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<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2026/10/23/539993_hien-mo-17927364460471790420533.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Doctors are performing organ transplantation. VNA/VNS Photo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>HÀ NỘI — The Ministry of Health affirmed that the draft amended Law on human tissue and organ donation, removal and transplantation, and body donation does not encourage child donors but create a legal framework safeguarding the best interests of children and creating a foundation for considering suitable donation cases that are not yet regulated in the current laws.The draft amendment to the law, which was submitted to the National Assembly (NA) for reviewing has attracted the interests of the NA deputies, experts and the general public.In response to differing views on a proposal to allow underaged persons to register to donate tissues and organs, the Ministry of Health on Friday issued a clarification of the draft regulations.The Department of Medical Services Administration – the agency leading the drafting process – said the draft law was guided by the overarching principle of safeguarding the best interests of children.It aims to create more opportunities to save the lives of children with serious illnesses, particularly those requiring tissues or organs of a size or anatomical characteristics that are difficult to obtain from adult donors.The proposed provision also respects the wishes of people under 18 and their families to donate, including their desire to donate after death so that life can continue through other patients.For the donors under aged 18, the draft law clarifies the donation after the donors die and be still alive.The two cases are quite different in nature.First, when being still alive, the donors under aged 18 are allowed to donate generative tissues such as hematopoietic stem cells to treat for their family members only when no other suitable adult donor was available.The donors aged from 15 to 18 are allowed to donate for their family members and those under aged 15 are allowed to donate for their biological parents and siblings.The child donors must be in good health, receive independent counselling, and obtain consent from both the child and their parent or guardian.The draft law continues to strictly prohibit the removal of kidneys, liver, heart, lungs or any other healthy organs from living people under the age of 18.Second, after death, the retrieval of tissues or organs may only be considered after the child was declared brain-dead or dead following circulatory arrest by an independent expert council, has registered or expressed a wish to donate before death, and has obtained the consent of their parent or guardian.People under the age of 18 may register as donors with written consent from their parent or guardian. They may change or withdraw their registration at any time.Asso.Prof. Dr Nguyễn Lân Hiếu, director of the Hà Nội Medical University Hospital, said that he knew many children in the final stage of heart failure and kidney failure awaiting organ transplants.Many children do not live long enough to receive a suitable organ, partly because current law does not allow individuals under the age of 18 to register as organ donors posthumously.Meanwhile, transplanting organs from adults into children presents significant challenges due to discrepancies in the size of the organs and blood vessels, Hiếu said.According to the doctor, young people, especially children, need providing information suitable with their ages, have rights to express their own opinions and do not burden any pressure.However, while it is important to listen to children, one should not treat their opinions as absolute, nor should their age and educational background be overlooked."Listening to children does not mean burdening them with decisions that exceed their capacity; yet, protecting them does not mean stripping them of their right to speak,” Hiếu said.“Expanding the pool of organ donors to save children is essential. The humanistic value of such a policy lies not only in the number of children saved, but also in how we uphold the dignity and best interests of each individual child," he said.Responding to concerns about risks of illegally trading human tissues and organs, including from children, the drafting agency said that the draft law explicitly prohibits the buying and selling, coercion, theft, or brokering of human tissues and organs and also forbids the exploitation of guardianship, alternative care, or adoption arrangements to obtain tissues or organs from children. Those who violate these provisions may face criminal prosecution in accordance with the law.The tissue and organ transplantation process must be co-ordinated through a national registration system and a fair waiting list.The identity of living donors must be verified, and they must undergo evaluation by an independent advisory council.Procedures for determining brain death or circulatory death must be conducted independently and objectively, ensuring the prevention of conflicts of interest and any actions that could falsify the results.People are encouraged to immediately notify the police or other competent authorities if they encounter any signs of brokerage, buying, or selling of human tissues or organs.At present, the draft law is undergoing further refinement based on feedback from NA deputies and the public.The objective is to ensure the legislation is rigorous and humane, providing life-saving opportunities for patients while offering the strongest possible protection for the rights and interests of children.— VNS

The draft amendment to the law, which was submitted to the National Assembly (NA) for reviewing has attracted the interests of the NA deputies, experts and people.

Health ministry clarifies proposal to allow individuals under 18 to donate tissues and organs

