When reading becomes an essential life skill in the age of AI

With this spirit in mind, the Information and Library Center of Ho Chi Minh City University of Management and Technology (UMT) organized the talk show “Literature and Modern Life” as part of the activities celebrating Vietnam Book and Reading Culture Day 2026, attracting enthusiastic participation from a large number of students.

The program was also one of the featured highlights of the Opening Ceremony for Vietnam Book and Reading Culture Day 2026 at UMT. Organized annually by the Information and Library Center, the event aims to promote reading culture, inspire self-directed learning, and foster an intellectually enriching learning environment within the student community. Over the years, this series of activities has not only created a meaningful space for book lovers to connect, but has also contributed to cultivating sustainable reading habits and lifelong learning mindsets among young people in the digital era.

At the program, Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngan, M.A. — lecturer of the course Literature and Modern Life and Founder of the To Kien Nho library network — shared many insightful perspectives on the role of reading in the lives of young people today.

“Reading is a journey of nurturing thought, emotion, and character. In an increasingly fast-paced world, it is a way for young people to strengthen their ability to focus, cultivate empathy, and gain a deeper understanding of themselves,” Ms. Ngan shared.

The atmosphere of the talk show became even more engaging through a series of relatable questions raised by UMTers: How can we begin building a reading habit after becoming accustomed to short-form content on social media? How can we maintain focus amid the constant flow of information and notifications each day?

Alongside the talk show, the “0 VND Book Exchange – A Meaningful Book for You” activity also attracted enthusiastic participation from students. Each book shared not only extended the journey of knowledge, but also spread a spirit of generosity and connection within the community of young readers.

At the same time, the exhibition space featuring specialized academic books and subsidized book booths from various publishers provided students with greater access to high-quality publications that support learning, research, and personal development.

The series of activities in celebration of Vietnam Book and Reading Culture Day 2026 at UMT contributed to inspiring a spirit of self-directed learning, liberal thinking, and lifelong learning within the UMT student community.

Let’s look back on some of the memorable moments from the “Vietnam Book and Reading Culture Day 2026” series of activities!