On August 6, 2026, the Vietnam Records Association, the Vietnam Record Organization (VietKings), and the family of Mr. Le Tran Truong An solemnly commemorated the second anniversary of his passing under the theme “Heritage - Aspiration - Continuity.”

The commemoration was not only an occasion to remember a respected founder and pioneer, but also an opportunity for colleagues, record holders, friends, partners, and the international record community to reflect on the journey he dedicated more than two decades of his life to building.

A Pioneer Who Dedicated His Life to Vietnamese Records

Mr. Le Tran Truong An was one of the pioneers in establishing and developing the organized record movement in Vietnam. Through more than 20 years of dedication, he played a significant role in laying the foundations for the Vietnam Record Organization and building a community dedicated to discovering, recognizing, preserving, and promoting outstanding Vietnamese values. From the early establishment of the Vietnam Records Organization to the development of VietKings, his journey was driven by a clear aspiration: to identify the unique achievements, cultural heritage, human potential, and extraordinary values of Vietnam and introduce them to a wider audience around the world.

 

His vision was encapsulated in a meaningful aspiration that accompanied his work: “Bringing the essence of Vietnam to the world - Bringing the essence of the world to Vietnam.” This was more than a message. It became a guiding spirit for the development of VietKings and its international relationships, helping create connections between Vietnam's record community and record organizations across Asia and the world.

A Legacy That Reaches Beyond Borders

One of Mr. Le Tran Truong An's important contributions was his commitment to international cooperation. Under his leadership and through his persistent efforts, VietKings established and strengthened relationships with numerous international record organizations and communities. These connections helped create opportunities for Vietnamese records and achievements to be introduced beyond the country's borders, while also enabling Vietnam to participate more actively in the international record community. His work contributed to the formation of a network built not only on records and achievements, but also on friendship, cooperation, cultural exchange, and mutual respect among record organizations. For international colleagues and partners who had the opportunity to work with him, Mr. Le Tran Truong An was remembered not simply as the founder of an organization, but as a passionate visionary who believed that every record could tell a story about the people, culture, creativity, determination, and identity of a nation.

Remembering a Life of Creation

The second anniversary commemoration was held in a solemn and heartfelt atmosphere. At his home, members of the Central Leadership Board of the Vietnam Records Association, the record-holder community, family members, close friends, and colleagues gathered to light incense and remember the founder who had devoted his life to the development of Vietnamese records. The remembrance continued at a solemn memorial ceremony held at Pavillon Tan Son Nhat Convention Center in Ho Chi Minh City, bringing together representatives of the Vietnamese record community, members of the Founding Council and Establishment Council, record holders, leaders of associations and businesses, family members, friends, colleagues, and international record organizations.

 

The ceremony was held under the theme “Heritage - Aspiration - Continuity,” reflecting not only the memory of the past but also the responsibility of the present generation to preserve and carry forward the values established by Mr. Le Tran Truong An. An exhibition space featuring photographs, documents, and milestones from his life and career offered guests an opportunity to look back on his more than two decades of dedication. At the same time, the display highlighted ongoing programs and projects being carried forward by VietKings, demonstrating that the aspirations he initiated continue to be developed by those who follow.

 

A special short film, “A Life of Creation - A Legacy Continued,” brought attendees back through the remarkable journey of Mr. Le Tran Truong An - from the early days of establishing the Vietnam Records Organization, to the development of VietKings, the expansion of international cooperation, and his journeys across Vietnam in search of outstanding people, achievements, cultural values, and stories worthy of recognition. The film served not only as a tribute to his past achievements, but also as a reminder that a meaningful legacy is preserved not merely through memories, but through action and continuation.

The International Record Community Remembers

The memory of Mr. Le Tran Truong An also continues to resonate within the international record community. On the occasion of the second anniversary of his passing, international leaders and partners sent video messages and letters expressing their remembrance, sympathy, and respect for the founder of VietKings. Among those sharing their messages were Dr. Biswaroop Roy Chowdhury - Chairman of the World Records Union WorldKings; Mrs. Neerja Roy Chowdhury - Managing Editor of the India Book of Records; Mr. Osmar Semesta Susilo - Vice President of the Museum Rekor-Dunia Indonesia MURI; and Mr. Valentyn Shcherbachov - President of the National Register of Records of Ukraine.

Their messages reflected the respect and affection that international colleagues continue to hold for Mr. Le Tran Truong An, while also recognizing his contribution to strengthening cooperation between Vietnam and the international record community. Through these messages, his legacy is remembered not only within Vietnam but also among partners and friends who shared his vision of building stronger connections among record organizations around the world.

Heritage - Aspiration - Continuity

At the solemn moment of the memorial ceremony, delegates observed a minute of silence and respectfully offered flowers before his portrait. It was a moment of remembrance and gratitude - but also a moment of reflection. Two years after his passing, the projects he initiated, the relationships he built, and the community he helped establish continue to move forward. The most meaningful way to honor his legacy is therefore not simply to look back, but to continue the journey. Heritage reminds us of the values that have been entrusted to the generations that follow.

Aspiration reminds us of the vision that inspired the creation and development of the Vietnamese record movement. Continuity represents the responsibility of today's generations to preserve, develop, and bring those values further into the future. Mr. Le Tran Truong An may no longer be present to witness the journeys he once devoted himself to, but the spirit of his work remains visible in every record discovered, every value preserved, every international connection strengthened, and every new generation inspired to contribute.

Two years have passed, but his legacy continues.

As VietKings and its international partners move forward, the aspiration he carried throughout his life - “Bringing the essence of Vietnam to the world - Bringing the essence of the world to Vietnam” - continues to serve as a meaningful bridge between Vietnam and the world.

 

The commemoration may have come to an end, but the journey of “Heritage - Aspiration - Continuity” continues, carried forward by those who believe in the enduring value of records, people, culture, and the remarkable achievements of humanity. In remembrance of Mr. Le Tran Truong An (1970-2024), Founder of the Vietnam Record Organization (VietKings). His journey has ended, but the legacy continues.