What did designer Thai Cong say in response to allegations of buying the award?

Hanoi [Vietnam], April 9: Amidst suspicions surrounding alleged rigged awards, designer Thai Cong posted a noteworthy statement.
Not long ago, Thai Cong attracted attention when he shared about being nominated for the Most Influential Designer 2026 award at the Designer of the Year Awards in Malaysia.
However, alongside the congratulations, there were also many netizens who expressed skepticism. The designer even stated that he was suspected of "buying the award." Instead of remaining silent, Thai Cong decided to speak out with a lengthy post on his personal page.
He shared: "When people don't believe in effort, they choose easier explanations. And when they don't accept that someone else is doing better than them, the quickest way is to question the authenticity of the achievement. This doesn't just speak to the person asking the question, but also reflects a part of the society we live in."
In the same article, Thai Cong affirmed that he was invited by the organizers to attend the awards ceremony, and was sponsored with business class airfare and a 5-star hotel stay. For the designer, this was a recognition of his professional journey. "And perhaps, the question to ponder is not 'is this award real?', but why are more and more Vietnamese people finding it difficult to accept the achievements of others?" Thai Cong stated .
Notably, in response to a comment, Thai Cong also clarified his view that "social media doesn't make people worse, but it exaggerates what already exists." The designer shared: "Kind people remain kind, while cruel people reveal their true nature because they think they are invisible. Many people belittle others to feel 'higher,' but in reality, that only reflects their inner shortcomings."
Source: Thanh Nein Newspaper