Through their mettle, creativity, and steadfast dedication, the honoured collectives and individuals have embodied the spirit that “labour is glorious”, serving as a powerful source of inspiration for the community and the younger generation.
Over its 22-year journey, the “Glory of Viet Nam” programme — initiated by the Viet Nam General Confederation of Labour — has become a vivid symbol of the patriotic emulation movement.
A “launchpad” for new contributions
Year by year, the scope of recognition has continuously expanded, encompassing everyone from scientists, entrepreneurs, and frontline production workers to the armed forces and units pioneering innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable development. What gives “Glory of Viet Nam” its unique value is its role in discovering, honouring, and empowering those quiet, everyday contributions to continue shining brightly.
To date, the 313 honoured collectives and individuals continue to dedicate themselves steadfastly, striving for excellence and writing new, inspiring stories driven by a sense of responsibility and determination along with an aspiration to serve the nation.
Reflecting on his journey, Labor Hero Pham Dinh Duan (Vang Danh Coal Joint Stock Company – TKV), who was honoured in 2025, views this milestone as a driving force for his productivity and competitive spirit. In February 2026, thanks to his continuous initiatives to improve working conditions and ensure miner safety, he was promoted from a frontline worker to Deputy Head of the Production Control Department, where he continues to dedicate his expertise to the coal industry.
Sharing that same spirit of passion, track-and-field star Nguyen Thi Oanh — one of the six individuals honoured in 2022 — continues to persistently push her own limits. She shares: “I am aiming to conquer prestigious events at the 20th Asian Games (ASIAD 20).”
In a different field, Cuc Phuong National Park was honoured in 2024. Director Nguyen Van Chinh affirmed that the support from the programme has elevated the park’s prestige and provided the momentum to enter a phase of comprehensive development. Cuc Phuong National Park has now become a model for nature conservation, fostering significant professional growth among its staff, expanding international research collaborations, and attracting socialised resources to establish a sustainable eco-tourism cycle.
Continuing the journey of dedication
Carrying forward this proud legacy, the 22nd “Glory of Viet Nam” Programme (2026) honours 13 exemplary figures — comprising eight collectives and five individuals — who represent the spirit of commitment and innovation.
They include scientists and medical professionals; entrepreneurs pioneering the development of Vietnamese brands; and soldiers and units from the military and police forces who safeguard the nation’s peace, alongside outstanding work collectives in key economic sectors — as well as in the fields of culture, education, and healthcare — that have been creating sustainable values and helping to shape the face of Viet Nam today.
The individuals honoured share a common spirit of dedication, innovation, and community responsibility. Among them is Labor Hero Tran Manh Bao, who has spent over 40 years building ThaiBinh Seed into a leading enterprise in the crop seed industry, thereby contributing to increasing agricultural productivity and strengthening national food security. Labor Hero Pham Thi Thu Hong exemplifies the resilient female entrepreneur; she successfully introduced Safoco’s rice vermicelli, noodles, and rice paper products to international markets while maintaining practical welfare policies for her workforce.
Notably, Engineer and Labor Hero Vu Huu Le, Chairman of Hong Ha Mechanical and Construction Co., Ltd. in Lao Cai Province, continues to work tirelessly at the age of 91. A 1963 honours graduate from the Soviet Union, this “ageless scientist” holds seven patents and has received over 200 certificates of merit at various levels. For him, an invention is truly meaningful only when it alleviates the burden on workers and boosts their income.
Sharing this same spirit of dedication, Labour Hero, People’s Physician, and Professor-Doctor Ta Van Tram, Director of Tien Giang General Hospital, expressed pride and emotion upon receiving this honour. He remains steadfast in his commitment to medical innovation, applying artificial intelligence (AI) to patient care, and training a generation of doctors who are both politically committed and professionally competent to meet the demands of digital transformation.
While the honoured individuals represent the flames of creativity, the honoured collectives embody the power of discipline, solidarity, and the aspiration for growth. Over the past decade, students from Doan Thi Diem Primary School (Ha Noi) have won nearly 2,200 national-level awards and medals, as well as over 1,900 international awards (according to the school).
In the defence sector, Factory Z111 (General Department of Defence Industry) has achieved technological autonomy with the successful manufacturing of 29 types of modern weapons and export of millions of high-quality mechanical components. Senior Colonel Ly Huong Ly, a representative of Factory Z111, stated: “Glory is not a destination but a starting point for even greater responsibilities.”
The Viet Nam Textile and Garment Trade Union (under the Viet Nam National Textile and Garment Group – Vinatex) was honoured for its initiative to enhance comprehensive care for workers in the new context. Through flexible strategies, Vinatex has maintained its brand presence in international markets while securing livelihoods for over 70,000 workers.
A key innovation for the Viet Nam Textile and Garment Trade Union has been shifting its mindset from “short-term care” — such as subsidies and gifts during holidays and Tet — to “sustainable care”. This approach focuses on long-term social welfare policies covering housing, childcare costs, healthcare, skills training, and support for job transitions. Since 2023 alone, the total funding for worker care across the Group’s trade union system has reached over 201 billion VND, with more than 600,000 union members benefiting from welfare programs totalling over 30 billion VND (according to Vinatex).
It is evident that the “Glory of Viet Nam” programme is not merely a celebratory event; it has become a platform that fosters patriotic emulation movements across the entire country.