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2026/10/23/538322_caotoc.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Motorists drive on the Cần Thơ-Hậu Giang Expressway. Installing signage and issuing advance notices on expressways is intended to give drivers time to understand the requirements and comply proactively. — VNA/VNS Photo Thanh Liêm</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>HÀ NỘI — Speed control and safe-distance requirements on expressways will be applied in a more coordinated manner, said Lê Kim Thành, director of the Department of Transport and Traffic Safety under the Ministry of Construction (MoC).He also revealed that particular attention would be paid to installing signage, providing clear visual guidance and informing the public before the measures take effect.Thành said that, over recent times, efforts to maintain traffic order and safety have achieved positive results thanks to policies and measures conducted by the Party, the government, ministries and sectors, from infrastructure development and vehicle management to driver training.Road traffic accidents have declined across all three key indicators, including the number of accidents, deaths and injuries.This has occurred despite rapid urbanisation and a continuing increase in the number of motor vehicles.However, he said, the road accident situation still involved many complex risk factors.Over the past nine months, an average of nearly 27 people died in road traffic accidents each day. Analysing the causes of road traffic accidents, Thành said that speed and safe following distance were factors with a significant impact, and accidents related to these two factors accounted for an average of around 18 per cent.Thành explained that the higher a vehicle’s speed, the greater the distance required to slow down and stop. For heavier vehicles, greater kinetic energy also means that braking takes longer and stopping distances are longer than for passenger cars. Therefore, maintaining an appropriate safe distance according to speed and vehicle characteristics is crucial in preventing collisions.“Compliance with traffic law must become a habit, helping build a culture of observing traffic order and safety,” Thành emphasised.He informed that Việt Nam was a signatory to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. Requirements and guidance on maintaining speed and safe distances when participating in traffic have long been set out in circulars issued by the MoC, including Circular 13, Circular 31 and Circular 38. Government Decree 168 also provides penalties for related traffic violations.Following intensified enforcement of speed violations on expressways by the competent authorities, Thành urged road users to comply seriously with legal requirements.In his view, observing traffic rules is not only every citizen’s responsibility, but also an important condition for ensuring the safety of themselves and others using the road.Advance noticeRegarding regulations on speed and safe distances on roads, Thành said that the MoC is carrying out measures under the direction of Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Phạm Gia Túc at a meeting reviewing regulations on safe distances for vehicles using roads.Accordingly, the MoC has instructed specialised agencies to study and implement traffic organisation and road signage measures on expressway routes. The aim is to help drivers clearly understand speed and distance requirements, enabling them to adjust their driving behaviour and comply with the regulations.The MoC will also review and assess current regulations on speed and safe distances to consider amending Circular 38 if necessary. Alongside improving the regulations, public communication will be strengthened, focusing on situations with heavy traffic, poor weather, or when sudden speed reduction is required.Another key priority is improving driver-training curricula so that learners develop the skills needed to maintain a safe following distance while driving. This is seen as a measure to raise awareness and accident-prevention skills from the training and driving-test stage onwards.A pilot scheme will be introduced on a number of expressways. The Traffic Police Department under the Ministry of Public Security has submitted a list of roads and areas expected to be included in the coming period.“At present, the Department for Roads of Viet Nam is instructing local departments of construction and relevant forces to install distance signage and provide guidance to agencies and the people before implementation,” Thành said.Installing signage and issuing advance notices is intended to give drivers time to access the information, understand the requirements and comply proactively.Together with inspection and enforcement, well-organised traffic management, clear visual instruction and greater driver awareness are expected to help reduce accidents and improve safety on expressways. — VNS

The Ministry of Construction has instructed specialised agencies to study and implement traffic organisation and road signage measures on expressway routes.

Expressways to pilot guidance on penalties for traffic violations

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2026/10/23/540017_172.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Thụy Lâm yellow-flower sticky rice in Thư Lâm Commune, Hà Nội, has received a three-star OCOP rating and collective trademark protection. — Photos courtesy of&nbsp;the Office for Coordination of National Target Programmes of Hà Nội.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>HÀ NỘI — From distinctive agricultural products to culturally rich traditional handicrafts, Hà Nội is focusing on improving quality, building brands and expanding markets for products under the One Commune, One Product (OCOP) programme.Digital transformation and links with tourism are opening up new opportunities for the capital’s products to reach international consumers.Enhancing the value of local productsHà Nội currently leads Việt Nam in the number of products evaluated and rated under the OCOP&nbsp;programme, with 3,531 products. Of these, 18 have received five-star ratings, 22 are potential five-star products, 1,584 have been rated four stars and 1,907, three stars.The diversity of agricultural produce, local specialities and handicrafts provides a strong foundation for rural economic development, drawing on the distinctive strengths of individual communities. The city is shifting its focus from increasing the number of certified products to improving quality, building brands and creating greater added value.In Bát Tràng Commune, the OCOP programme is helping local producers modernise production while preserving the cultural heritage of the traditional pottery village. According to Phạm Văn Quang, head of the commune’s Economic Division, Bát Tràng has 70 OCOP products rated between three and five stars, around 50 of which are ceramics.One notable example is the jade-stream-glaze ceramic line produced by Tân Thịnh Ceramics Production and Business Cooperative. Rated five stars under OCOP, the products are sold in many provinces and cities across Việt Nam and exported to India. OCOP recognition has helped strengthen their reputation and facilitate trade promotion and business partnerships.Trần Anh Tuấn, Secretary of the Bát Tràng Commune Party Committee, said the locality encourages artisans to develop creative designs that reflect their own identity, ranging from unique, high-value artistic ceramics to finely crafted souvenirs for visitors.This approach offers considerable potential for Hà Nội’s craft villages, combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design and incorporating cultural stories into products to distinguish them in the marketplace.In agriculture, Đồng Phú Organic Agriculture Cooperative in Hòa Phú Commune has developed organic rice and soybeans that have both received four-star OCOP ratings. The cooperative has around 65 hectares of land under organic-oriented cultivation. Partnerships with businesses, market-oriented production and the purchase of freshly harvested paddy help maintain stable raw-material supplies and ease farmers’ marketing pressures.<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2026/10/23/540018_173.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Foreign visitors experience traditional incense-stick making at a production facility whose products have received a four-star OCOP rating in Quảng Phú Cầu incense-making village, Ứng Thiên Commune, Hà Nội.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>Meanwhile, Thụy Lâm yellow-flower sticky rice in Thư Lâm Commune has received a three-star OCOP rating and collective trademark protection. Improved cultivation techniques have helped raise yields to around 180kg per sào&nbsp;(a traditional Vietnamese land unit of approximately 360sq.m). Paddy sells for VNĐ35,000 (US$1.35) per kilogramme, providing growers with incomes two to three times higher than those from conventional sticky-rice varieties.These examples demonstrate that OCOP not only increases the value of agricultural produce and handicrafts but also helps reorganise production, improve rural livelihoods and preserve local identities. This provides a foundation for sustainable development and greater access to wider markets.Digital transformation opens new market opportunitiesAlongside quality improvements, Hà Nội is embracing digital platforms to promote and sell OCOP products. Producers and cooperatives are increasingly using social media, livestream sales and e-commerce platforms to showcase their goods and reach consumers directly.As part of the city’s digital transformation drive, 126 communes and wards have organised livestream sessions to promote OCOP products, local agricultural produce, handicrafts, cultural attractions and tourism offerings.In Thường Tín Commune, four livestream sessions in August 2026 showcasing local products, including bedding from Trát Cầu, carved wooden items, horn combs from Thụy Ứng and wooden furniture from Nhị Khê, generated around 150 orders and nearly VNĐ200 million ($7,740) in revenue. A livestream session in Thượng Phúc craft village attracted nearly 600 orders, generating approximately VNĐ400 million ($15,480).In Hoài Đức Commune, four-star OCOP products such as arrowroot vermicelli, sweet-potato vermicelli, potato vermicelli and rice noodles have also been promoted through livestream sales. In Mê Linh Commune, roses, seedlings, Đông Cao red pomelos and other local specialities are marketed through Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, Zalo and e-commerce platforms.These initial results show how digital technology is creating flexible sales channels and helping OCOP producers reach a wider customer base. Sustainable competitiveness, however, depends on consistent quality, appropriate packaging, transparent product traceability and effective distribution networks.<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2026/10/23/540019_174.JPG" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Many rural localities in Hà Nội are organising livestream sessions to introduce traditional craft products to domestic and international consumers.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>Hà Nội is also focusing on production standards, brand development, intellectual property rights protection and support for products with the potential to achieve higher OCOP ratings. The city is strengthening links with modern retail networks and organising trade fairs and exhibitions at home and abroad. Logistics and cold-chain development are also receiving attention to help maintain product quality.One of Hà Nội’s key advantages is the potential to connect OCOP products with culture and tourism. In craft villages such as Bát Tràng, products embody not only practical value but also generations of craftsmanship, technical knowledge and cultural traditions.Developing souvenirs, offering traditional craft experiences, using QR codes to tell product stories and establishing sales outlets linked to tourism can all enhance product value. For international visitors, these products offer an opportunity to learn about Hà Nội’s culture, people and way of life.Hà Nội is also moving to develop creative design centres that promote OCOP products and traditional handicrafts in conjunction with tourism, while expanding product display and sales outlets. These initiatives help connect local producers with consumers, business partners and potential distribution channels.For OCOP products to gain a stronger foothold in international markets, the city must translate its numerical advantage into quality, credibility and competitiveness. Combining sustainable production, professional branding, digital technology and cultural value will help Hà Nội’s products establish a stronger market presence.From finely crafted ceramics to distinctive agricultural produce, OCOP is opening up new opportunities for Hà Nội’s products to reach wider markets while introducing Vietnamese cultural identity to friends around the world. — VNSThis article was produced in collaboration with the Office for Coordination of National Target Programmes of Hà Nội.

