(VOVWORLD) - After trying for more than 25 years, agricultural engineer Ho Quang Cua and his colleagues successfully cross-bred Vietnam's ST25 rice, named the world's best rice in last year’s ranking. The "father" of ST25 rice recently told reporters about his relentless effort to bring Vietnamese rice to the top position and his concerns about how to maintain this achievement.

(VOVWORLD) - A Vietnamese called Ho Van Lam is running a successful business in Udon Thani province, Thailand, which sells grilled fermented pork rolls. This Vietnamese specialty is included in the Thai royal menu and is popular with many Thai people.

(VOVWORLD) - 74-year-old A Hiet, a Catholic follower of the Xo Dang ethnic group in the Central Highlands province of Kon Tum is a role model for studying and following President Ho Chi Minh’s moral example. He leads a good life in both secular and religious aspects.

(VOVWORLD) - Composer Nguyen Van Ty was well known in Vietnam for many great works, including Du Am (Echoes of Memories), Me yeu con (Mother’s love), Nguoi di xay ho Ke Go (Ke Go reservoir builders), and Vuot trung duong (Crossing the ocean). He passed away late last month at the age of 94.

(VOVWORLD) - 24-year-old track and field athlete Nguyen Thi Oanh shone at the recent 30th Southeast Asian Games in the Philippines, winning 3 gold medals. The tiny athlete surprised everyone by winning a gold in the 3,000 m steeplechase, setting a new SEA Games record.

(VOVWORLD) - Born in the mountains of Son La province, musician Mui Hai developed a great love for the nature around him. Many of his songs feature the natural beauty of the mountains and forests of northwest Vietnam.

(VOVWORLD) - People’s Artisan Vu Van Gioi was born in 1969 in Dong Cuu village, Hanoi. His village is famous for embroidery in particular, reproducing precious royal robes. Gioi has been recognized as the only living artisan who has mastered all the traditional embroidery techniques.

(VOVWORLD) - It’s not easy to make or play the flute, particularly for a blind person. But Nguyen Tien Cong can do it despite his vision impairment.

(VOVWORLD) - At the age of 64, Truong Thi Hoa from the mountainous district of Hoanh Bo, Quang Ninh province, is still busy teaching embroidery and singing for local people with an aim to preserve the cultural values of Dao Thanh Y ethnic people. Hoa was given the title Emeritus Artist for her great contribution to the community.

(VOVWORLD) - 75-year-old A Chong, head of Dak Klong hamlet, Kon Tum province, runs a successful business in his community. He is also active in social work and has helped many local people escape poverty.