How DIFF is positioning Da Nang on international events map

The remark was made by Ms. Nadia Shakira Wong, Director of Global 2000 International, the consulting and technical advisor for international fireworks displays for more than a decade, during a recent interview with the Da Nang Newspaper and Radio, Television.

After more than a decade of accompanying DIFF, how do you feel about the transformation of the international fireworks festival as well as Da Nang itself?

What impresses me most is the way Da Nang and its audience have grown together with DIFF.

In the early editions, the event was relatively modest in scale, but over time it has developed into a more professional festival with an international stature. The energy and enthusiasm of the audience have created a truly special atmosphere for DIFF.

You once said that DIFF is “a very meaningful part of your life” so what does that mean in term of DIFF's identity among many international fireworks festivals around the world?

For me, DIFF has special meaning because I have witnessed its journey from a small-scale event to a major international festival.

Da Nang has shaped DIFF’s unique identity thanks to its geographical location, local culture, the sincerity of its people, and the city's rapid pace of development. These factors make DIFF different from many other festivals around the world.

Currently, DIFF has established a strong position within the international fireworks industry. DIFF is considered among the world's leading fireworks competitions, alongside Montreal (Canada) and Cannes (France). What is remarkable is that DIFF has achieved this position in a relatively short period of time.

In your opinion, what makes a world-class fireworks festival beyond spectacular performances?

A world-class fireworks festival requires much more than beautiful displays. It is crucial to have well-organized infrastructure, sustainable support from the city government, skilled local human resources, and strong investment partners like Sun Group.

Creative ideas, design, and technology are all important, but they still need a strong support system behind them.

From a professional perspective, I believe the “soul” of a fireworks display lies in the emotions it touches in the audience.

The sparkling eyes, the expressions of admiration, and the moment when the entire space seems to erupt with each burst of fireworks are the greatest value of each performance.

Creating those emotions is never simple because behind them is a combination of expertise, experience, and a strict, meticulous working process.

As a producer, what do you see as the greatest challenge in organizing DIFF each year?

The biggest challenge is ensuring that the fireworks display venue is both safe for the public and the participating teams, while also providing the best viewing experience for spectators.

Preparation for each night's performance requires close coordination among relevant units, from technical and logistical support to on-site operations.

At the same time, the pressure to surpass previous editions of DIFF is also immense because each year the audience expects the festival to be more spectacular and innovative not only in scale but also in emotion, technology, and creativity in every performance.

What new highlights are expected at DIFF 2026, and how do you assess the quality of this year's competing teams?

One of the emerging trends in the fireworks industry today is the combination of drone technology with fireworks to create more modern and impressive performances.

This year’s teams are all very strong and fully aware of how competitive DIFF is. To win, they cannot rely solely on technique; they also need a clear strategy and a distinctive performance style to make an impression on the audience.

In other words, participating teams must deliver something truly explosive or risk being overshadowed. I believe this intense competition will bring many surprises and emotions, while further elevating the overall quality of this year's DIFF.

In your view, what should Da Nang do so that DIFF is not just a seasonal event but becomes a year-round brand?

For DIFF to become a year-round brand, the city should continue connecting the festival with tourism, culture and international promotional activities, so that people will always remember Da Nang as a destination for festivals and entertainment.

DIFF also creates a strong ripple effect for many sectors such as tourism, hotels, restaurants, culture, and entertainment. Visitors may come for the fireworks, but they also experience much more of what Da Nang has to offer.

I believe that with the right direction and sustainable cooperation, Da Nang can absolutely become a major fireworks destination in Asia and the world.

Thank you very much for your time!