Ho Chi Minh City has marked the 20th anniversary of its annual young citizens award, celebrating a group of 12 outstanding young people whose professional achievements have been matched by notable contributions to community life. The title has grown into a respected badge of honour, a milestone that many young residents of the city now aim to reach through sustained effort and public service.
Ho Chi Minh City young citizens lead by example
The selection panel said the dozen recipients were chosen from hundreds of nominations and represented a high standard of talent and dedication. While some members of the council noted the number of laureates may seem modest given the city’s population of more than 14 million following recent administrative changes, they agreed that quality should not be sacrificed for quantity.
Nguyễn Văn Thỏa, former head of the Party’s propaganda department in the old Sông Bé province, praised the winners not only for their expertise but for their capacity to generate positive influence in the community. He singled out Dr Nròng K’Duy Py of Nhân Ái Hospital, a physician who volunteered to work with patients living with HIV/AIDS in their final days rather than choosing a post closer to the urban centre. As deputy head of the intensive care unit and secretary of the hospital’s youth union, Dr Nròng has also organised activities to support the emotional welfare of patients and younger medical staff. Public voting on Tuổi Trẻ Online, which gave him substantial support, was cited as evidence of public recognition for his quiet, humane service.
Cao Thanh Bình, head of the municipal council’s Culture and Social Affairs Committee, described the selection process as rigorous and transparent. He welcomed the panel’s decision to confer the award on 12 individuals and urged the city youth union to compile and promote profiles of previous winners to extend their influence across the community.
Former vice-president Trương Mỹ Hoa acknowledged that the city’s recent administrative expansion means there are more young people to consider, and suggested organisers explore ways to recognise more role models in future. Yet Phạm Phương Thảo, former chair of the municipal council, argued that the number of awards matters less than the societal impact of those chosen. She drew attention to international examples where a single citizen is honoured each year yet their example resonates widely.
Another senior official, Phạm Chánh Trực, emphasised that the awards should be more than a ceremony. He urged the youth union to use the awardees actively in education and outreach, so their achievements encourage a wider culture of healthy competition and civic contribution among young people.
Ngô Minh Hải, secretary of the city youth union, said the organisation accepted the council’s feedback and had conducted a careful and open selection process. Publishing nominees online and inviting public votes not only broadened interest but also allowed the organisation to receive community feedback and verify facts where necessary, a practice Mr Hải said helps protect the award’s credibility.
As Ho Chi Minh City embarks on a new stage of development, officials and community leaders said the combination of professional skill and kindness shown by this year’s laureates offers valuable inspiration. The prize, they added, is intended to do more than acknowledge achievement; it should stimulate ongoing public service and encourage more young people to commit to the city’s future.
Key Takeaways:
- Ho Chi Minh City marks the 20th year of its young citizens award, recognising outstanding youth who combine professional excellence with community service.
- Twelve winners were chosen from hundreds of nominations, reflecting high standards and wide public interest in the selection process.
- The recognition highlights acts of service, including a doctor who volunteered to care for terminal HIV/AIDS patients, and the awards aim to inspire broader youth engagement.
- Officials call for wider promotion of past laureates and more nominations in future to magnify the award’s social impact.
