This is the first time that a young Vietnamese writer has been nominated for such a well-known award. Previously, the S.E.A Write Award was presented to renowned writers and poets such as To Huu, Ma Van Khang, Huu Thinh, Nguyen Khai, Bang Viet and Do Chu.

The S.E.A Write Award, initiated by the Thai Royal in 1979, has been presented annually to outstanding poets and writers in Southeast Asian countries. This year’s award ceremony will be held in Thailand in early October.

Born into a poor family in the southernmost province of Ca Mau, Tu won a prize from the Ho Chi Minh City Writers’ Association for her first work, “Ngon den khong tat” (The Ever-shining Lamp), in 2000 and the VWA award for “Giao thua” (New Year’s Eve) in 2003.

Especially, her story, “Canh dong bat tan” (The Boundless Green Field), was translated into the Korean language and published in the Republic of Korea after having won the VWA award in 2006. The book was also the best seller in Vietnam in 2005.