Hà Nội leads the country with 3,531 rated OCOP products. Now the city is shifting from quantity to quality, using branding, digital sales and tourism links to reach wider markets.

Building Hà Nội’s OCOP brands for global market

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2026/10/7/535814_62.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>The 45th International Conference on Physics in Collision on Tuesday. — Photo courtesy</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>GIA LAI — Particle physicists from 20 countries and territories gathered in coastal Quy Nhơn Ward, Gia Lai Province on Tuesday for the 45th International Conference on Physics in Collision, a forum for the latest experimental and theoretical results in the field.The meeting, known as PIC 2026, is co-organised by Rencontres du Vietnam and the International Centre for Interdisciplinary Science and Education (ICISE).The programme covers recent findings in Higgs and electroweak physics, quantum chromodynamics, and searches for physics beyond the Standard Model. It also includes neutrino and heavy-ion research, dark matter searches, gravitational waves and cosmology.Invited speakers come from institutions in the US, France, Chile, Germany, South Korea and China. They include Greg Landsberg of Brown University and Elisabetta Gallo of the DESY accelerator laboratory in Hamburg.Phan Hồ Giang, deputy director of the science and technology department of Gia Lai, told the opening session that particle physics is basic research that deepens understanding of the structure of matter and the fundamental forces of nature.<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2026/10/7/535816_63.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Phan Hồ Giang, deputy director of the science and technology department of Gia Lai, speaks at the forum. — Photos courtesy of ICISE</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>He said ICISE has hosted more than 19,000 scientists from 62 countries since 2013, including 19 Nobel laureates. Provincial leaders regard science and education as a strategic path to development, he said."We are committed to creating the most favorable conditions for ICISE to fulfill its mission as a bridge between Vietnamese and international scientists," Phan said.Organisers said the event is also meant to build ties between Vietnamese and foreign researchers, particularly among younger research groups.The PIC series began in 1981 in Blacksburg, Virginia, and has since become an established gathering for the particle physics community. This is the second time the conference has been held at ICISE, after the 36th edition in 2016. — VNS

More than 50 scientists from 20 countries and territories are in Quy Nhơn this week to share the latest findings in particle physics, from the Higgs boson to dark matter.

