Vietnam ranks 65th out of 137 countries and territories in the 2020-2022 period as per the World Happiness Report 2023. (Photo: VGP)

A: We continue to receive frequent letters from Richard Lemke of Canada. In his reception of VOV this week, he reported listening to our broadcast on March 19 on the frequency of 11885 kHz. He said, “It has been a great week listening to your signal on 11885 kHz at the new local time of 10 a.m. (1600) UTC in central Alberta, Canada.” Thank you, Richard Lemke for sending us regular feedback on the shortwave reception of VOV in central Canada.

B: In his correspondence to VOV this week, Ashik Eqbal Tokon congratulated the Vietnamese people for being ranked as the 6th happiest people in Asia.

A: He wrote: “Greetings from Bangladesh. As a dedicated listener and fervent supporter of Voice of Vietnam, I couldn't resist sharing the sheer joy and excitement I felt upon stumbling across a delightful piece of news while perusing VNExpress. I’m thrilled to inform you that a recent report highlighted the news that Vietnamese are the sixth happiest people in Asia. What an incredible achievement that our beloved neighbors have secured this prestigious position!”

B: He continued, “This heartwarming news truly resonated with me, reaffirming my unwavering pride in Vietnam and its remarkable people. It’s immensely gratifying to see Vietnam recognized not only for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage but also for the resilience, positivity, and boundless spirit of its citizens. I cannot overstate the importance of platforms like the “Voice of Vietnam” in promoting such uplifting stories that celebrate the accomplishments and aspirations of its people. Your steadfast commitment to delivering accurate, insightful, and inspiring content serves as a beacon of light, illuminating the path toward a brighter and more hopeful future for all.”

A: Thank you very much Mr. Tokon for your warm sentiments for Vietnam and its people and also for VOV. We’re proud to be the bridge linking Vietnam with people around the world and helping them learn more about our country, its history and people and its development.

A delegation of the Bulgaria National Radio visits VOV5 studio in Hanoi

B: Making your country better known to the rest of the world is the mandate of any public radio station in any country. This week, a delegation from Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) visited the Voice of Vietnam and VOVWorld. The two sides discussed the development of radio broadcasting and opportunities and challenges in the era of fast developing technology. During the talk VOV5 leaders mentioned the coverage of VOV5 listeners and the large numbers of correspondence from listeners around the world. Milen Mitev, Director General of BNR said the two sides have a lot of potential for future bilateral cooperation to make peoples of the two countries and people around the world learn more about both Vietnam and Bulgaria.

Mr. Mitev said: “I think we have a lot of opportunities to work together because, as I said at the meeting with your colleagues, world channels like VOV5 and Radio Bulgaria that we are usually the ones that are the most open and forward thinking, so it would make a lot of sense to initiate our cooperation exactly from your programs. In recent years, we’ve produced a lot of non-linear digital content which is made mostly for digital platforms. We use social media in order to attract the younger generation to listen to and to see our media content. So I think this is a very good starting point to share content that could attract the interest of the younger generation of people.”

A: To mark the occasion, the Voice of Vietnam and Bulgaria National Radio signed a Memorandum of Understanding on bilateral cooperation.

Voice of Vietnam and Bulgaria National Radio signed a Memorandum of Understanding on bilateral cooperation.

B: This week, VOV organized a ceremony to present awards to the winners of the writing contest “Radio – A Century of Informing, Entertaining and Educating”. Launched last November to mark World Radio Day, February 13, the contest received hundreds of entries from listeners of all ages. The oldest contestant was 90 years old and the youngest was 11.

Denny Abdi, Indonesian Ambassador to Vietnam, presents the special prize to Dang Dieu Ha for her entry “VOV - my close friend”.

A: Many entries were hand-written or included audio and video clips, or cartoons. Two special prizes of a trip to Indonesia funded by the Indonesian Embassy in Vietnam, 1 first prize, 1 second prize, 2 third prizes, and 5 consolation prizes were presented.

A: Najimuddin of India this week reported listening to VOV programs on March 20 on the frequency of 7220 kHz using his Grundig YB80 with telescopic antenna. He rated SINPO at 44343. He also sent us an audio file of the reception. “Your program is always my favorite for reliable information”, he wrote. He had a question about the main agricultural crops of Vietnam.

B: Rice has been grown in Vietnam for thousands of years. Vietnam is one of the top five largest rice producing countries in the world. The Mekong River Delta is called the “Rice Basket” in southern Vietnam, because it is where most of Vietnam’s rice is grown. Rice is also grown in the Red River Delta in the northeast part of the country, as well as on the north-central coast. Most rice grown in Vietnam is wet-rice.

Terraced rice fields in Sapa

A: In one of its articles, asiasomeday.com introduces places to explore Vietnamese rice. “Rice in Vietnam has deep roots in its culture and tradition. Vietnam is one of the world’s leading producers and exporters of rice, and you will see its importance while traveling through. It forms an integral part of Vietnamese cuisine, from noodles to spring roll wraps to sweet buns all being made from rice.”

B: The article recommends Sapa and Ha Giang where visitors could explore its stunning rice terraces which are a major tourist attraction especially for trekkers and photographers. The terraces are all man-made, curving into the earth with every dip and bend, giving it a harmoniously blend into the landscape.

Trek up the hills to view the rice paddies in Tam Coc (Photo: asiasomeday.com)

A: While you can always trek up the hills to view the rice paddies, Tam Coc offers another interesting experience – paddling through the submerged rice fields. Tam Coc is located in Ninh Binh, 100 kilometers south of Hanoi, and you can go there on a one-day trip.

B: Central Vietnam is not a very well-known spot for viewing the transformation of rice in Vietnam. But, it certainly has its share of plantations. Rice fields stretch as far as the eye can see. Locals plant the rice in January, and it shifts from green to lush gold in the month of April. This is a great time to witness the fields, as the rice is harvested in the month of May. After the harvest the land is barren.

A: In the Mekong Delta, water, boats, houses and markets coexist to produce a generous harvest of rice. Unlike other parts of the country, the Mekong Delta  has three rice crops a year. Two of the seasons coincide with the rainy season of the south region, usually lasting from May until October.

B: Choosing the best time to visit Vietnam is crucial. But rest assured you’ll see the beauty of rice somewhere in Vietnam. The glory of rice in Vietnam is but one marvelous aspect of this country.

A: This week, VOVWorld received more than 400 emails, letters and phone calls from listeners in 33 countries and territories. Eugene Kornykhin of Russia wrote: “Thank you for your program’s coverage of key events in Russia. This weekend, Russia held a presidential election. You have given this information clearly and objectively.”

B: Johnny Antonio Ramírez López of Peru wrote: “While watering plants or harvesting sweet fruits, I listen to beautiful Vietnamese songs that move my heart. Thank you VOV for bringing me a wonderful Sunday program. We love you.”

A: Juan Diez of Spain commented, “The MoU on cooperation between the Voice of Vietnam and the Red Cross is a deeply humane decision, because VOV can broadcast vital information and help many people in need.”

A: Thank you all for listening and sending feedback on our broadcasts. We look forward to your feedback. Once again, thank you all for listening. Goodbye!