Professor Hoai Son Bui, member of the National Assembly’s Commission on Culture and Society.
“Technology is the tool, culture is the soul.”
Today, I believe that culture and technology are no longer two separate fields, but have become prerequisites for Hanoi to achieve the lofty goals outlined in the Party’s resolutions. Looking at resolutions 57-NQ/TW, 80-NQ/TW, and 02-NQ/TW in the same context, a clear message emerges: technology is a tool for cultural progress, while culture is the guiding spirit that leads technology towards the capital’s harmonious development.
In other words, without technology, Hanoi would struggle to intelligently preserve its heritage, expand access to culture for its citizens, develop competitive products in the cultural sector, and create an attractive creative space for young people and international visitors. However, without a cultural foundation, Hanoi would also struggle to maintain its identity and give its development lasting depth and vitality.
Therefore, the culture of “collaboration” with technology must be seen as a strategic encounter: to revitalize heritage, foster greater creativity, improve governance, and make the capital a city that is modern, elegant, and rich in identity.
If Hanoi aims to be a leader in the digital age, the way forward is not to chase technology at all costs, but to integrate it with culture, while letting culture illuminate technology. This way, the capital will not only develop faster but also more deeply, sustainably, and legitimately, as the cultural and creative heart of the nation.
Ngoc Khue, a master’s degree holder and singer, also teaches at the University of Culture in Hanoi.
“Expanding the creative boundaries of artists.”
In the digital age, technology is no longer just a tool, but a true “new language” that allows culture to continue to thrive, spread, and adapt to its time. For artists, “integrating” technology means not just following trends, but pushing the boundaries of creativity and helping to convey traditional values of Vietnamese culture in a more accessible form to contemporary audiences.
In music, technology offers numerous possibilities for reinterpreting traditional materials in a modern spirit. A folk melody can be rearranged; a cultural story can be told through music videos, digital platforms, or creative spaces that combine sound, image, and technology. The main goal is not to change identity, but to make it vibrant and accessible to the younger generation growing up in the digital world.
More specifically, in my project “Walk with Ngoc Khue,” elements of folk music and Vietnamese cultural stories are placed in a new artistic space, showing that Vietnamese culture always has the ability to renew itself while preserving its core.
Used wisely, technology does not diminish culture; on the contrary, it amplifies its radiance. Today, a work of art can transcend geographical boundaries and reach an international audience with just a few clicks. Technology opens doors, and culture is the soul; when these two elements come together, Vietnamese art can shine while maintaining its unique identity.
This is also the way forward for Vietnamese music, and more broadly for Vietnamese culture, to assert itself in the world with a confident, creative, and resilient image, in the digital age.
Director Pham Hoang Giang:
“Technology must be used correctly to honor the value of art.”
In my opinion, in any artistic program or event, content and message remain the essential elements on which the director should focus. Technology should only play a supportive role, helping to convey ideas through more effective scenic solutions.
In reality, creating a captivating artistic product is not easy, especially with the multitude of events organized every year. Therefore, designing original content and combining it with appropriate performance technology will help enhance the program.
The use of technology should not be limited to the stage but should extend to operations, communication, and management. A professional organizational system, capable of measuring effectiveness based on audience feedback, will help improve overall quality. Organizing teams should also be fully involved in the operational process and scrupulously follow the artistic direction to ensure the coherence of the show.
Ultimately, for technology to truly elevate art, the key lies not in quantity but in quality and relevance. It is essential to start with the scenic concept and then select the appropriate technology, rather than mechanically imposing it. When the content is rich in local cultural values and technology is used wisely, the artistic effectiveness and scope of the program are significantly enhanced.
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