Particle physicists from 20 countries convene in Quy Nhơn

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2026/10/7/535881_5606056626287284_IMG_7534.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Domestic and international delegates discuss how to harness science and technology to promote sustainable development in Gia Lai Province on Tuesday. — VNS Photos Khánh Dương</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>GIA LAI — More than 60 domestic and international scientists, technology experts, diplomats and policymakers gathered in Quy Nhơn Ward, Gia Lai Province on Wednesday to discuss how to harness science and technology to promote sustainable development.Themed ‘Science and Technology For Sustainable Development’, the conference was held by Rencontres du Vietnam Association and the International Centre for Interdisciplinary Science and Education (ICISE), in coordination with the Gia Lai Province People’s Committee.Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Trần Trung Tính said science and technology should not only be a key driver of economic growth, but also serve as a solid foundation for ensuring sustainable and inclusive development, putting people at the centre and protecting the living environment for future generations.<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2026/10/7/535883_5606056889417689_IMG_7527.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Trần Trung Tính delivers a speech at the conference.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>Việt Nam needs to build its research and development capacity, master technologies and promote innovation to achieve knowledge-based development, improve quality of life and enhance resilience to changes, while ensuring harmonious and sustainable social development, he said.He emphasised the importance of training highly qualified workers, particularly scientists, and strengthening international cooperation to realise the sustainable development path.Promoting the application of science and technology to sustainable socio-economic development must be based on closer links among the State, research institutes and universities and businesses, he said.Professor Trần Thanh Vân, president of the Rencontres du Vietnam Association and ICISE director, said sustainable development cannot be built by scientists alone, but needs shared knowledge, trust and the will to act.Vân expressed his hope that the discussions will lead to clear proposals and new partnerships.The Politburo’s Resolution 57 on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation and national digital transformation has marked a major turning point by placing these topics at the heart of the country’s development, he said, adding that the resolution “has given great hope to scientists in Việt Nam and abroad”.They are not only useful tools, but must also become a main base and a major force for Việt Nam's progress in this new era, he said.“For us scientists, this is both a great chance and a duty. We wish to put our knowledge, our experience and our international links at the service of Việt Nam and of its people,” he said.<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2026/10/7/535884_5606057129446977_IMG_7526.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Dozens of international science and tech experts from 12 countries were invited to ICISE for the conference.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>Former president of the 77th General Assembly of the United Nations Csaba Kőrösi highlighted the role of scientific foundation in addressing crises.“We are facing the most multifaceted crises of the post-war history, the systemic crises that can be addressed successfully only through systemic changes, scientific evidence and methodology.“In an increasingly insecure world, science is the only common language we have across borders, across stages and across generations. The success of a country, of a society, of humanity depends on how strong is the scientific foundation of the transition areas,” he said.The conference featured roundtable discussions focusing on topics related to science, technology and contemporary development issues including science, diplomacy and policymaking, the future of sustainable chemistry, AI, nuclear energy and energy transition pathways in fast-growing economies. — VNS

Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Trần Trung Tính said science and technology should not only be a key driver of economic growth, but also serve as a solid foundation for ensuring sustainable and inclusive development, putting people at the centre and protecting the living environment for future generations.

Scientists, experts discuss role of science and technology for sustainable development

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2026/10/7/535870_IMG_7092.jpeg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>A student at University of Science, Việt Nam National University in Hà Nội uses a scanning electron microscope (SEM). — VNA/VNS Photo Hoàng Hiếu</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>HÀ NỘI — After eight years of implementation, the Programme for the Development of Basic Sciences in Chemistry, Life Sciences, Earth Sciences and Marine Sciences for the 2017-2025 period, known as Programme 562, has laid an important foundation for basic research in Việt Nam. It has helped develop scientific talent and research groups, improve the quality of international publications, and generate research results with practical applications.The results have highlighted the need for long-term investment, shared research infrastructure and more suitable funding mechanisms to enable basic sciences to continue providing the knowledge base for breakthroughs in science, technology and innovation.Targeted investment delivers resultsApproved by the Prime Minister under Decision No. 562/QĐ-TTg dated April 25, 2017, Programme 562 focused on four fields: chemistry, life sciences, earth sciences and marine sciences.Its main objectives were to develop highly qualified scientists and strong research groups, improve Việt Nam’s scientific standing in the region and the world, and promote application-oriented, interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary basic research.The programme also aimed to help Việt Nam acquire and master advanced technologies for production and daily life.Speaking at a conference reviewing Programme 562, organised by the Department of Social and Natural Sciences in coordination with the National Foundation for Science and Technology Development (NAFOSTED) in Hà Nội last month, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Trần Trung Tính said the programme had largely achieved its targets.It had helped improve Việt Nam’s research capacity and scientific standing, develop researchers and research groups, promote application-oriented basic research, and strengthen international cooperation, he said.From 2017 to 2025, the programme implemented 96 national-level science and technology tasks, including 31 in chemistry, 29 in life sciences, 22 in earth sciences and 14 in marine sciences.The tasks focused on priority research areas while linking basic research with practical issues such as medicine and pharmaceuticals, agriculture, the environment, natural resources, climate change, disaster prevention, and seas and islands.One notable achievement was the improvement in the quality and international integration of research. Assessments conducted before the programme ended showed that the number and quality of international publications increased by an average of about 20 per cent annually.Several studies by Vietnamese scientists were published in leading journals, including Science and Nature, while two Vietnamese scientific journals in chemistry and earth sciences were indexed in Scopus.Việt Nam maintained relatively high rankings in the natural sciences, at around 38th to 50th globally, 10th to 12th in Asia, and third to fifth in ASEAN. In 2022, the Ministry of Science and Technology reported that chemistry had achieved its target of ranking third in ASEAN, while earth sciences and marine sciences ranked fourth, according to SCImago.Programme 562 also contributed to an ecosystem covering priority research areas, commissioning and funding, human-resource training, research group development, infrastructure investment, international cooperation and research application.Research in each field also produced notable scientific and practical results.In chemistry, studies focused on treating hazardous environmental substances, developing new materials for medicine and pharmaceuticals, and promoting green chemistry, contributing to international commitments such as the Stockholm Convention.In life sciences, researchers developed important databases, including a Vietnamese human genome database, genomic data for diagnosing congenital heart diseases, an environmental toxicology database, and a biodiversity database integrated into the Global Biodiversity Information Facility.In earth and marine sciences, research with strong application potential included developing criteria for integrating ecological and climate change factors into land-use planning; identifying organic carbon reservoirs in the Red River Delta; assessing deep-seated gold mineral potential; zoning marine and island landscapes to support a green marine economy; and improving forecasts of storms, heavy rain and strong winds in central Việt Nam.Long-term approach needed for next phase<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2026/10/7/535869_IMG_7093.jpeg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Trần Trung Tính. — VNA/VNS Photo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>Experts also pointed to several shortcomings in the implementation of Programme 562, including uneven development among research fields, difficulties in maintaining the scale and continuity of some research groups, fragmented research infrastructure and equipment, unstable funding for basic research, and the limited application of some research results.These issues show that the next phase should move beyond simply increasing the number of research tasks or publications towards deeper, longer-term investment.The Ministry of Science and Technology is conducting a comprehensive review of basic research while developing priorities for 2026-2030, with a vision to 2035, and a national strategy for basic scientific research development through 2045.Tính said the next phase should adopt a new approach focused on building long-term scientific capacity, concentrating resources, and placing greater emphasis on quality and international competitiveness.Experts said future priorities should include long-term research directions based on Việt Nam’s strengths, the development of strong research groups and centres of excellence, shared research infrastructure, and highly qualified human resources.They also called for adjustments to selection, funding and evaluation mechanisms to better reflect the specific characteristics of basic research.Another priority is to strengthen links between basic and applied research. Mechanisms should be developed to allow promising results to receive further investment and move into suitable research and technology development programmes.Alongside State funding, experts also called for greater mobilisation of social resources. They proposed long-term funding mechanisms, including five-to-seven-year grants for outstanding and young research groups, as well as research areas with breakthrough potential. — VNS

