Against the backdrop of the Perfume River, the elegant melodies of Hue Royal Court Music intertwined with the youthful rhythms of J-pop performed by Japanese singer Kawanishi Natsuki, along with a series of impressive artistic performances from South Korea, set the stage for a vibrant and colorful opening ceremony of Hue International Music Week 2026 on the evening of June 13.

At dawn, the coastal area of Vinh Loc Commune was already bustling with activity. On the sandy shore, groups of fishermen busily prepared for the first drag-net haul of the day. Boats returning after a night of fishing hurried back to shore. Amid this energetic rhythm of labor, many young people came to directly experience the lives of fishermen in the coastal fishing village.

Young people in Hue Ancient Capital are tracing back through time to visit historic ‘red sites’, carrying forward the story of patriotism in the language of the digital generation.

After several attempts to “step back,” I was fortunate enough to squeeze into the packed schedule of Meritorious Physician, Level-II Specialist Dr. Nguyen Minh Hung, Director of the Phu Vang Medical Center, to hear the deeply heartfelt reflections of a physician who has spent over 30 years carrying out his mission of saving lives.

Many journeys back to old Hue begin with seemingly small details. For me, it was a visit to An Thu garden house in Gia Hoi old quarter - a contemplative Hue residence nestled behind lush green trees. Mr. Vo Chanh Tien, the current caretaker, led me through the rooms while sharing the house's history and stories of generations tied to the garden and the rhythm of the old Gia Hoi. But what made me linger the longest was actually… beneath my feet.

Having traveled through many of the world’s leading technology hubs, Albert Antoine still retains his Hue accent and a deep-seated concern for his homeland. Returning from the world of data and artificial intelligence (AI), he brings with him a different perspective on how his hometown needs to move faster, deeper, and more sustainably.

Hue is a land once at the heart of the nation’s political power, culture, and scholarship; yet, today’s Hue is not merely looking back to the past. The city is quietly preparing for a major transformation, aiming to become Asia’s leading smart coastal heritage city by 2045.

The humanitarian “zero-cost surgery” programs at hospitals have supported many children from disadvantaged backgrounds. It is a deeply humane journey, made possible by teams of doctors and medical staff together with compassionate volunteers across the country, all sharing the hope of bringing joy and happiness to these children.

In Greek mythology, the supreme god Zeus transformed himself into a bull to seduce the beautiful princess Europa. When she mounted his back, the bull carried her across the sea to the island of Crete, where she gave birth to great kings, seen as an allegory for the birth of European civilization. The continent of Europe was therefore named after her – Europa, later known by the common name Europe.

The “Compassionate Bus” program, which brings students with disadvantaged backgrounds home for Tet, has become a humanitarian activity of member institutions of Hue University, giving young people the opportunity to reunite with their families during the spring holidays.