The 2026 Cultural and Creative Industry Festival held at the Saigon Innovation Hub (SIHUB) in Ho Chi Minh City became a crucial momentum for creative economy actors. A total of 60 booths comprising startups and creative industry practitioners showcased the integration between technological advancements, such as artificial intelligence (AI), and the richness of local cultural heritage.
The main focus of this event was not merely to exhibit innovation, but to build awareness of the importance of intellectual property (IP) rights protection. Deputy Director of SIHUB, Le Thi Be Ba, emphasized that the biggest challenge facing creative actors today is bridging the gap between brilliant ideas and market realities through a standardized ecosystem.
One of the highlights of the festival was the application of sustainable material technology. Teco Fashion Group, for instance, successfully processed coffee grounds, coconut fiber, and lotus fiber into high-value fashion products. They demonstrated that early-stage trademark and patent protection during product development is the primary key to enhancing competitiveness amid intense global market competition.
Beyond fashion, cultural digitalization also emerged as a prominent trend. The “Vietnamese Folklore” project demonstrated how cultural heritage data from 54 ethnic groups is processed using digital technology to remain relevant for the younger generation. By combining historical research and artificial intelligence, traditional works are now transformed into digital assets that can be utilized in education, tourism, and interactive games.
Through the launch of the Kaleidoscope - Creative Lab platform and a series of Business Matching programs, organizers aim to directly connect creators with investors. This step is expected to accelerate the commercialization of intellectual assets so that Vietnam's cultural industry excels not only in storytelling but also makes a tangible contribution to sustainable economic growth.
