HCM CITY — Participants at a workshop in HCM City on Wednesday on relics commemorating late president Ton Duc Thang (1888-1980) agreed it was necessary to preserve the original architecture of the Ba Son ship-building factory, where the Sai Gon-Cho Lon workers' movement against the colonists was kicked off in 1920.

The relic, located in Ben Nghe Ward in District 1, was also the first workshop associated with the birth of ship building technology in Viet Nam.

Archaeologist Nguyen Thi Hau proposed the culture sector should do serious research on the relic and Ton Duc Thang Museum to set up the first museum on the working class.

The workshop is one among series of events celebrating the 125th birthday anniversary of President Thang from now throughout next year. He led the country from 1969 to 1980. — VNS