Preserving Cultural Identity – A Form of “Soft Power” Contributing to the Development Process in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

For a society to achieve sustainable development, it must harmoniously and equitably advance across multiple sectors, including politics, economy, and culture. Social development should not be measured solely by economic indicators; rather, culture especially the traditional values of the nation plays a crucial role in guiding society toward sustainable progress. Many countries have increasingly recognized cultural “soft power” as a key resource in leveraging their comprehensive national strength (encompassing politics, economy, natural resources, human capital, science and technology, security, defense, and foreign affairs) to enhance national competitiveness and international standing. Based on clarifying the role of cultural identity in national development, this article identifies specific expressions of Vietnamese cultural identity as manifested in Ho Chi Minh City. It further emphasizes the importance of preserving this identity in relation to the city’s socio-economic development. Finally, the paper assesses the current state of cultural preservation and proposes essential solutions to safeguard and promote national cultural identity in Ho Chi Minh City in the coming years.