Remembering journalist Nguyen Ngoc Cam

One afternoon before Tet 2023, when I heard that he was sick, I went to Viet Xo Hospital to visit him and talked to him for more than an hour. Knowing his condition, he was still optimistic and cheerful. Seeing that I hadn't come home for a long time, my wife called and he jokingly said: "Lan, Viet and I haven't seen each other for a long time. Can I borrow Viet for an hour? We have a lot to talk about!". Now, thinking back, I am really touched and miss him, and remember many memories of him.

Journalist Nguyen Ngoc Cam - former Permanent Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Transport Magazine (1995-2002). Photo courtesy

... In 1995, I received a decision from the Information Center (Ministry of Transport) to work at the Transport Magazine signed by Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Xuan Dao - Director of the Center and Permanent Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the Magazine; the Editor-in-Chief was Deputy Minister Bui Van Suong, Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Cam was then the Editor-in-Chief, Ms. Le Ngoc Chan was a veteran editor of the Magazine - Deputy Editor-in-Chief.

Receiving the decision, I was extremely excited because it was my long-time dream. Honestly, when I was accepted to the Transport Magazine, I was extremely worried and didn't know what to do. Editor and reporter are special professions that are highly regarded and respected by society. Of course, to do this job, one must have a proper education, while I am just an engineer specializing in Automobile Transport Organization Economics. Knowing that I was worried about whether I could complete the assigned tasks, Mr. Cam encouraged me: "A degree is important for starting a career, but doing and learning from practice is the most effective, and to be successful, one must have passion and responsibility for the job."

Leaders of the Ministry of Transport awarded the Third Class Labor Medal to Transport Magazine and journalist Nguyen Ngoc Cam, 1996. Photo courtesy

Also in 1995, Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Xuan Dao - Permanent Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the Transport Magazine was assigned to hold the position of Director of the Institute of Transport Science and Technology. Mr. Cam was promoted to be appointed as Permanent Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the Magazine, at that time the Editor-in-Chief was still held by Deputy Minister - Dr. Bui Van Suong, then in 1999 Deputy Minister - Dr. Dao Dinh Binh concurrently held the position of Editor-in-Chief.

To me, Mr. Cam is an elder brother, a teacher, I learned from him about professional work, dedication, responsibility, and exemplary work. During the time working with him, I have never seen him get angry with anyone, when he was not satisfied with someone in his work, he only encouraged and reminded them gently. Towards superiors, he always had a respectful attitude, was loved and supported by leaders; towards friends, colleagues, newspapers, magazines, related units, he always showed sincerity, humility, willingness to learn, accept opinions; towards subordinates, he was always friendly and ready to help. At that time, we - the collective of Transport Magazine were like a family.

It can be said that the career of journalist Nguyen Ngoc Cam has a great position, role and contribution in the journey of forming and developing the Transport Magazine to become a prestigious magazine with a strong brand among the leading scientific magazines as it is today. Some of the staff he trained and helped all matured and achieved certain success, contributing to the good tradition of the Transport Magazine and the Transport industry such as Mr. Nguyen Hap - Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the Bridge and Road Magazine; engineer Nguyen Dao Tuyet Mai - Head of the Editorial Board, later Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the Transport Magazine...

Following the good tradition, the Transport Magazine today has a new look, developing remarkably in all aspects, both in breadth and depth, with a strong, talented, enthusiastic, dedicated team of leaders, staff, reporters, editors, collaborators, and an increasing number of readers. That is the pride of the Magazine, of the Transport industry, of all those who love the Transport Magazine, and of you, of us - those who have been attached to that common home for a long time.

With his contributions, journalist Nguyen Ngoc Cam was awarded the 30-year Party membership badge, the Third-class Labor Medal, and the Medal for the Cause of Transport by the Party, the State, and the Ministry of Transport.