Early in the morning of a late January day, hundreds of workers gathered around a small stage set up right at the construction site of the Pearl Theatre and Thematic Cultural and Artistic Park Project (Ha Noi). Replacing the usual hectic work pace, the site felt more relaxed as everyone paused their work to enjoy cultural performances staged by their own colleagues. Applause and laughter echoed amid the familiar setting of steel and concrete. Around the stage, some queued for free haircuts, others took the opportunity to have health check-ups or snap end-of-year souvenir photos.
That was the atmosphere of the “Xay Tet 2026” programme, organised by Nhan Dan Newspaper in coordination with Coteccons Construction Joint Stock Company for more than 1,100 construction workers working at two projects: the Pearl Theatre– Thematic Cultural and Artistic Park and the Project to Renovate, Upgrade, and Construct the West Lake Guest House Complex.
At the health check-up area, dozens of workers lined up waiting for their turn. Quang Van Khoi, who left his hometown of Dien Bien to work at the construction site more than two years ago, said that despite being over 40 years old, he had never undergone a health check-up before. On this occasion, he arrived the earliest to get a number. After receiving careful consultation from doctors, he shared: “I couldn’t sleep all night and woke up early to come here today.”
Lo Thi Mon (from Son La), who has worked with Coteccons for more than 10 years, also had her first-ever health check-up. Holding her results in hand, the young woman born in 1994 said: “My health is fine, so I feel more reassured about my work. Thank you to the organisers for creating such a meaningful programme for us.”
Next to the health check-up area, dozens of male workers were receiving free haircuts. Admiring his neatly trimmed and styled hair, Duong Van Van (from Dien Bien) said: “Work is usually very busy, so I only get my hair cut once in a while. Having it done right at the construction site feels different — fun and quite special.”
On the stage, activities promoting workplace safety at height, fire and explosion prevention, electrical safety, and machinery operation were integrated in a friendly and engaging way through experiential games. As a result, safety becomes a habit and a form of self-protection awareness for every worker. This is also the core message that “Xay Tet 2026” aims to convey.
The central activity of the programme was the presentation of around 1,100 Tet gift packages directly to workers at the construction site. Each gift represented not only material support but also wishes for safety and timely encouragement for those who quietly shoulder the hardest work on construction sites and contribute value to the country.
The most important thing on any construction site is not only progress or technical achievements, but people themselves. For Coteccons, the safety and happiness of workers are values the company seeks to preserve and build into its corporate culture.
Nguyen Thi Thanh Huong, Director of Human Resources Management of Coteccons
Nguyen Thi Thanh Huong, Director of Human Resources Management of Coteccons, emphasised that the most important thing on any construction site is not only progress or technical achievements, but people themselves. For Coteccons, the safety and happiness of workers are values the company seeks to preserve and build into its corporate culture.
Assessing this year’s theme, Phan Van Anh, Vice President of the Viet Nam General Confederation of Labour, described it as a profound message. He noted that the happiness of each family, each community, and society as a whole is built upon the safety, perseverance, and dedication of workers throughout all 365 working days. A truly meaningful Tet can only be “built” from days of safe, healthy, and worry-free work.
Receiving Tet gifts from the organisers, smiling while tears welled up in her eyes, Hoang Thi Thao (from Tuyen Quang) said that she would send the gift package along with the photo just taken back to her family. Quang Van Khoi was also delighted, as this Tet he would have more gifts to share with his children after a year away from home.
Launched in 2023, after three years the “Xay Tet” programme has reached 22 provinces and cities and 145 construction sites nationwide. In 2024, Xay Tet was honoured at the Human Act Prize in the category of community-focused initiatives.
Launched in 2023, after three years the “Xay Tet” programme has reached 22 provinces and cities and 145 construction sites nationwide. In 2024, Xay Tet was honoured at the Human Act Prize in the category of community-focused initiatives.
