•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Culture Day in Vietnam on November 24 will grant workers a paid day off, aimed at ensuring citizens can access and participate in cultural activities and strengthen cultural appreciation. This morning, after delegates discussed a draft Resolution on breakthrough mechanisms and policies for cultural development, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism addressed several issues raised during the session.
Ms. Lâm Thị Phương Thanh said the resolution is designed to tackle two major issues: removing bottlenecks and difficulties in cultural development, and mobilizing and effectively using all available resources to develop culture.
The draft is built on principles that policies are clear, mature, and feasible, with broad consensus, and will be implemented immediately. It also proposes that the Government specify detailed matters requiring flexible administration, alongside new policies to be piloted.
The draft resolution identifies resources for cultural development, including an annual state budget that ensures at least 2% of total state expenditure, and the mobilization of social resources. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is coordinating with the Ministry of Finance and other agencies and localities to determine the structure of the 2% allocation and to ensure cultural spending meets set targets.
Regarding Culture Day on 24/11, workers will receive a paid day off. The stated goal is to enable citizens to access and enjoy culture while increasing cultural appreciation, particularly among youth.
In addition, public cultural and entertainment units will be exempt or have reduced fees on that day. Some delegates proposed further mechanisms to encourage private facilities to participate, and the Minister said this proposal would be considered.
The draft includes special policy mechanisms for the culture of ethnic minorities, prioritizing financial resources for preserving and promoting traditional culture, including at-risk ethnic cultures and folk arts. The drafting agency will incorporate delegate feedback, with emphasis on the voices and scripts of ethnic groups.
The Minister noted proposals from representatives of Phú Thọ Province regarding culturally significant architectural works in both rural and urban areas, including temples and pagodas.
Many delegates raised concerns about human resources in culture. The Minister cited ongoing policies under the National Target Program for cultural development, including training and capacity-building projects for students. The draft also includes provisions intended to attract and retain talented individuals.
On compensation, talent development, and specialized wages in culture and sports, delegates discussed beneficiary groups. The Minister directed the review and refinement of the draft.
For the Culture and Arts Fund, the Government has added provisions to pilot a fund modeled on public-private partnership. The fund would be a market-based venture fund that accepts risk, with transparency.
Under the proposal, the fund would mobilize social resources, with the state budget primarily serving as seed capital to encourage private contributions. The drafting agency will continue refining the model using international experience, while the Government will establish risk assessment criteria and a framework to monitor and adjust the model to ensure effective use of resources.
Premium gym chains are entering a “golden era” that is ending or already in decline, as rising operating costs collide with shifting consumer preferences toward more flexible, community-based ways to exercise. Long-term memberships are shrinking, margins are pressured by higher rents and facility expenses, and competition from smaller, more personalized…
