The 5th Vietnam National Book Awards brings position of the Vietnamese publishing industry closer to international associations

ThaiHaBooks- On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Vietnam publishing industry, the 5th Vietnam National Book Award was held on October 3^rd 2022. It can be said that this is a valid award, attracting the participation of 48 publishers across the country with 386 books, 298 titles.

Especially, in this award ceremony, Thai Ha Books was honored to receive two biggest prizes: Prize A (Grand Prize) only called “Hoàng Việt Nhất Thống Dư Địa Chí” (皇越一統輿地志) by author Le Quang Dinh, translated by Phan Dang; Prize C (Third Prize) called “The best doctor in the family” by author Dr. Tran Quoc Khanh.

The 5th Vietnam National Book Award also greatly resonated in bringing the Vietnamese culture and knowledge closer to international friends. Especially, there was the attendance of Mrs. Catherine Khoo – Executive Board Member of the Singapore Publishing Association, Chairman of the Singapore Book Awards Committee.

With this event, Thai Ha Books had an opportunity to exchange and discuss awards as well as the publishing industry in both Vietnam and Singapore. Please follow us as follows!

Thai Ha Books (THB): What is your feeling when you are in the Vietnam National Book Awards?

Mrs. Kho: The Vietnam National Book Award is very impressive. It had a television crew and live broadcast. Also I understand the Prime Minister and sevral government heads were present. I enjoyed the song and dance performances, too.

Thai Ha Books had the opportunity to discuss with Mrs. Catherine Khoo about the ceremony and the publishing background of the two countries. (Photo: Thai Ha Books)

THB:  What is different between the ceremonies in Vietnam and Singapore?

Mrs. Khoo: I think the main difference is that Vietnam National Book Awards is a national award, organised by the government agencies. It is also in the Vietnamese languages. The Singapore Book Awards (SBA) is managed by the Singapore Book Publishers Association, which is run by a group of publishers forming an Executive Committee (ExCo).

The Singapore ceremony is held in hotel, with dinner provided. Usually the Guest-of-Honour is a government minister, who pro-records his message.

THB: What is the role (places) of awarded books in Singapore?

Mrs. Khoo: Awarded books will be featured prominently in our bookstores, as well as in Lazada e-store.

THB: Dr Nguyen Manh Hung (Chairman and CEO of Thai Ha Books) has an idea to organize ASEAN Book Awards, what do you think about it?

Mrs. Khoo: I think it is great idea. However, Dr. Hung has to consider the issue of language when he organises the ASEAN Book Awards. Most countries have their own language, so the question is, how do the judging panel decide? English?

Mrs. Catherine Khoo shares her thoughts and exchanges with Vietnamese readers. (Photo: Thai Ha Books)

THB: What do you think about the colaboraration the publishing industry between Vietnam and Singapore as well as in the whole ASEAN in general?

Mrs. Khoo: I belive ABPA has yearly meetings to discuss the publishing industry in each country. What I think is necessary is to find a common ground to get ASEAN published books every countries in ASEAN. Perhaps set up a translation agency with ABPA so books from the 10 countries in ASEAN can get translated so readers can access the books.

THB: Thank you very much for joining us today!

Through the conversation, we all see that the foreign delegates were extremely touched because of the Vietnam Government’s attention and response to reading culture.

Carrying the mission of “Serving to lead”, Thai Ha Books always suggests proposals to the Departments, as well as tightens friendship with partners abroad, to bring Vietnamese culture and knowledge closer to the international friends.

Hà Anh, Thai Ha Books.