Programme 562 focused on four fields, including&nbsp;chemistry, life sciences, earth sciences and marine sciences. Its main objectives were to develop highly qualified scientists and strong research groups, improve Việt Nam's scientific standing in the region and the world, and promote basic research with application-oriented, interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approaches.

Programme 562 lays foundation for development of basic sciences

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2026/10/2/534455_5600898255484599_image.png" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>An overview of the seminar in Hà Nội on September 29. Photos courtesy of NATIF</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>HÀ NỘI — The National Technology Innovation Fund (NATIF) and commercial banks are working more closely to help businesses access loan interest subsidies faster, bridging the gap between policy and practice for firms investing in technological innovation.Access to finance remains a major barrier to such investment. Drawing on their experience implementing interest subsidy programmes, NATIF and banks are standardising application documents, clarifying procedures and addressing bottlenecks to get support to eligible projects more quickly.At a seminar organised by NATIF in Hà Nội on September 29 to discuss ways to streamline applications, businesses outlined the difficulties they face when investing in new technology. These included a mismatch between the timing of investment and their financing needs.In the early stages of a project, businesses typically use borrowed funds to build or expand factories and workshops. Demand for financing to purchase machinery, equipment and technology comes later. Banks and NATIF therefore need to provide advice and closely monitor project progress to help businesses access support suited to their needs at each stage.Application requirements present another hurdle. Many businesses are applying to NATIF’s interest subsidy programme for the first time and are unfamiliar with the documentation required. Limited information or uncertainty about procedures can prolong the process, as applicants spend additional time preparing documents or supplying missing information.Speaking at the seminar, NATIF Director Bùi Quang Minh urged banks to continue helping businesses obtain information, understand procedures and submit applications online in line with the requirements.Minh said NATIF would assign dedicated staff to work regularly at partner banks, facilitating information sharing and promptly addressing issues arising during the application process.<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2026/10/2/534457_5600898736507473_image.png" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>NATIF Director Bùi Quang Minh speaking at the seminar.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>Representatives of VPBank and BIDV proposed that NATIF develop standard application templates so businesses could prepare the necessary documents from the outset. They also called for concise, step-by-step guidance to help credit officers advise applicants and guide them through the procedures.The banks said standardised documents and guidance would make the programme easier to access and ensure greater consistency in how banks and NATIF handle applications, reducing repeated requests for additional information.The discussions helped inform preparations for NATIF’s second call for loan interest subsidy applications, expected in early October 2026.NATIF and the banks agreed to strengthen co-operation, focusing on barriers involving information, documentation and procedures. The aim is to get interest subsidies to technological innovation projects more quickly, encouraging investment in machinery and equipment and increasing production capacity.Established under the Prime Minister’s Decision No. 1342/QĐ-TTg of August 5, 2011, NATIF is a state financial organisation under the Ministry of Science and Technology. It provides grants, loan interest subsidies and financial support vouchers, and commissions innovation projects from Vietnamese businesses and organisations.Closer co-operation with banks, standardised documentation and clearer guidance are expected to make its support programmes more effective, helping funds reach eligible recipients and encouraging businesses to invest in technology, improve productivity and strengthen competitiveness. — VNS

Enterprises seeking funds for technology upgrades face bureaucratic hurdles and documentation gaps that slow access to State support – prompting NATIF and commercial banks to overhaul their co-ordination.

