We are volunteers of the Design Committee, an assembly of independent practitioners—designers from diverse backgrounds and disciplines including graphic, product, interior, architectural, and communication design—each actively engaged on the front lines of their respective fields. We have come together because there are design problems that cannot be solved by individuals, isolated domains, or disciplinary silos. More importantly, it is here, through democratic, altruistic dialogue, that we believe real, actionable solutions can be conceived and realized. Beyond addressing domestic design challenges, we also seek to extend our circle of exchange to neighboring Southeast Asian countries, which we believe may become a new center of design in the world—a place where shared contexts, initiatives, and mutual support can elevate society through design.

The members of the Design Committee hold an independent mandate within the very institution of the Design Museum, tasked with safeguarding the core values, pluralism, and social relevance of design. This is carried out through actions such as: (1) advising, questioning, inspecting, and vetoing key decisions made by the Executive Board; (2) contributing to exhibitions and discourses that aim to enlighten the public about the true civic purpose of design; (3) judging the TỐT Selection—a biennial award identifying exemplary cases of Vietnamese design and product innovation; and (4) curating or approving good design works to be exhibited and ethically commercialized at the Design Store, a platform created to offer the Vietnamese public a deeper, more meaningful encounter with thoughtful design.

Ultimately, we believe that art, design, and architecture are inseparable elements in humanity’s pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty. Too often they are treated as isolated cultural territories, sometimes even in conflict. But specialization and differentiation are only acceptable when they contribute to the comprehensive progress of civilization. We reject mutual misunderstandings, professional dogmas, and prejudices that tend to arise among experts—forces that fracture unity, undermine collective strength, and erode the richness of our shared design ecology. We reaffirm the essential alliance between architects, designers, and artists for the flourishing of Vietnam’s future cultural-design heritage.