Hanoi (VNA) - The Photo and Video Award "Technology with Heart" has demonstrated the power of photography and video in conveying meaningful stories about the impact of technology on human lives.

After the resounding success of its first edition, "Technology with Heart" – a photo and video award organised by the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) and the Military Industry and Telecoms Group (Viettel) has returned, attracting many photography and video enthusiasts nationwide.

With the theme “Vietnamese Creativity – Path to Prosperity”, the award is expected to continue receiving many entries reflecting technology as a breath of life, so that science and technology truly become a driving force for the country to grow in the new era – that of the nation's rise.

Major General Tao Duc Thang, Chairman and General Director of Viettel Group, shared his thoughts on the award.

Reporter: With the success of the "Technology with Heart" award in 2024, how do you evaluate its positive messages and influence on the community?

Major General Tao Duc Thang: The first edition of the "Technology with Heart" award has proven the power of photography and video in conveying meaningful stories about the impact of technology on human lives. As a co-organiser, Viettel is very impressed with the quality and diversity of entries.

These are not sophisticated photographs, but they capture simple yet touching stories. For example, there might be a photo of a homeless person curled up under a bridge while online, momentarily forgetting the winter cold. It shows that technology is not something distant, it is truly woven into the lives of every individual.

The works clearly reflected it. We see the passion for learning and scientific research among children, the support that technology provides to patients, the joy of people with disabilities when accessing technology, and the excitement of ethnic minorities as they explore knowledge.

The impacts of the award are also very encouraging. Nearly 1,700 photographs and 100 videos from hundreds of professional and amateur authors attracted over 8 million views. Many works were widely shared on social media. This shows that "Technology with Heart" has genuinely touched the hearts of many people.

Reporter: Is this a motivation for Viettel to continue supporting the second edition?

Major General Tao Duc Thang: Absolutely. The award is a crucial part in the journey of fulfilling the mission "Creativity for People" and affirming Viettel's leading role in driving breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation.

As a pioneering enterprise in building a digital society, Viettel is deeply aware that mastering fundamental technologies from research to production will create higher added values for the economy, while affirming Vietnam's position on the world map. This not only helps protect national sovereignty but also creates momentum for socio-economic development.

With this award, we aim to share beautiful stories and meaningful moments to inspire and motivate the younger generation to participate in national construction and foster their determination to reach higher milestones, elevating our country to a new position in the era of the nation's rise.

Reporter: What are the highlights of this year's award?

Major General Tao Duc Thang: Building on the success of the first season, and to contribute to the implementation of the Politburo's Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW dated December 22, 2024 regarding breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, VNA and Viettel continue to launch the second edition of the "Technology with Heart" Photo and Video Award.

With the theme “Vietnamese Creativity – Path to Prosperity”, this year's award aims to promote and inspire creativity, ignite pride in the groundbreaking achievements of technology, and contribute to the progress of the country and its people, bringing changes across various fields and regions in celebration of the 80th founding anniversary of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the 40th anniversary of the country's renewal process.

Additionally, we hope to popularise technological solutions that contribute to transforming all aspects of social life and elevating the country's status.

Reporter: How do you evaluate the collaboration between VNA and Viettel and the professionalism of this major award? In your opinion, how has the award contributed to spreading the spirit of accelerating national digital transformation?

Major General Tao Duc Thang: The first edition saw excellent cooperation between the two sides, resulting in a professional and successful award that provides a meaningful platform for photography and video enthusiasts. This collaboration has laid the groundwork for us to continue working together in the second edition.

Clearly, the images and videos have helped the public better understand the benefits of digital transformation, thereby motivating them to engage in this process.

The award also plays a role in raising public awareness of the role of technology in life, thus facilitating digital transformation.

Many works have reflected successful digital transformation models, thereby spreading good experiences and promoting creativity.

Viettel is committed to continuing to accompany the government and the community in the digital transformation process, through investing in research and development of Make-in-Vietnam technology, as well as organising communication and education activities.

Reporter: As Vietnam is entering the era of the nation's rise, what kind of vision do you expect the "Technology with Heart" award will "paint" for this new era?

Major General Tao Duc Thang: Digital technology has been asserting its pivotal role in driving socio-economic development, helping to improve people's lives. This is thanks to the policies of the Party and the State that enable the country to keep pace with global technology, allowing businesses like Viettel to unleash creativity and bring the latest and most advanced technologies into everyday life.

In the second season, we hope to see images of people from all over the country, particularly in disadvantaged areas, optimising science and high technology to enhance their quality of life. This could include simple solutions to help them carry out administrative procedures online, artificial intelligence solutions, the application of 4.0 technology to upgrade outdated machinery, and the implementation of the world's cutting-edge technologies in Vietnam to serve people's lives and drive national development.

Reporter: With the support of Viettel, the first edition was of a success, creating a significant impact on the community. Many people hope that the award will be held annually and sustainably to provide more opportunities for both professional and amateur authors, as well as to promote technology in everyday life. What do you think about this?

Major General Tao Duc Thang: This is also the desire of Viettel as a co-organiser. Viettel consistently supports programmes that create inclusive platforms for everyone to participate in, thereby spreading the message that people are the centre and the core value—the ultimate goal of all technology and communication products, and that every citizen has the right and opportunity to access technology as well as information.

Reporter: Thank you very much!

The contest is open to all Vietnamese citizens both at home and abroad. Entries must be created between May 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025, and must not have won awards in other photo and video contests. The submission period is from the launch date until the end of June 30, 2025. The award ceremony is scheduled for August 2025. Each author could submit an unlimited number of entries but may only register under one name according to their Identity Card or Citizen Identification Card. Authors should submit their entries at the website https://congnghetutraitim.com