NATIF, banks move to ease capital access for technology innovation firms

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2026/10/1/534558_5601056011831920_IMG_C865ADB810C1-1.jpeg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Experts and students attend the opening session of an international symposium on Sustainable Infrastructure and Construction Innovation at the Vietnamese-German University in HCM City on September 30. — Photos Courtesy of VGU</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>HCM CITY — Construction supervision must evolve from manual, post-construction inspection to intelligent, real-time management to meet the demands of smart urban development, green building materials, and carbon reduction, a conference heard in HCM City on September 30.The International Symposium on Sustainable Infrastructure and Construction Innovation (SICI 2026), organised by the Vietnamese-German University (VGU) and Biberach University of Applied Sciences in Germany at the VGU campus, had the theme “Advancing Sustainable Construction and Smart Construction Management through German-Vietnamese Research Collaboration”, and attracted international researchers, civil engineers, and industry leaders.Delivering a keynote address on supervision consultancy, Trần Bảo Phương, deputy general director of Saigon 3 Construction Quality Control Joint Stock Company, said supervision remains vital to ensuring quality, safety, and adherence to schedules throughout a project's lifecycle.“However, modern infrastructure requires a shift towards automated digital technologies.”He highlighted the need to integrate unmanned aerial vehicles, artificial intelligence, 3D laser scanning, and digital twin technology into construction supervision.These technologies enable real-time monitoring, early risk detection, and data-driven decision-making.He also called for standardised acceptance frameworks to regulate the use of recycled and green construction materials.Drawing on experience from major transport infrastructure projects in the city, including Ring Road No. 3 and Metro Line No. 2, he outlined the challenges of supervising complex construction works.These include bored piles, diaphragm walls, underground structures, and earth pressure balance tunnel boring machine operations in densely populated urban areas.From an academic perspective, Prof. Dipl. Wirt.-Ing. Jens Schmid, professor of project management and project control at Hochschule Biberach (Biberach University of Applied Sciences) in Germany, said: “Methodology alone does not guarantee project success.”Comparing international standards such as PRINCE2, the PMBOK Guide, and Germany’s AHO Booklet No. 9, he said project outcomes depended heavily on adapting methods to the local context, identifying risks early, and maintaining strong interpersonal communication, rather than rigidly following procedures.Decarbonising the building envelopeAddressing upfront environmental impacts, Frank Mueller, vice president of design, engineering, and project management at the leading façade contractor Quân Đạt &amp; Partners, presented research on material carbon footprints (embodied carbon) in building envelopes, which account for 15-25 per cent of a building’s initial embodied carbon.Focusing on unitised curtain-wall panels, he noted that while aluminium represented only 20-25 per cent of a panel’s mass, it accounted for 52 per cent of its total embodied carbon.The carbon footprint of aluminium ranges from a global average of 16.7kg CO₂e per kilogramme to less than 0.5kg CO₂e, depending on the use of renewable energy and recycled content.For glass, adopting low-carbon float glass and maximising the use of recycled cullet can halve emissions.He recommended four strategic measures: optimising structures to reduce material use, setting strict carbon caps in tender specifications through Environmental Product Declarations, procuring off-site unitised fabrication powered by low-carbon energy, and designing modular panels with dry gaskets to allow easy disassembly at the end of their service life.<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2026/10/1/534559_5601056248435352_A%CC%89nh%20JPEG-4280-855F-46-0.jpeg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Prof. Dipl. Wirt.-Ing. Jens Schmid, professor of project management and project control at Biberach University of Applied Sciences in Germany, speaks at the international symposium on Sustainable Infrastructure and Construction Innovation at the Vietnamese-German University in HCM City on September 30.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>Applied research and green innovationThe symposium featured two simultaneous afternoon technical sessions focusing on academic research and student research and innovation.Dương Vĩnh Nhiều of the Industrial University of HCM City presented research on using biomass bottom ash from tree bark and wood-chip combustion in industrially produced vibro-cast concrete bricks.A mix containing 26.7 per cent bottom ash achieved a compressive strength of 25.1MPa and water absorption of 11.9 per cent, meeting the conformity requirements of QCVN 16:2023/BXD, and heavy-metal leaching well below safety thresholds.A joint VGU team presented a cross-platform mobile application that uses GPS and Google Maps to track daily commutes, calculate users’ personal CO₂ footprints, and reward low-carbon transport choices with redeemable eco-credits.Đoàn Văn Bình of the VGU presented a satellite-based analysis of flooding in the Mekong Delta from 2001 to 2023.The data showed that peak flood extent in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta fell from 18-23.7 per cent in 2001 to 5.7-18.8 per cent in 2023 following the construction of high dykes.Student presentations covered crumb-rubber-modified asphalt using end-of-life tyres, sound-absorbing foamed concrete incorporating rice husk ash and bamboo-fibre reinforcement for urban traffic noise barriers, and comparative design practices for porous asphalt concrete in Việt Nam, Germany, France, and the US.The event opened with remarks by Dr Hà Thúc Viên, vice president for academic and student affairs at the VGU, followed by a sponsorship appreciation and award ceremony recognising key industry partners, including QDP, MiTek, KHT Steel, SCQC3, Wealthcons, and PERI.The symposium concluded with a guided tour of VGU’s civil engineering and construction management laboratories and research showcase, highlighting the long-term academic and technical cooperation between Việt Nam and Germany. — VNS

Construction supervision must evolve from manual, post-construction inspection to intelligent, real-time management to meet the demands of smart urban development, green building materials, and carbon reduction, a conference heard in HCM City on September 30.

