More than 400 students from across Vietnam gathered in Ho Chi Minh City this week for the National Science and Technology Competition for Middle and High School Students, a prestigious event aimed at fostering scientific research and innovation among young learners.

The competition, held from Wednesday to Friday, was organized by the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) in collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee and the municipal Department of Education and Training.

DOL English, a pioneering English language center chain, served as the event’s primary sponsor.

The final round and awards ceremony took place at Ton Duc Thang University in District 7.

This year’s competition featured 212 projects from 74 participating units, including 62 provincial departments of education and training and 12 institutions affiliated with universities and research institutes.

The projects spanned 22 fields, including social sciences, biomedicine, engineering, and chemistry, reflecting the growing emphasis on research-based learning in Vietnam’s education system.

“The competition continues to be an important platform for encouraging scientific research, innovation, and STEM education among students,” said Deputy Minister of Education and Training Pham Ngoc Thuong, who chaired the competition’s organizing committee.

“This year, we have seen a significant increase in both the quantity and quality of projects, which is why more first-place awards were given compared to previous years.”

A total of 12 first-place prizes were awarded to teams from Hanoi, Hai Phong, Bac Ninh, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hung Yen, Quang Tri, and Thanh Hoa.

Thuong highlighted the crucial role played by experienced judges, including leading experts in various fields, in ensuring the competition’s credibility and fairness.

“The event showcases the immense talent and intellectual potential of Vietnamese students, who are continuously striving for excellence,” Thuong added.

A new framework for 2025

The 2025 competition marked the first year of implementation under MOET’s new regulations. The projects were selected through rigorous provincial-level competitions before advancing to the national stage.

Winning projects may be chosen to represent Vietnam at the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in the United States in May 2025.

ISEF, founded in 1952, is the world’s largest science and technology competition for high school students, attracting around 1,800 participants from 80 countries annually.

In 2024, a Vietnamese team secured a second-place award in the System Software category at ISEF.

DOL English supports future innovators

The competition has played a vital role in promoting research culture in Vietnam’s education system since its inception in 2013.

It aligns with the national strategy on scientific and technological innovation, which underscores the importance of innovation and digital transformation for Vietnam’s economic growth.

Le Dinh Luc, CEO and founder of DOL English, emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting Vietnam’s scientific community.

“As someone who has followed the ISEF competition for years, I am incredibly proud of the achievements of Vietnamese students on the global stage,” Luc said.

“In 2024, the Vietnamese team secured a second-place finish worldwide in System Software.

“As a former math-specialized student at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Science’s high school, I have always had a passion for technology and science.”

DOL English, known for its unique Linearthinking methodology, integrates scientific principles into language learning.

“Science and technology are at the core of what we do,” Luc said.

“Our English teaching system is built entirely by Vietnamese educators, demonstrating the strength of local intellectual talent.

“By sponsoring this competition, we hope to contribute to the growth of Vietnam’s scientific community and help young innovators reach new heights on the global stage.”

With the competition’s increasing impact, organizers, sponsors, and educators hope to inspire more students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, ensuring that Vietnam continues to make strides in global research and innovation.

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