Eight Vietnamese and Vietnamese-origin figures are featured in the book *The Universal Within – Vũ trụ của tâm*, launched on the morning of November 15. Among them are author Xuân Phượng, musician Quốc Trung, and violinist Bùi Công Duy…

This book is the first in an annual series aimed at highlighting exemplary Vietnamese individuals around the world—those who embody Vietnamese intellect, courage, and creative spirit.

The unique perspectives of Xuân Phượng, Quốc Trung, and Bùi Công Duy

Rather than delving deeply into each individual’s biography, the book focuses on their philosophies—how they work, how they live. These brief slices of life reveal the positive mindsets that have shaped their accomplishments.

Author Xuân Phượng recalls her 2003 exhibition trip to Western Australia, where she was asked why, at over 80 years old, she still traveled such long distances and worked so tirelessly.

She replied that she would rather die doing what she loves than lying in a hospital bed surrounded by wires and machines.

“Just the thought of being in a hospital terrifies me, so I prefer to keep working, hoping to stay active until my final moment,” she shared.

Her words left a strong impression on Australian media, and many visitors attended the exhibition out of curiosity about the “extraordinary 80-year-old woman.”

Musician Quốc Trung shares his concept of “Noble Spirit.” He believes it holds great importance in life: “If you consider spiritual values the most precious part of life and experience, then that is the essence of a noble spirit. One will love beauty, love art, and live with humanity, integrity, and romance.”

Violinist Bùi Công Duy “reveals” that the thing he fears most is listening to his own recordings and wondering why he played so poorly. His strict self-discipline and constant self-reflection have shaped the musician he is today.

Jazz Knight Niels Lan Doky performs alongside Thanh Lam and Hà Trần

*The Universal Within – Vũ trụ của tâm* is part of the Living Heritage project initiated by GG Corporation. The book is bilingual (English–Vietnamese) and is distributed globally on Amazon.

The book also features other notable figures such as director Phạm Hoàng Nam, Associate Professor Dr. Phan Toàn Thắng, philanthropist Nguyễn Phương Lam, and author Nguyễn Tường Bách.

Notably, it includes the appearance of jazz pianist Niels Lan Doky, whose Vietnamese name is Đỗ Kỳ Lân.

He is a renowned jazz pianist of Vietnamese–Danish heritage. With more than 46 albums released, he has performed on major stages worldwide and collaborated with legendary jazz musicians such as Pat Metheny, Michael Brecker, and Ray Brown.

On the evening of November 15, Niels Lan Doky will perform at the Jazz Concert – Immersed at GEM Center, together with international musicians Felix Pastorius (bass) and Jonas Johansen (drums).

He will also collaborate with Vietnamese artists such as Thanh Lam, Hà Trần, saxophonist Quyền Thiện Đắc, People’s Artist Hoàng Anh, and musician Hồ Hoài Anh. The show is directed by Phạm Hoàng Nam, with musician Quốc Trung serving as Music Director.

Source: Tuoi Tre