A writing contest on Australia and its people has wrapped up in Hanoi, with top prizes for students in the capital.

It's jointly organized by the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations (HAUFO), the Hanoi branch of the Vietnam-Australia Friendship Association and the Australian Embassy in Vietnam as part of activities to mark the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Australia diplomatic relations.

Ngo Si Lien Secondary School in Hoan Kiem District won the first prize in the collective category, while Dao Nguyen Gia Han from Ngo Si Lien Secondary School and Nguyen Hong Phuc from Viet Duc High School won the first prize in the individual category.

Speaking at the event, HAUFO President Nguyen Ngoc Ky said that almost two months after its launch, the competition has received an enthusiastic response from teachers and students in Hanoi, with a total of 4,315 entries from 45 secondary and high schools.

Two Hanoi students win first prize in the writing contest. Photo: Australian Embassy

According to Ky, although the number of entries in English only accounts for 20%, most are of good quality, showing high English proficiency and expressing the candidate's thoughts and feelings.

Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Andrew Goledzinowski said that only one year after Vietnam and Australia established diplomatic relations in 1973, the first Vietnamese students came to Australia on scholarships. More than 80,000 Vietnamese students have studied in Australian educational institutions.

The ambassador thanked the students for participating and HAUFO for organizing the contest, saying, "So many students have been involved in this, it really touches me personally - the level of commitment and sincerity that the Vietnamese people feel towards Australia".

He also stressed the importance of education in the Australia-Vietnam relationship: "Education is the key that will unlock Vietnam's future. It's also the key that will unlock your future - each and every one of you. If Vietnam's future rests in the hands of you who have written these essays, then I would say that Vietnam is in very safe hands indeed".

The competition not only helped the students understand Australia, its people and the Australia-Vietnam relationship, but also helped the children improve their writing, English and self-learning skills.

They answered multiple-choice questions and wrote essays demonstrating their insights into Australia and its people in various areas such as history, culture, economy, geography, education, and the cooperation and friendship between Vietnam and Australia.  

From the 150 entries shortlisted for the final round, the judges awarded three collective prizes and 20 individual prizes, including two first, three second, five third and 10 consolation prizes.