Duc Bao will host the seventh season of Vua Tieng Viet, beginning on VTV3 on October 16. Tuoi Tre reported that it is his first time presenting a game show centred on the Vietnamese language.
A new presenter for season seven
He follows Xuan Bac, who hosted the first four seasons, and Son Lam, who presented seasons five and six. The appointment changes the face of the programme while retaining its focus on knowledge and use of Vietnamese.
In Facebook comments cited by Tuoi Tre, Duc Bao said the invitation arrived unexpectedly. He initially believed his professional experience would equip him for the job, then recognised that the challenge was more demanding than it first appeared.
He suggested that quick reactions and stage experience might not answer every linguistic question. Although he considers his Vietnamese reasonably strong, he acknowledged there is still much he does not know about his native language.
Learning alongside contestants
Duc Bao described the programme as an opportunity to broaden his vocabulary and expression. He said each episode offers lessons from contestants and the advisory panel, increasing his appreciation of Vietnamese.
He also linked the experience to his personal view that a strong command of one's first language can help with foreign-language learning. That is his assessment of language skills, rather than an announced change to the show's rules.
Originally an engineering graduate, he moved into television and became a familiar VTV presenter. His bilingual hosting experience includes VinFuture, the SEA Games, the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival and V Concert. He received the impressive editor-presenter honour at the 2022 VTV Awards.