VGU book review contest 2026: Turning pages – turning point

In today’s globalized academic environment, students are constantly exposed to diverse ideas, perspectives, and ways of thinking. Books serve as powerful catalysts for change, shaping how we understand the world and ourselves. A single book can spark new insights, challenge assumptions, and become a turning point in one’s intellectual or personal journey.

Turning Pages – Turning Point is a book review competition organized by the VGU Library in collaboration with VGU ReadInspired Club to celebrate World Book and Copyright Day (April 23) and promote a vibrant reading culture within the university community. The competition invites VGU students and staff to share meaningful reflections on books that have transformed their perspectives, influenced their thinking, or inspired personal growth.

Through this contest, participants are encouraged not only to read, but also to reflect deeply on their reading journeys and express how certain books have marked significant turning points in their lives. The competition aims to foster critical thinking, intellectual engagement, and a love for reading, while creating a platform for the VGU community to connect through powerful stories and shared experiences.

The contest aims to:

  • Promote a reading culture among VGU students.
  • Encourage students to reflect critically on books and share insights with their peers.
  • Provide a platform for students to express creativity through writing and multimedia.
  • Increase student engagement with VGU Library activities and resources.
  • Create inspiring student-generated content that encourages others to read.

The contest is open to:

  • All undergraduate and graduate students currently studying at Vietnam-Germany University (VGU).
  • VGU staff and faculty members

To ensure flexibility and creativity, participants can choose one of the following submission formats:

  • Short Video Review (maximum 2 minutes): Create a short video that brings your reading journey to life through storytelling. Show how the book influenced your thoughts, inspired new ideas, or became a meaningful turning point in your perspective.
  • Written Book Review (300–500 words): Write a reflective review in English (preferred) or Vietnamese. Share your personal insights, key takeaways, and how the book shaped or transformed your way of thinking. Include a creative photo with the book to enrich your story.
  • Visual Book Review (Poster/Infographic): Design a visually engaging poster or infographic that captures the essence of the book. Highlight key messages, themes, and the impact it had on your perspective in a creative and compelling way.

Please submit your entry via the form: https://forms.gle/Ydec2j9rCHrgAf7L9

For written submissions, the organizing committee will design each entry within a unified visual frame to ensure consistent presentation before publishing them in an official contest album on the library’s fanpage.

To encourage broader participation, the contest will include multiple award categories.

  • Grand Prize – “The Scholarly Review” (Review uyên bác) selected by the Jury Panel.
    • VND 1,000,000 cash prize
    • Gifts
    • Certificate of Appreciation from VGU Library
  • People’s Choice Award for the submission receiving the highest engagement on the library’s fanpage.
    • VND 500,000 cash prize
    • Gifts
    • Certificate of Appreciation from VGU Library
  • The most beautiful photo award awarded to the participant who submits the most aesthetically pleasing and creative photo with their book.
    • VND 200,000 cash prize
    • Gifts
    • Certificate of Appreciation from VGU Library
  • The most creative video award awarded to the most engaging and creative video review.
    • VND 200,000 cash prize
    • Gifts
    • Certificate of Appreciation from VGU Library
  • Participation prize – all participants will receive:
    • Gifts (lanyard/tote bag/notebook/bookmark)
    • Certificate of Participation from VGU Library
  • Submission deadline: 27/4/2026
  • Voting period: 27/4 – 8/5/2026
  • Result announcement: 15/5/2026
  • Final book sharing: 21/05/2026