Various activities are held on the Book Street in Ho Chi Minh City.

In order to promote a reading habit among different groups of people, Ho Chi Minh city has appointed cultural ambassadors representing publishing, journalism, economics, culture, arts, and education. They share a love of books and a desire to spread a spirit of learning and reading across all segments of society.

As a book lover, Nhat Vy, a 9th grader at Hoa Lu secondary school in Thu Duc city, is conducting a book review project to encourage her peers to read. The project uses journals, YouTube, Facebook, and other channels to bring books closer to more people.

“My teacher and friends have helped me choose interesting books and design ideas for the journal. I review books on different topics, so there’s something for everybody,” said Vy.

Le Tri Thong, Chairman of Ho Chi Minh city’s Young Entrepreneurs Association, has had a reading habit since he was a child. When he became a businessman, he was still reading at least 2 books every week. Although the books range in topic, much of the knowledge he has acquired has been helpful for his business. Thong said reading books today is different from in the past. It’s no longer limited to paper books. Now you can listen to audiobooks and read books online.

As a reading culture ambassador for Ho Chi Minh City for the 2024-2025 term, Thong said, “For an entrepreneur, it’s important to get the latest news and information. At the Ho Chi Minh City Young Entrepreneurs Association, we discuss books, share information, and exchange tips on today's reading technology.”

Ho Chi Minh City frequently organizes book-related activities like the Lunar New Year Book Fair, a Book and Reading Culture Day, and exciting Book Street activities. The city authorities also encourage children to read through bookcases, reading contests, reading culture ambassadors, and extra-curricular activities at school.

Students discuss at an event on the Book Street in Ho Chi Minh City. (Photo: VOV)

Director of the municipal Department of Information and Communications Lam Dinh Thang says the city needs to take a more scientific approach to developing a reading culture. The city is planning to conduct a survey on the reading habits of local residents, particularly pupils and students.

“From the survey, the city will develop long-term policies that foster a reading culture. The habit of reading should be regularly encouraged by families and schools,” said Thang.

Le Hoang, the Director of Ho Chi Minh City’s Book Street, said a survey on people’s reading rate is essential to developing a reading culture.  “That will help us organize book and reading culture activities so that Ho Chi Minh city can become a recognized book city.”