Connecting Heritage, Shaping the Future
The 55th Vietnamese Record Holders’ Convocation was held in Ho Chi Minh City on September 26, 2026, under the inspiring theme “Digitizing Record Values: Connecting Heritage – Shaping the Future.” The event marked the 22nd anniversary of the Vietnam Records Organization (VietKings) and celebrated more than two decades of recognizing, preserving, and promoting Vietnam’s extraordinary achievements.
The convocation brought together a large community of record holders, experts, organizations, partners, and distinguished guests. Lion dances, cultural performances, the flag-raising ceremony, and the drum-beating ceremony by Professor, Academician Hoang Quang Thuan created a vibrant opening, while the Vo Thanh Trang brass band added to the festive atmosphere.
A major focus of the convocation was the digital transformation of Vietnam’s record ecosystem. In his opening remarks, Dr. Thang Van Phuc highlighted science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation as important directions for the future. The new version of the GAB – Global Record Achievements Repository was officially launched, together with the introduction of the GAB Card for record holders. These initiatives aim to digitally preserve, connect, standardize, and promote the stories and values behind Vietnamese records to wider communities.
The international record community was also prominently represented by Dr. Biswaroop Roy Chowdhury, Chairman of the World Records Union – WorldKings. Together with Dr. Nguyen Hoang Anh, he presented Certificates of Appreciation and Commemorative Medals to 9 Vietnamese record leaders in recognition of their contributions to the development of global records. Dr. Biswaroop Roy Chowdhury also shared insights into emerging trends in the record movement and the growing opportunities to expand the value of records in the digital environment.
The event featured the panel discussion “Digitizing Record Values – Connecting Heritage – Shaping the Future,” where experts discussed how records can become lasting resources of knowledge, culture, creativity, and inspiration. Dr. Le Doan Hop emphasized the importance of innovation and moving from awareness to action in the digital age.
Recognition remained at the heart of the celebration. Distinguished record holders received Grand Records and other honours, including World Record Holders – Tea MasterNgo Thi Thanh Tam, Mr. Le Thien Ly, and Mr. Duong Van Chien. Calligrapher and World Record Holder Vo Duong received an Honorary Doctorate in recognition of his contributions to Vietnamese calligraphy and cultural preservation. The gathering also honoured 6 World Records, 1 Asian Record, 4 School Records, and 15 Vietnamese Records across diverse fields.
The event further recognized individuals, organizations, sponsors, and partners who have contributed to promoting Vietnamese records nationally and internationally, reinforcing the spirit of collaboration within the global record-holding community.
As the 55th Convocation concluded, it stood not only as a celebration of achievements accumulated over 22 years but also as a milestone for the future. Through digitalization and international collaboration, Vietnam’s remarkable records and the stories behind them can be preserved, connected, and shared with new generations and the world.
“Connecting Heritage – Shaping the Future” is more than a theme – it is a continuing journey to transform remarkable achievements into lasting values for the future.