Digital transformation makes construction supervision green, smart

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2026/10/1/534328_5600699798545832_vna_potal_doc_thuc_du_an_nha_may_dien_hat_nhan_ninh_thuan_kip_tien_do_9010882.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Site levelling for the resettlement project serving the Ninh Thuận 1 Nuclear Power Plant project in Phước Dinh Commune, Khánh Hòa Province. — VNA/VNS Photo Công Thử</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>HÀ NỘI — Although Việt Nam has built up a nuclear power staffing foundation through years of research, training, application and management, the existing workforce still needs to be expanded in terms of numbers, structure and specialised expertise to meet long-term demands.Việt Nam Atomic Energy Institute Director Dr Trần Chí Thành said workers needed for atomic energy span a wide range of fields, including State management, nuclear safety and security regulatory agencies, research and development, technical support, training, nuclear medicine, radiation technology, radioactive waste management, emergency response and environmental monitoring, as well as applications in healthcare, agriculture, industry and the environment.“Currently, personnel in the atomic energy sector remain very limited. Those needed for Việt Nam’s nuclear power development are in severe shortage,” he said.To realise the goals for the development of atomic energy and nuclear power by 2035, Việt Nam will need tens of thousands of direct and indirect personnel to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the national nuclear power development programme, he said.He estimated that the Ninh Thuận 1 and Ninh Thuận 2 nuclear power plants will require around 4,000 personnel for direct operations by 2030, including about 700 who will need advanced training overseas.Trần Quang Tuấn, deputy director of the Việt Nam Agency for Radiation and Nuclear Safety under the Ministry of Science and Technology, said workforce development is a key factor in ensuring the progress of Việt Nam’s nuclear power programme in the future.Under the Strategy for the Development and Application of Atomic Energy for Peaceful Purposes through 2035, Việt Nam aims to build a workforce of 2,000 personnel for the sector by 2030, increasing to 2,500 by 2035. The workforce will include personnel in State management, research and development, technical support and nuclear power plant operations.Tuấn said that nuclear power is a large field in which Việt Nam has limited experience, adding that expanding international cooperation is the shortest path to building the necessary expertise.The agency sent a number of officials to Russia for training ahead of a recent visit made by a high-level delegation of the Party and the State, he said.He highlighted the need to improving the quantity, structure and specialised expertise of the workforce to meet future nuclear development demands.Independence in trainingThành described labour as a top challenge for the nuclear power sector, citing that nuclear power requires a large workforce with each nuclear power plant in need of 600-700 personnel if Western technology is used, or nearly 1,000 personnel with Russian technology.Việt Nam cannot rely entirely on sending personnel abroad, but needs to develop domestic training capacity.He said any training that can be handled domestically should be done at home."Only when we face highly challenging technical problems, should we send personnel to work at the world's leading research institutes, where they can hone their skills and become leading experts," Thành said.In the near future, the country should consider establishing one or two nuclear technology faculties at leading technical universities in Hà Nội and HCM City, with internationally accredited training programmes, he added. — VNS

Under the plan, the Ninh Thuận 1 and Ninh Thuận 2 nuclear power plants will require around 4,000 personnel for direct operations by 2030, including about 700 who will need advanced training overseas.

Nuclear power workforce needs expansion to meet long-term demands

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2026/9/25/532915_5595805220329891_kk.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Representatives of the Ministry of Education and Training and Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam sign the strategic cooperation agreement on September 25. — Photo courtesy of the organiser</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>HÀ NỘI — The Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) and Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam will continue their partnership in environmental education programmes under a strategic cooperation agreement signed on Friday.The agreement sets the stage for cooperation in the next phase, with a shared focus on strengthening communication and education, promoting healthy lifestyles and supporting the holistic development of students nationwide. It will also contribute to the education sector’s priorities in school health, environmental education and the comprehensive development of learners.Speaking at the signing ceremony, Hoàng Đức Minh, Director General of the Department of Student Affairs, MoET, praised Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam’s contribution in mobilising social resources for education.“We expect the new phase to continue contributing to the education sector’s priorities in school health, physical education, environmental education and the holistic development of learners," Minh said."At the same time, the programme will continue to innovate its content and implementation approaches to better respond to the practical needs of pupils and students.”Building on the achievements of the 2023–25 cooperation period, the 2026–29 phase will focus not only on expanding the programme’s reach, but also on enhancing its practical relevance and depth of impact, enabling learners to progressively develop the knowledge, skills, attitudes and sense of responsibility needed to care for their health, protect the environment and contribute positively to their communities.The programme will continue to promote education and communication on water conservation, water protection, access to clean water, school sanitation and environmental protection, to reach approximately 1.8 million primary school pupils.Educational content on water conservation and school sanitation will be appropriately integrated into academic subjects and extracurricular activities, while being adapted to the needs and circumstances of primary school pupils.The programme will also strengthen the capacity of education administrators and teachers to guide water-saving and water-protection practices within schools.In addition, approximately 50 water filtration systems and sanitation improvement projects are expected to be supported in disadvantaged areas, helping improve pupils’ access to clean water and better sanitation conditions.Building on its established focus on water and environmental education, the new phase will further expand into nature-based experiential learning, physical education, sports and healthy lifestyle development.These activities will provide learners with more opportunities to translate knowledge into practice, while fostering positive health habits, environmental awareness, and a stronger sense of responsibility towards their communities.Regarding physical education, the programme is expected to support sports and physical activity initiatives that encourage pupils and students to stay active and promote healthier lifestyles.It will also support the upgrading or provision of equipment and facilities for physical activities at five to ten universities each year, contributing to more supportive environments for physical activity and student well-being.The year 2026 marks the third year of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World between Việt Nam and Japan, adding further significance to the continued implementation of a Japanese-origin educational initiative in Việt Nam.Initiated by Suntory Group in Japan in 2004 and introduced in Việt Nam in 2015, 'Mizuiku – I Love Clean Water' has provided a strong foundation for this cooperation.Over more than a decade in Việt Nam, the programme has reached more than one million pupils, 21,000 teachers and 41,000 classes across 34 provinces and cities.It has also supported 214 clean water and sanitation facilities, contributing to improved access to clean water and sanitation for approximately six million people.During the first phase of cooperation between the MoET and Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam from 2023 to 2025, the programme trained approximately 10,000 teachers, reached more than 712,000 pupils, and supported 55 clean water and sanitation facilities in local communities.The MoET also approved guidance materials for teaching and learning about water conservation and protection at the primary school level.Ashish Joshi, CEO and General Director of Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam, said: “Strengthening our partnership with the MoET reflects Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam’s continued commitment to advancing education and communication initiatives that benefit younger generations."The achievements of MIZUIKU over more than a decade provide a strong foundation for us to continue working alongside the education sector to nurture a healthier generation with greater awareness of environmental protection and sustainable development.” — VNS

The programme will also strengthen the capacity of education administrators and teachers to guide water-saving and water-protection practices within schools.

