Titled ‘Viet Nam’s Nhan Dan Sparks Gen Z Frenzy with Panorama Print Edition,’ the article appeared in WAN-IFRA’s Top Stories section, showcasing how the innovative edition has captivated young readers.
Nhan Dan’s panorama print edition
On May 7, 2024, Nhan Dan launched a special print edition alongside an interactive exhibition on the Dien Bien Phu Campaign. This edition included a four-page panoramic painting of the battle, allowing readers to cut and assemble the pieces into a full-scale image.
The 3.21-metre-wide illustration was a scaled-down replica of the original 132-meter mural at the actual Dien Bien Phu battlefield. On the reverse side, a detailed 56-day timeline of the campaign was provided in both Vietnamese and English.
Adding a digital dimension, the edition incorporated augmented reality (AR) technology, enabling readers to interact with a dynamic panorama in physical space.
The special edition quickly sparked a viral ‘newspaper hunting’ trend among young people, reaffirming print media’s ability to engage the public—especially Gen Z. Enthusiastic readers queued for hours, with some waiting up to two days to secure a copy.
In an interview with WAN-IFRA, Nhan Dan Newspaper Editor-in-Chief Le Quoc Minh emphasised that the project’s success was meticulously planned rather than a fortunate accident.
“The technology wasn’t the challenge. The hardest part was combining something as traditional as print with something as modern as AR and making it feel natural and special,” he said.
“We’re working on new products that combine print, digital, and interactive formats. Our goal is to offer something unique, especially for young people who are used to digital content. To compete with social media, we need to offer experiences they can’t get elsewhere,” Minh said.
Nhan Dan's innovation and recognition
According to the International News Media Association (INMA), Gen Z values print not just for news but for its interactive experiences—offering a refreshing break from digital life.
INMA’s "How Gen Z Could Change the Print Game" report suggests integrating QR codes, AR, and NFC chips to bridge the gap between print and digital platforms.
Nhan Dan Newspaper has launched several hybrid print-digital editions in less than a year, with the Dien Bien Phu Victory edition earning international acclaim.
In October 2024, it won the 2024 Sustainability and Print Innovation Award in the Product for Young Readers category at the World Printers Summit in Vienna.
In November 2024, Nhan Dan’s 70th anniversary communication campaign for Dien Bien Phu Victory—including the panorama edition and interactive exhibitions—won the Best Newspaper Marketing Prize at the Asian Media Awards in Singapore.
Other notable special editions by Nhan Dan:
- Hanoi Flagpole – October 10, 2024
- Famous Battles and Legendary Generals – December 28, 2024
- 50th Anniversary of Southern Liberation and National Reunification –April 30, 2025
- 135th Birth Anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh – May 19, 2025
