"Media is not just about capturing moments but about sharing stories. Those in the media field bear a responsibility for the stories they tell and the way they shape them."

My name is Dieu Anh (DA), and I am a Vietnamese media professional and TV host who is passionate about storytelling. I specialize in sharing narratives that highlight the beauty of Vietnamese culture, bringing its rich heritage and charm to a broader audience.

I consider the CPI program as the "3 Rights" program because it perfectly aligns with my professional field and interests.

Right Purpose: The training on "Cultural Product Designing" directly complements my work in media production, where the products I create are closely tied to the culture of the country I live in. Courses on design thinking, analysis, strategic planning, and product design, along with supplementary skills like project pitching and applying AI in the workplace, have been immensely beneficial to my career.

Right Place: The program is hosted in South Korea, a country renowned for its unique culture and its remarkable success in developing, producing, and marketing cultural products. For someone like me, working in the fields of culture and media, studying in South Korea offers unparalleled inspiration. It provides the chance to expand my knowledge through firsthand experiences, broaden my network, and immerse myself in a cultural environment that fosters creative and professional growth.

Right Time: The program's hybrid format—combining online and offline sessions (offline over three weeks) - makes it an ideal choice for professionals like me with on-site responsibilities. This condensed and well-structured schedule ensures participants gain essential knowledge in a focused timeframe while still allowing them to return and effectively apply what they’ve learned to their ongoing work.

I gained so much during my time at the CPI program—not only through the courses led by experts and professors or the hands-on experiences but also through the friendships and professional networks I built with participants from diverse countries.

One lesson that stands out is from Professor Lee’s session on Design Thinking, organized by the Busan Design Council. By focusing on small, everyday problems, he introduced unique perspectives, analytical methods, and innovative solutions. This made me reflect deeply on my daily life in Vietnam, realizing that even minor changes to seemingly insignificant issues can lead to significant and positive impacts on the community.

Another highlight was the course on applying AI to the design of cultural products. This knowledge has proven incredibly helpful in my work upon returning to Vietnam.

What impressed me the most, however, was the opportunity to connect with experts and peers from various countries. The program was thoughtfully designed to foster meaningful interactions, enabling us to understand each other’s cultures and build strong, lasting relationships.

"I see someone wearing an Ao Dai over there, DA," a friend said to me during the closing ceremony of the CPI 2023 program. Seeing the cherished Ao Dai of Vietnam among the traditional attire of other countries was an incredibly moving moment. We, the Vietnamese participants in the program, have greeted, talked, shared with each others and stayed connected, fostering a strong sense of community and support for each other.

Nearly three months later, we organized a sharing session to disseminate our experiences from the program. The session attracted around 15 experts in Vietnam who were keenly interested in the CPI program.

During this session, all of us—CPI 2023 alumni from Vietnam—shared what we had learned and experienced, provided tips for applying to the program, and addressed participants’ questions.

Continuing to connect and share the value of the CPI program with others has brought us immense happiness. It has also given us the opportunity to engage more deeply with cultural experts in Vietnam. We hope that more professionals in Vietnam will come to know and benefit from such a meaningful program like CPI.

"Is Vietnam still at war?" That was the question a friend asked me on the very first day of the CPI training. It made me pause and reflect deeply. There are still many places and people around the world who know Vietnam only through the lens of war, unaware of our vibrant peace, rich cultural heritage, and unique identity.

This realization has inspired me to launch a project called V-Vietnam in 2025. Currently, there are limited platforms in Vietnam producing English-language content that offers a holistic view of the country’s culture. While short-form videos on platforms like Instagram showcase aspects of daily life, they often fail to capture Vietnam’s artistic richness, cultural diversity, and the beauty of its people and traditions.

V-Vietnam will be a YouTube channel dedicated to promoting Vietnam’s culture, art, and beauty to international audiences while also offering free Vietnamese language lessons to viewers. The channel will target culture enthusiasts, travelers, and anyone curious about Vietnam, aiming to present an authentic and comprehensive portrayal of the country.