Vietnamese pop star Dam Vinh Hung has been named winner of the 2005 Maple Leaf Artist of the Year Award for his efforts to promote friendship between Vietnam and Canada.

The Canadian consulate in Ho Chi Minh City said Hung's contribution through many cultural events was the key factor in persuading the jury.

Vietnamese pop star Dam Vinh Hung's philanthropy recognized

The Maple Leaf Artist Award was created by the Canadian Consulate General Sanjeev Chowdhury to recognize one Vietnamese artist per year based in the area covered by the consulate, from Danang southwards.

The artist should have, through his or her work, helped promote cultural ties between Canada and Vietnam.