultural events, helping promote Dong Nai as a dynamic, creative city driven by a strong aspiration for development.

By M. Ny – Translated by M.Nguyet, Minho