Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Duy Nguyễn, co-founder of Du Bút Books and a native of Southwestern Vietnam, discovered the Mekong Delta's cultural diversity during his travels, noting meaningful differences even within the same region. This insight inspired his new illustrated book, "Việt Nam Phiêu lưu ký: Đồng bằng Sông Cửu Long (Journey to Mekong Delta: An Illustrated Guide)," funded by the SOVICO Corporate Social Responsibility Fund under the UNESCO and SOVICO Strategic Partnership.
The idea for the book developed over nearly a decade, sparked by Nguyễn's conversations with international friends seeking an accessible introduction to Vietnamese culture. His goal was to guide readers from unfamiliar to familiar cultural elements, presenting the Mekong Delta as a dynamic, living environment beyond rivers and floating markets.
During research, Nguyễn engaged with local people: a rice grower in Kiên Giang explained farming tools used among Kinh, Khmer, and Cham communities; a boat coach in Cần Thơ described the communal strength of the Ok Om Bok festival; an artisan in Trà Vinh shared how Khmer culture is woven into daily life; in Cà Mau, the U Minh forest environment revealed the region's settlement history.
Nguyễn said the grant's support was significant beyond finances, highlighting UNESCO's backing as a recognition of cultural education and heritage preservation, especially for young readers. He described the support as a form of trust, reinforcing that a research-based illustrated book is a valuable cultural investment despite publishing challenges. The book was later presented at Tet Book Street in Hồ Chí Minh City, receiving positive affirmation.