“The Ministry of Science and Technology will propose to the government the construction of a park featuring statues of Vietnamese scientists who have made outstanding research contributions to the nation and the world,” said Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung.
Minister Nguyen Manh Hung speaks at the opening of Vietnam Science and Technology Day. Photo: Le Anh Dung
Five fingers of a hand
At the opening ceremony of the Vietnam Science and Technology Day festival on May 16, Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung delivered a passionate speech about the mission of the scientific community and the modern aspirations tied to the “Vietnam 100-year” vision.
“Science must not remain locked in laboratories or pages of books. It must be applied to real-life problems, solving national challenges, and bringing prosperity and happiness to the people,” he said.
Resolution 57 affirms that science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation must become key strategic breakthroughs and driving forces for Vietnam to become a high-income developed country by 2045. The Minister emphasized the importance of rekindling a spirit of bold aspiration among today’s scientists.
“We often say, ‘When will we be as great as the past?’ Why do we see ourselves as less capable or less dedicated than those before us?” he reflected. “In the past, people dreamed far beyond their means. Today, we are richer, better equipped, with more tools, so our dreams must be even greater than before.”
“When our dreams are big enough, our challenges great enough, and we have the funding, we can attract global minds to solve Vietnam’s biggest problems. That’s how our science will grow, and so will our country,” Hung added.
He proposed that those who have significantly contributed to Vietnam’s scientific and technological advancement deserve eternal recognition. “We will recommend establishing a park with monuments honoring Vietnam’s greatest scientists - just as other nations have cemeteries or memorials for intellectual giants,” he said.
He also described the ministry’s new comprehensive role as the "five fingers of a hand": science and technology; intellectual property; innovation; standards, measurement, and quality; and digital transformation.
Science produces knowledge. Intellectual property converts that knowledge into tradable assets. Innovation applies it to create societal value. Standards and quality ensure mass-produced products maintain form and function. Digital transformation provides the new environment and tools for development.
“These five fingers form a complete system for science and technology development,” the Minister concluded.
Nothing more honorable than contributing intellect to the nation
Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung and Minister Nguyen Manh Hung visit the exhibition of Vietnamese scientific and technological achievements. Photo: Le Anh Dung
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Thi Thanh Nga shares her thoughts. Photo: Ministry of Science and Technology
Dang Thi Anh Tuyet, CEO of MedCAT. Photo: Ministry of Science and Technology
Representatives from research institutes and tech enterprises shared inspiring stories of innovation and global ambition.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Thi Thanh Nga, from the Institute of Meteorology, Hydrology and Climate Change, praised Resolution 57 for unlocking institutional constraints and encouraging bold innovation. “It fosters a legal environment for deep research and tech transfer - even allowing researchers to take on risk to create breakthrough ideas,” she said.
On digital transformation, Dang Thi Anh Tuyet, CEO of MedCAT, discussed her firm’s success with IDUS, an intelligent data restructuring platform that achieves up to 97% accuracy.
“Our journey is just beginning. But we’ve identified a big enough challenge to attract top talent. That’s how we brought back PhDs from overseas and recruited university valedictorians,” she said.
She highlighted strong policy support from ministries: “With Resolutions 57 and 68, the innovation ecosystem is maturing. Our company has joined sandbox programs. With this kind of environment, more tech enterprises will thrive.”
“There’s no greater pride or happiness than contributing your knowledge and intellect to the development of your country,” she said.
Also at the event, Nguyen Thi Mai Huong, COO of Hachi Vietnam, spoke of her eight-year mission to support farmers.
“Farmers can’t stand alone. They need access to technology, markets, and knowledge - especially affordable smart agriculture models. When technology reaches farmers, it’s not just digital transformation. It’s a transformation of trust, spirit, and pride in farming again,” she said.
In his keynote address, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung praised Vietnam’s scientific achievements as a testament to the intellect, passion, and dedication of the country’s scientific community. He proposed eight solutions to accelerate the sector’s development and emphasized the need to foster a culture of innovation and respect for scientific contributions to inspire future generations.
Ten individuals and teams recognized for their outstanding scientific and technological achievements in 2024. Photo: Le Anh Dung
Top 10 scientific and technological products of 2024 honored
The Ministry of Science and Technology announced ten outstanding achievements across multiple sectors:
Digital transformation for military vehicle management - Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Trung Kien
Industrial fire-fighting robot - Lt. Gen. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Quang Bon
Cancer treatment drug - Pham Thi Thanh Huong
Advanced fuel-saving additive system - Prof. Dr. Vu Thi Thu Ha
iGate SX W50-Q - Nguyen Viet Bang
IDUS smart data restructuring platform - Dang Thi Anh Tuyet
Specifi functional shrimp feed - Mai Van Hoang
Multiplex RT-PCR diagnostic kit for swine viruses - Dr. Doan Thi Thanh Huong
Medical stent device - Vo Xuan Boi Lam
Avandy emergency rescue and tire-changing vehicle - Dao Van Minh
Nine initiatives win 2025 Green Innovation Awards
The 2025 Green Innovation Contest, part of Vietnam Science and Technology Day celebrations hosted by VnExpress, awarded:
Smart assembly station - Vietnam Maritime University: First prize (non-professional category)
Multi-tier water recovery system for islands - Military Medical Academy: Second prize (professional)
BIO ECOS bioproduct - EcoBio Materials Lab: Third prize (professional)
Laser tumor ablation in children - University of Health Sciences HCMC and Children's Hospital: Second prize (non-professional)
Fly ash recycling to create organic materials - Le Quy Don High School: Third prize (non-professional)
AI remote health diagnostics (VNSmarthealth) - Tran Nguyen Tuan Anh: Green Innovation Award
Net-zero coconut shell pallets - Veritas Corp: Outstanding Business Innovation
Stud welding technology - Nam Vuong Engineering: Outstanding Business Innovation
Solar panel recycling tech - 5RTECH: Outstanding Business Innovation
