President hails noble mission of scientists in development of each nation and mankind
President Vo Van Thuong has highlighted the important mission of scientists in seeking global solutions for new, sustainable and humane development, amidst rapid changes and many risks and challenges facing the world.
President Vo Van Thuong (left) presents the main prize of the 2023 VinFuture Prize to winning scientists.(Photo: VNA)
Hanoi, December 20 (VNA) – President Vo Van Thuong hashighlighted the important mission of scientists in seeking global solutions fornew, sustainable and humane development, amidst rapid changes andmany risks and challenges facing the world.
Addressing the 2023 VinFuture Prize Award Ceremony in Hanoi on December 20, the Vietnamese President saidthe VinFuture Prize, with a global vision and approach, has created extensiveconnectivity with the world scientist communities.
He stressedthat to realise the aspirations for a prosperous and happy country, Vietnamneeds to unlock resources and overcome all challenges, including both globaland domestic ones. On this journey, science-technology and education-trainingare considered the top national policy, and important targets and driver forrapid and sustainable development.
Science-technologyis expected to create outstanding socio-economic development, raiseproductivity, enhance national strength and improve both material and spirituallife for the people, President Thuong said, noting that useful scientific solutionsare always good references for Vietnam.
A prosperous and strong Vietnam on the foundation ofscience-technology will contribute more to the region and the world, he said.
The third season of the VinFuturePrize this year, with the theme "Boundless Unity", received 1,389nominations, more than tripling the number in the first season.
The VinFuture Prize consists of fourprestigious awards presented each year. The most esteemed is the VinFutureGrand Prize, valued at 3 million USD, making it one of the largest annualprizes globally. Additionally, there are three Special Prizes, each valued at500,000 USD, specifically dedicated to honouring female innovators, innovatorsfrom developing countries, and innovators with outstanding achievements in emergingfields.
The VinFuture Foundation, established onInternational Solidarity Day on December 20, 2020, is a non-profit organisationco-founded by billionaire Pham Nhat Vuong and his wife Pham Thu Huong. TheFoundation's core activity is awarding the annual VinFuture Prize, whichrecognises transformative scientific and technological innovations capable ofmaking significant positive changes in the lives of millions of peopleworldwide./.
Nine authors of four breakthrough science and technology achievements generating “Reviving and Reshaping” to humanity were among those awarded the 2022 VinFuture Prize at a ceremony in Hanoi on December 20.
A total of 1,389 nominations for the 2023 VinFuture Prize were submitted via the nomination portal for the third award season that officially concluded on May 15.
The 2023 VinFuture Sci-Tech Week kicked off on November 18, bringing together leading scientists and experts in key technological domains, including semiconductor technology, precision medicine, green transportation infrastructure, and artificial intelligence.
Vietnamese businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), must embrace digital and AI transformations to remain competitive and achieve sustainable growth, experts said.
Under the European Union (EU)’s global initiative on Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence (CoE), Vietnam has implemented numerous projects aimed at strengthening national capacity in detecting, preventing, and preparing for CBRN-related threats.
The course aims to promote knowledge exchange between scientific and educational schools from different countries, while deepening participants’ expertise in modern technology and technical education. It comprises two main specialisations of electronics-automation and nuclear technology.
ANTARA and VNA can design global-scale cooperation programmes or joint media campaigns, demonstrating the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Indonesia, as well as the cooperation between the two national news agencies.
As Vietnam’s digital transformation accelerates, both the frequency and severity of cyberattacks are growing. The National Cybersecurity Association (NCA) reported that in 2024 alone, there were some 659,000 separate cybersecurity incidents, impacting around 46.15% of government agencies and businesses.
A key highlight will be the technology cluster pavilion, showcasing top enterprises selected for their innovation, market potential, and practical applications. These firms will display flagship products and solutions, supported by government policies to strengthen the tech sector.
Since 2022, more than 500 Vietnamese startups have engaged in Google’s Startup Academy, Google for Startups Accelerator, and Google Startup Masterclass. Nearly 100 of these firms received support to develop and improve their products, benefiting more than 300,000 customers and creating over 300 new jobs through successful fundraising and team expansion amidst Vietnam’s competitive economy.
Over the past three decades, Binh Duong has cemented its status as one of Vietnam’s most dynamic industrial hubs, building a robust foundation in manufacturing, exports, and investment. The province now has 30 operational industrial parks spanning over 13,000 hectares, with an occupancy rate exceeding 90%.
The diplomat emphasised that Vietnam places the highest priority on the development of science, technology, and innovation, viewing them as critical drivers for the country’s advancement in the new development era.
The PM revealed Vietnam’s plan to develop nuclear power in the near future, and called on the Swedish side to assist Vietnam in developing and refining legal and policy frameworks for the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes; training and developing human resources; ensuring nuclear safety; and conducting training and drills to improve incident management capabilities.
More than an art showcase, the second “Technology with heart” contest seeks to inspire innovation and spotlight the humanistic values that technology can bring into daily life, expected to contribute to a sustainable digital future.
The average speed of the national mobile broadband network remained stable, with download speeds reaching 76.86 Mbps and upload speeds reaching 26.98 Mbps.
Under the MoU, AMD will support several key initiatives spearheaded by HCM City’s authorities, including piloting policies, co-hosting innovation events, and evaluating the investment environment within the Saigon Hi-Tech Park.
The centre is a joint initiative between Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology, with PTIT and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) serving as co-leads, and global telecommunications giant Nokia as founding industry partner.
The new centre, staffed by a team of scientists, researchers, and AI specialists working in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, forms part of Qualcomm’s global AI research group.
As a flagship initiative of the community project “Digital Literacy for All”, the programme forms part of a national scheme to equip 20 million young people with digital business skills.
The organisers hope the competition will help shape a generation of exceptional engineers who will make significant contributions to Vietnam’s scientific and technological progress in this era of transformation.
In the digital age and amidst the Fourth Industrial Revolution, IP plays an increasingly critical role, not only in safeguarding inventions but also in reducing copyright infringement and curbing piracy.
President Vo Van Thuong (left) presents the main prize of the 2023 VinFuture Prize to winning scientists.(Photo: VNA) 
