Miss Universe Vietnam H'Hen Niê: ‘Social media is virtual, but its real-world consequences are huge’

H'Hen Niê called on influencers to monitor their online statements closely, warning that virtual platforms can produce major consequences in everyday life.

She spoke at the discussion “Building Digital Trust: From Commitment to Action,” held on September 7 with the participation of government managers, artists and influential content creators. Other guests included Nguyễn Ngọc Hồi, deputy director of Ho Chi Minh City’s Department of Culture and Sports, director Đặng Lê Minh Trí, SHB deputy chairman Đỗ Quang Vinh and musician and producer Kriss Ngo.

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At first, when I went to plant trees, I simply felt that this was extremely necessary. I had to act first, and then people who shared the same love of nature connected with me, joined me and shared the story. I was deeply moved and happy that my sincerity received such broad trust and support from the online community.

H'Hen Niê said her community and environmental projects began with practical needs and a personal sense of responsibility. She described her early forest-planting work as something she felt had to begin herself, after which people who shared her love of nature joined and helped spread the effort. She said the public’s trust and support had moved and encouraged her.

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The essence of the program is to touch people’s patriotism and make the audience long to share one heartbeat.

Đặng Lê Minh Trí recalled the difficult beginnings of Tổ quốc trong tim, saying only a handful of people initially trusted the project. He said the program sought to connect audiences through patriotism and a shared emotional bond. Support from Nhân Dân newspaper, the Ministry of Public Security and other organizations helped it grow, he said, while viewers’ trust and patriotic feeling drove its success. The program has since generated more than 1.2 billion views on TikTok.

From the government’s perspective, Nguyễn Ngọc Hồi said the digital environment had fundamentally changed communications. He discussed a pilot model in which local influencers operate digital accounts covering cultural, social and economic issues. The accounts promote local identities, including areas such as Cát Lái and An Phú, and help residents sell agricultural products and other goods through livestreams. Ho Chi Minh City also plans to hold a Content Creator Week to recognize and support digital creators.

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We only played the role of a catalyst; it was the trust and the patriotic flame in the audience’s hearts that created this miracle.