The 19th Lương Định Của Award in 2024, organized by the Central Committee of the Hồ Chí Minh Communist Youth Union, recently honored Nguyễn Mỹ Linh. She is the only young individual from Điện Biên and one of the 32 exemplary figures nationwide representing millions of young union members with a creative spirit and determination to improve themselves, their families, and contribute to the socio-economic development of their locality.

Along with the Lương Định Của Award, Linh has also received numerous awards, certificates, and commendations from various levels and sectors in labor and production. Currently, Linh is the Director of Hương Linh Co., Ltd., which specializes in processing tea products from ancient tea trees in Tủa Chùa district. What makes her tea products stand out is the creative and scientific process applied in production, processing, packaging, and design, which results in unique products that appeal to customers’ tastes.

Linh shared: “Born and raised in Tủa Chùa, I recognized the potential of this type of tree. After graduating from university, I returned to my hometown to establish the company and partnered with local households to produce tea. The care of the tea trees, such as weeding and fertilization, is done scientifically and closely supervised. The harvesting process is also guided carefully.”

“The tea trees do not use herbicides like in some other tea-growing regions. The fertilizers used are organic and tested by relevant authorities. The harvesting is done manually by the local Mông people…” Linh added.

After years of research and development, Linh has successfully established her tea brand, which is now not only recognized in the local market but also exported to China, with plans to expand to the United States and Australia. The company’s three main OCOP products are: Diệp Thanh Trà - Shan Tuyết Sính Phình Green Tea, Diệp Thanh Trà - Shan Tuyết Cổ Thụ Tủa Chùa Green Tea, and Diệp Thanh Trà - Bạch Trà Mẫu Đơn White Tea. For two other products, Hồng Trà Shan Tuyết and Phổ Nhĩ Trà, the company is currently completing the OCOP product registration.

Emphasizing the youth’s role in entrepreneurship, many economic models by young people in Điện Biên province have been successfully implemented and have shown positive results. The economic models, especially the cooperatives and clubs run by young people, have contributed to job creation and increased income for young union members. Today, 100% of districts, towns, and city youth unions have established collective economic models. Notable examples include: the Mường Phăng Strawberry Cooperative led by Hoàng Văn Dán in Mường Phăng commune (Điện Biên Phủ city); the green hemp cultivation model led by Lê Nhật Trường in Thanh Yên commune (Điện Biên district); the youth cooperative for developing agricultural products and organic vegetables in Quài Cang commune (Tuần Giáo district); and the collective economic model for cultivating cardamom under the forest canopy in Nậm Củng village, Chà Tở commune (Nậm Pồ district).

Đặng Thành Huy, Secretary of the provincial Youth Union, stated: “Youths we honor are exemplary figures with integrity, determination, and a pioneering spirit in their studies, production, labor, and defense. These young people are active, follow professional and ethical standards, participate in local, organizational, and unit-level activities, and come up with innovative solutions and initiatives. They have achieved outstanding results in their studies, work, and social life, fulfilling their tasks and contributing to local socio-economic development and ensuring national defense and security.”

In order for every young person to realize their self-reliance, creativity, and ambition, over the years, the Party, the State, and local authorities have always created conditions for youth to develop in all aspects. In line with Resolution No.25-NQ/TW, dated July 25, 2008, by the Party Central Committee on “Enhancing the Party’s leadership over youth work during the period of accelerating industrialization and modernization,” under the leadership of the Party committees at all levels, youth unions have organized numerous activities to support and create opportunities for students, young teachers, and young professionals to strive for academic excellence, creativity, and career development, fostering a healthy school environment. Notable campaigns include the “Five Good Students” for university students, “Three Good Students” for high school students, and the “Three Trainings” for pupils; as well as organizing scientific and technical innovation contests.

Along with creating an environment for youth to improve their education, skills, and professional expertise, to enhance the quality of young labor, each year, the provincial Youth Union collaborates with various provincial and local agencies to organize numerous activities to support youth in vocational training and employment, while promoting the youth entrepreneurship movement. Youth unions at all levels organize career counseling and orientation activities, helping students and young people select appropriate schools and career paths.

Building a generation of youth in Điện Biên that is well-rounded, with revolutionary ideals, aspirations, and ambitions; possessing cultural knowledge, academic qualifications, life skills, career skills, and employment; with determination to build a career, be dynamic, creative, and masters of science and technology. Developing a high-quality young workforce to meet the demands of current development is a priority. The provincial People’s Council has issued a resolution on the Development of the Youth in Điện Biên for the 2021-2030 period, which outlines clear objectives, tasks, and solutions for each year and phase to promote the creative spirit, proactive energy, and volunteerism of Điện Biên’s youth.