The first article I submitted to the People's Army Newspaper (QĐND) Weekend was titled "Vivid images of space flights". The article was then entered by the Organizing Committee into the "Russia in my heart" writing contest. This article recounts the creative journey of photographer Pham Tien Dung, former Head of the Vietnam News Agency's Photo Department, who captured the historic moments when hero Pham Tuan flew into space in 1980. Those precious photos, along with the behind-the-scenes story of a quiet photographer, inspired me to write with all my respect and admiration.

Journalist Ngo Khiem regularly follows and reads the People's Army Weekend Newspaper. Photo: MAI PHUONG

When the article was published, I received compliments from Colonel, journalist Nguyen Hong Hai, who was then the Editor-in-Chief of the People's Army Newspaper Weekend (now Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the People's Army Newspaper). That encouragement was the first "spiritual certification" that helped me believe more in the writing path I was taking. And the joy exploded when I received the award from the "Russia in My Heart" Writing Contest, with a certificate presented by Colonel, journalist Le Ngoc Long, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the People's Army Newspaper. This was the first award in my journalism career. An "encouraging gift", not only for me but also for young writers who are groping their way into journalism.

Since that article, I have started to collaborate more frequently with the Weekend People's Army Newspaper. Whenever the newspaper needs a contributor to write in-depth articles, I consider it an opportunity to learn, to test myself, and also a way to show my gratitude to a newspaper rich in identity, imbued with culture - art - history, where each article is like a "spiritual dish" that is carefully crafted and attractive.

Journalist Ngo Khiem (fifth from left) received the prize of the "Russia in my heart" writing contest with an article published in the Weekend People's Army Newspaper. Photo: TRONG HAI

Another memorable memory was in 2021, on a beautiful morning, I received a call from Colonel Nguyen Hong Hai, inviting me to his office to… “assign work”. This time the task was to write about musicians who were about to be awarded the State Prize for Literature and Arts. I chose to write about musician Doan Bong with the title “The Ageless Man” and musician Le May with the title “The Man with Excess Energy”…

Those were the nights when I almost stayed up all night, refining every detail, every emotion, every assessment of the characters. Because I understood clearly that writing for the Weekend People's Army Newspaper was not just about telling stories but also about "sculpting" portraits with depth, with a unique perspective, with accurate, emotional and reasonable assessments. The feeling of happiness exploded when those articles received positive feedback from the characters themselves and people in the music industry. I understood that was when the language "touched" the hearts of the readers.

From those experiences, I became more attached to the Weekend People's Army Newspaper as if I were attached to a trusted colleague. Every time I was informed: "The article has been selected for publication in the next issue", I felt a surge of pride and happiness like the first time my name was "called" in the newspaper.

5 years is not a long time, but for me, it was a journey of maturity, both in writing skills and journalism ethics. I am grateful to the editors of the Newspaper, who quietly edited and cherished each line, helping me realize that journalism requires not only good writing but also a bright mind and a humane vision.

Amidst the myriad of information flows in the digital age, I still reserve a warm place in my heart for the Weekend People's Army Newspaper, a place that nurtures profound writings, where each contributor is inspired and feels companionship and sharing.

From the opportunity to collaborate with the Weekend QĐND Newspaper, I have collaborated with a number of other publications of the QĐND Newspaper and fortunately, I have won two more awards with this newspaper. That is the Encouragement Prize, Writing Contest "Simple but Noble Examples" in 2023 and the C Prize, Political Writing Contest "Protecting the Party's Ideological Foundation in the New Situation" in 2025. All of that has helped me become more and more confident in journalism, in the path I have chosen. I appreciate and am grateful to the Weekend QĐND Newspaper, a newspaper that is entering its 35th year full of vitality, health and creativity.

Not only did I leave my mark from my first articles, I also found abundant inspiration from the special columns in the Weekend People's Army Newspaper - a place that clearly shows the identity of a newspaper rich in cultural depth, ideology and civic responsibility. Among them, the column "Portrait of a soldier" is always my favorite stop every time I pick up the newspaper. The soldiers in the articles appear without stereotypes, not only as symbols of discipline and sacrifice but also as lively people with thoughts, aspirations and inner depth. The portraits are portrayed in a very unique style of journalistic literature, both simple and moving, both epic and rich in humanity.

In addition, the column “View from Hanoi ”, written by prestigious writers such as Hong Thanh Quang and Ha Manh Tuong, has become the “brand” of the People’s Army Newspaper Weekend in terms of international politics. Each article not only provides sharp information on global issues but also demonstrates an independent, courageous, and intellectually profound perspective. These are international news commentaries with strong strategic thinking, suggesting ways for readers to approach the issue, and through them I have learned useful journalism methods.

It is from such columns that I understand more that journalism is not only about recording reality but also about creating awareness, stirring emotions and inspiring. The Weekend People's Army Newspaper is not only a newspaper but also a special "writing school", where I learned how to ask the right questions, choose a sharp perspective and most importantly, keep a clear mind when holding a pen.

Journalist NGO KHIEM (

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/phong-su-dieu-tra/phong-su/bao-quan-doi-nhan-dan-cuoi-tuan-truyen-cam-hung-cho-toi-835484