Abstract
Safeguarding Vietnamese traditional musical instruments in the digital era requires management of more than physical objects or isolated digital files; the relevant unit is a living heritage ecosystem comprising instruments, sound, skills, knowledge, context, and communities of practice. Objective: This study examines how digital technologies can support the safeguarding of Vietnamese traditional musical instruments and develops a cultural management framework for linking digital resources with living heritage continuity. Methods: A structured narrative review was combined with policy analysis. The analytical corpus comprised 42 bibliographically verified sources: 36 journal articles, 2 conference/book chapters focused directly on Vietnamese traditional instruments, 3 Vietnamese legal or policy documents, and 1 international normative instrument. Sources were synthesised according to the safeguarding object, digital function, community role, governance issue, and continuity outcome. Results: Four recurring management tensions were identified: data richness but contextual poverty; open access but weak rights control; engaging experiences but reduced authenticity; and wider reach without guaranteed transmission. The study proposes a 5C framework comprising Community, Context, Connectivity, Control, and Continuity. Conclusion: The 5C framework shifts evaluation from the quantity of digital files to the quality of relationships among data, heritage bearers, context, rights, and practice. It provides a basis for database management, interpretation, education, access governance, and the assessment of safeguarding outcomes in Vietnam.