Tết xa nhưng thật gần: Mang theo tên Nước | VTV24

Key Concepts

• Vietnamese Auto Garages in Mongolia: The dominance of Vietnamese-owned auto repair shops in Ulan Bator, Mongolia.
• Resilience & Adaptation: The ability of Vietnamese entrepreneurs to thrive in a harsh climate and unfamiliar market.
• Historical Roots: The origins of the Vietnamese auto repair presence in Mongolia stemming from former students in Eastern Europe.
• Cultural Exchange: The integration of Vietnamese culture and business practices within Mongolian society.
• Fugu (Pufferfish) & Vietnamese Entrepreneurship: The story of Thuy Linh’s journey to unlock the potential of Fugu in Vietnam.
• Community & Support: The strong sense of community among Vietnamese expatriates in Japan and their mutual support.
• Preservation of Vietnamese Identity: The efforts to maintain Vietnamese culture and traditions abroad.
• Returning to Roots: The story of Le Varas and his journey to reconnect with his Vietnamese heritage.

The Vietnamese Auto Empire in Mongolia

The video focuses on the remarkable presence of Vietnamese-owned auto repair shops in Mongolia, a country with unique logistical challenges – including allowing both left and right-hand drive vehicles and frequent fuel shortages. Ulan Bator, the capital, is described as a hub for these businesses, easily identifiable by the ubiquitous “Viet Nam Autocors” signage. These garages, despite the harsh climate (reaching -40°C), have become integral to Mongolian automotive life.

The Rise of the Garages: The success isn’t accidental. It’s rooted in the ingenuity and hard work of Vietnamese entrepreneurs. The initial wave came from students who studied in Czechoslovakia and the Soviet Union in the 2000s. These individuals, initially lacking auto repair skills, identified a market gap – a shortage of skilled mechanics. Anh Tuan and Anh Dang, pioneers of this movement, initially attempted a full-service garage (painting, bodywork, engine repair, chassis, electrical) but quickly learned that engine repair wasn’t viable due to the Mongolian preference for complete engine replacements. They pivoted to focus on bodywork, painting, and general repairs, a strategy that proved successful.

Business Practices & Adaptation: Anh Dong, a newer garage owner, utilizes livestreaming to attract customers, emphasizing his approachable and cheerful personality. However, the foundation of their success remains the established reputation of “Viet Nam Autocors.” The garages have adapted to the extreme climate with heavily insulated buildings (three-layered walls with foam) and water heating systems to combat the cold. A key quote highlighting this resilience is: “Người Việt là có cái tinh thần ý chí cao để cố gắng để vượt qua những các cái khó khăn, thời tiết rất khắc nhiệt” (Vietnamese people have a high spirit of will to strive to overcome difficulties, very harsh weather).

From Pufferfish Waste to Japanese Delicacy: Thuy Linh’s Journey

The video then shifts to the story of Thuy Linh, a Vietnamese woman who embarked on a mission to unlock the potential of fugu (pufferfish) in Vietnam. While considered a delicacy in Japan, fugu is largely treated as waste in Vietnam due to its toxicity. Linh saw this as a paradox – a valuable resource being discarded.

The Japanese Model & Certification: Linh’s strategy involved studying the Japanese system for fugu processing, which has eliminated poisoning incidents through strict regulations and specialized training. She recognized the need for a similar system in Vietnam. Her ultimate goal was to obtain a fugu processing license in Japan, a notoriously difficult exam. She states, “Liệu một ngày nào đấy mình có thể làm được như vậy không? Thì dù có khó khăn như thế nào ấy mình cũng muốn cố gắng để được học thêm” (Will I be able to do that one day? No matter how difficult it is, I want to try harder to learn more).

Overcoming Challenges & Research: Linh worked tirelessly, learning the intricacies of fugu preparation and immersing herself in the Japanese culture. She faced challenges with language, technique, and the demanding time constraints of the certification exam. She eventually succeeded, becoming the first Vietnamese person to pass the exam. Her success is attributed to her humility, perseverance, and dedication. She is now pursuing a PhD to conduct research on the safety and potential of Vietnamese fugu species, aiming to establish a sustainable fugu industry in Vietnam.

Reconnecting with Roots: Le Varas’s Story

The final segment tells the poignant story of Le Varas, a Thai senator with Vietnamese ancestry. His father, Do Nhu Ky, emigrated to Thailand in 1937 and maintained a strong connection to his homeland, despite being cut off from family in Vietnam due to political circumstances.

A Lost Connection & a Lifelong Desire: Le Varas’s father always spoke fondly of Vietnam and instilled in his son a sense of Vietnamese identity. After decades of separation, Le Varas began a journey to reconnect with his roots, starting with a visit to his father’s ancestral village in Ninh Binh province. He discovered that his father was still remembered and honored by the local community.

Completing a Father’s Dream: Le Varas’s father passed away in Thailand in 2013, with a lifelong dream of returning to Vietnam unfulfilled. Le Varas then took on the responsibility of bringing his father’s remains back to Vietnam, fulfilling his final wish. He now actively promotes Vietnamese culture within the Vietnamese diaspora in Thailand, emphasizing the importance of preserving traditions and maintaining ties to the homeland. He states, “Tôi hiểu rằng cha tôi muốn được yên nghỉ ở quê hương để nhắc tôi biết nơi nào cần phải trở về” (I understand that my father wanted to rest in his homeland to remind me where I need to return).

Synthesis & Conclusion

The video paints a compelling portrait of Vietnamese resilience, adaptability, and cultural preservation. Whether it’s building a thriving auto repair empire in Mongolia, unlocking the potential of a discarded resource in Japan, or reconnecting with ancestral roots in Thailand, Vietnamese individuals are demonstrating a remarkable ability to thrive abroad while maintaining a strong connection to their heritage. The common thread throughout these stories is a spirit of hard work, a willingness to overcome challenges, and a deep sense of community. The video concludes with the powerful statement: “Bước ra thế giới, người Việt không chỉ mưu sinh mà còn là cuộc viễn trinh của ý chí từ chất thép giữa thảo nguyên đến sự tỉ mỉ, kiên trì, chinh phục những giới hạn sinh tử” (Stepping out into the world, Vietnamese people not only make a living but also embark on a journey of will, from the steel of the grasslands to the meticulousness, perseverance, and conquest of the limits of life and death). This encapsulates the enduring spirit of the Vietnamese diaspora.