The Ministry of Education and Training announced that in 2024, Vietnam sent seven teams to compete in the international and regional Olympiad, with 38 of the best students participating. The results exceeded those of previous years, achieving 12 gold medals, 15 silver medals, 10 bronze medals, and one certificate of merit.
This represents an increase of four gold and three silver medals compared to 2023, affirming Vietnam's strong progress in specialised education. This year also marked the first time Vietnam won the second prize at the International Science and Technology Competition held in the US, showcasing potential for creative development in science and technology.
Looking back at the past five years, from 2020 to 2024, the number of gold and silver medals, as well as the total number of awards, have increased each year. Vietnam maintained a position in the top ten in most subjects, with many subjects rising to the top two and three globally. This demonstrates that the Ministry of Education and Training has taken the right direction in its fundamental and comprehensive educational reforms. These achievements are a source of pride for the education sector and the entire Vietnamese nation.
In discussing the aims of the international Olympiads and competitions, Dinh Doan Long, Chairman of the Board of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy (under the Vietnam National University, Hanoi) and Head of the Vietnamese team to the 2024 International Biology Olympiad, stated that the competition honours the most outstanding students, encourages passion for scientific research and technological development globally, and fosters opportunities for teachers and students to establish new collaborations to address global challenges. These competitions also raise awareness of the importance of science for socio-economic development, national security, health, and happiness, both in individual countries and across the world. Additionally, member nations' education sectors can find common ground on goals, methods, and curricula for development.
The Director of the Quality Management Department under the Ministry of Education and Training, Huynh Van Chuong, shared his views on the factors contributing to the outstanding achievements of Vietnamese students in international intellectual competitions. According to him, these achievements are the result of the correct policies implemented by the Ministry of Education and Training over many years, as well as the attention, guidance, and facilitation from the ministry's leadership. These efforts are based on the major resolutions and educational guidelines of the Party and State, with a core principle that prioritises ensuring and improving the quality of general education first, creating a solid foundation for enhancing the quality of specialised education.
Key factors include fundamental and comprehensive reforms in organising the national competitions for talented students and training teams for international and regional Olympiads, such as the early scheduling of the national selection exams for talented students to provide ample time for training the national teams for international and regional Olympiads as well as the organisation of the selection exams for the national teams in a manner that gradually aligns with the format of international and regional competitions and the innovation of enhancement of the recruitment of capable and dedicated teachers, lecturers, and experts nationwide to contribute to creating high-quality exam questions, ensuring that the selection process maintains a high standard.
On the other hand, the Ministry of Education and Training has been strengthening its team with capable young staff, mobilising alumni who have won international and regional Olympic awards, as well as encouraging Vietnamese professors and doctors teaching at foreign universities to further train the teams to improve the quality and effectiveness of Olympic team training.
Along with that, student’s passion for science and creativity in learning and training has been promoted, the contributions of high schools and various levels in the education system have been enhanced, and the dedication of teachers in specialised high schools, as well as the teachers, scientists, and experts involved in training the teams has been upheld. Additionally, there has been support from parents, who have always been a strong backbone for the students on their journey to reach the pinnacle of knowledge.
Deputy Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Thi Kim Chi stated that international and regional Olympiads and international science and engineering competitions are important opportunities for Vietnamese students to demonstrate their talent, creativity, and in-depth knowledge on the international stage.
To meet the demands of the new era, the education sector needs to continue making strong reforms, improving the quality of teaching and research, and maximising the creative potential of students. "The Ministry of Education and Training is committed to working closely with agencies and units to build a higher-quality education system, creating conditions for every young talent to contribute to the country's development".
The Ministry will also establish mechanisms to attract talent, support students in developing their full potential, and encourage them to return to serve the country in line with the orientation of Party General Secretary To Lam. The Ministry of Education and Training not only focuses on education and training but also plays a role in developing human resources for the country, especially high-quality human resources", emphasised Deputy Minister Nguyen Thi Kim Chi.
In 2025, the Ministry of Education and Training plans to organise a conference discussing the discovery, training, and contribution of the country's key human resources and talents in recent years and to listen to feedback on how to improve in the future. This will include compiling information and a database of all students from the international Olympic delegations over the past 50 years. The Ministry also commits to creating the best conditions for students to fully develop their abilities, become true talents, and contribute to the prosperous development of the country.
