Competitions play an important role in Việt Nam, where workers in all state-run organisations (including those in the cultural sector) are encouraged to work as hard as possible - not necessarily to maximise profit or attain recognition for themselves, but for the 'general ideals' of their employer, community, party and country. This system is known as thi đua, which is usually translated as ‘emulation drive’ since the idea is to emulate good workers and model citizens of the past, particularly those involved in the wars for independence. Rewards vary from medals and certificates to monetary remuneration and are administered by a Central Council for Emulation and Rewards in accordance with Decree 35/CT of the Central Committee of the Communist Party.

Arts competitions in various disciplines are also organised by the arts associations and other national cultural institutions – these competitions include the National Photography Competition, the National Professional Cải Lương Competition, the National Short Film Competition, the National Young Theatrical Talents Competition and the National Young Writers' Competitions.