Nguyen Tran My Anh from the National University of Economics and Do Duc Cuong from Hanoi University of Science and Technology beat nearly 120 competitors to win the competition.

The first prize winners received their awards from the delegate of the Organizing Committee. Photo: German Embassy Hanoi

Cuong explained that the three primary colors used in the logo are black, yellow and red. The German flag is represented by the red, black, and yellow on the right, while the Vietnamese flag is represented by the red and yellow on the top left.

"This color combination creates a strong, balanced and visually similar image that reflects the connection and harmony between the two countries," he said.

The yellow circle in the logo is associated with the sun and reminiscent of the Dong Son drum, an ancient cultural symbol of Vietnam.  The harmony of the two cultures and the close cooperation between the two countries are symbolized by the red and black semicircles that join to form a full circle.

In particular, the number five in the logo cleverly evokes the shape of the letter "S" on the map of Vietnam. The red and yellow flag is positioned at the top, symbolizing the proud fluttering of the national flag, while the position of the star represents Hanoi - the political and cultural heart of Vietnam. This arrangement emphasizes a powerful message of patriotism and national pride in cooperation with Germany and has artistic significance.

Winner logo from the design contest.

Cuong told The Hanoi Times that it took the two students only two weeks to come up with the idea and design the logo. "We love Germany and want to contribute our creativity to the diplomatic relations between the two countries," he said.

"We wanted to blend the most unique aspects of our two cultures in a harmonious and straightforward way. We were both surprised to win first prize, especially since this was my first time participating in such an important and meaningful competition," he added.

In 2025, Germany and Vietnam will celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations, prompting the organization of a logo design competition to commemorate this significant milestone.

Helga Margarete Barth, German Ambassador to Vietnam, expressed her gratitude to the two winners at the award ceremony on October 23. She emphasized the important role of the logo in the upcoming communication activities of German diplomatic missions in Vietnam, the Vietnamese government and Vietnamese diplomatic missions in Germany, as well as among key partners of both nations in the anniversary year of 2025.

Members of the organizing committee posed for souvenir photos with the winners of the logo design contest.

Nguyen Phuong Hoa, Director of the Department of International Cooperation at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said, "The selection of the winning logo highlights the importance of creativity and innovation of the organizing committee."

"In 2025, both Germany and Vietnam will introduce more initiatives to enhance cultural dialogue, promote understanding and strengthen trust between our two countries for the next 50 years. People will be at the center - both the focus and the driving force for development," she added.

Earlier, the German Embassy, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Vietnamese Embassy in Germany, launched a logo design competition that ran from June 15 to August 15, 2024. The jury included representatives from the German Embassy in Hanoi, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and the Goethe Institute Hanoi.

The German Embassy in Vietnam is offering three prizes to the winners of the competition, including a first prize worth VND20 million (US$788) and a round-trip ticket between Vietnam and Germany; a second prize worth VND10 million (US$394); and a third prize worth VND5 million (US$197).

The award-winning logo will be used at events, print publications, souvenirs, websites, and social platforms to promote the diplomatic relations between Germany and Vietnam.

In 2025, Germany and Vietnam will celebrate the 14th anniversary of their strategic partnership and the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. The relations between the two countries have continuously developed and intensified over the years.

They cover a wide range of areas from politics to business and development to culture, education, and science. Germany and Vietnam have many common interests and complement each other. Relations between countries are not only determined by governments but to a large extent by people. It is people who give the relationship its vitality, durability, and depth.