Education ministry, Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam continue partnership on water awareness

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2026/9/25/533026_5595922070515617_1e96f5afefcc6f9236dd.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>29-year-old L.G.S with his bike at Lũng Nặm Commune police station. — Photo from Cao Bằng Police</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>CAO BẰNG — Police in Lũng Nặm Commune, the northern border province of Cao Bằng, have recorded an administrative violation involving a foreign tourist who entered a border area without the required permit from Vietnamese authorities.At around 3:30pm on September 22, during a patrol in Nặm Sấn Hamlet, Lũng Nặm Commune, local police detected a foreign national suspected of entering the border area.The man was identified as L.G.S., born in 1997 and holding US citizenship.During the inspection, L.G.S. was unable to produce a permit issued by a competent Vietnamese authority authorising him to enter the border area as required under regulations.He was subsequently taken to the Lũng Nặm Commune Police station for further questioning.During the working session, L.G.S. admitted to the violation, according to local police.Lũng Nặm Commune Police drew up a working record and an administrative violation report before handing over the case file and relevant documents to the Immigration Management Division under the Cao Bằng Provincial Police for further handling in accordance with its jurisdiction. — VNS

A US tourist has been found entering a border area in Cao Bằng without the required permit, with local police recording an administrative violation and handing the case over to the provincial police’s immigration authorities for further handling.

American tourist investigated for entering border area without authorisation

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2026/9/25/532980_5595866278604129_vaccine-tay-chan-mieng-1790311894014323636849.png" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>The hand, foot and mouth vaccine is stored and transported for the rollout in Việt Nam. — Photos courtesy of VNVC</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam has begun administering a vaccine against hand, foot and mouth disease caused by Enterovirus 71 (EV71) to children from two months of age, with the vaccine being rolled out nationwide through the VNVC Vaccination System.The VNVC Vaccination System and Switzerland-based Substipharm Biologics officially launched the vaccine on Friday at nearly 300 VNVC vaccination centres across the country.It is the first time the vaccine has been introduced in Việt Nam and Southeast Asia, according to the companies. Known as Envacgen, the vaccine was approved by the Ministry of Health in March for children aged from two months to under six years.Dr Bạch Thị Chính, Medical Director of the VNVC Vaccination System, said hand, foot and mouth disease is caused by several different viruses. Scientists have spent decades developing vaccines against the disease, but efforts have faced challenges, particularly in achieving effective protection against EV71.The vaccine is administered in two or three doses, depending on the child’s age when vaccination begins. It underwent Phase-3 clinical trials in Việt Nam, with results showing a high level of protection against EV71, a virus associated with a large proportion of severe cases and deaths from hand, foot and mouth disease.<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2026/9/25/532981_5595866446394085_vaccine-tay-chan-mieng-1-1790312001410536101585.png" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>A 23-month-old child receives the hand, foot and mouth disease vaccine on September 25.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>According to published data, the vaccine has demonstrated 96.8 per cent efficacy rate against EV71-associated hand, foot and mouth disease. No EV71 cases were recorded among vaccinated participants in the relevant clinical study, while the vaccine also generated a strong immune response against several EV71 sub-genotypes.The Phase 3 study involved more than 3,000 children, including a large proportion of Vietnamese children. VNVC said the vaccine demonstrated a favourable safety profile and sustained protection in follow-up studies.The EV71 vaccine has also been administered to children in Taiwan, where more than 600,000 doses were reportedly used between August 2023 and September 2026.According to Professor Dr Li-Min Huang, former Director of the National Taiwan University Children’s Hospital and Honorary Chairman of the Taiwan Society of Infectious Diseases, post-vaccination monitoring in Taiwan has continued to show the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness.CEO of Substipharm Biologics Fabrice Baschiera said the company was pleased to work with VNVC to introduce the vaccine to Việt Nam, making the country the first in Southeast Asia to deploy it.Long-awaited protectionHand, foot and mouth disease is a common infectious disease among young children, particularly those under three years old, and has caused major outbreaks in Việt Nam.EV71 is considered an important cause of severe disease and can lead to neurological, respiratory and cardiovascular complications, as well as death.In 2023, Việt Nam recorded more than 181,000 cases and 31 deaths, with EV71 reportedly accounting for 82 per cent of hospitalised cases and 90.4 per cent of severe cases.Dr Trương Hữu Khanh, Vice Chairman of the HCM City Association of Infectious Diseases and a paediatric infectious disease specialist, said paediatricians have awaited an EV71 vaccine for years, after repeated outbreaks led to increased hospitalisations and severe complications among children.“For many years, parents have asked me when a vaccine against hand, foot and mouth disease would become available,” Khanh said.“During each disease season, parents are worried and doctors are under pressure because some children may initially appear alert but deteriorate within just a few hours, requiring significant medical personnel, medicines and intensive care equipment. When a major outbreak occurs, the rapid increase in hospital admissions puts even greater pressure on the healthcare system. So I am very pleased that Việt Nam now has an EV71 vaccine for children,” he noted.Dr Nguyễn An Nghĩa, Deputy Head of the Department of Infectious Diseases and Neurology at Children’s Hospital 1 in HCM City, said children with hand, foot and mouth disease can deteriorate from a mild condition to a critical state within six to eight hours.EV71 is particularly associated with severe disease because of its ability to affect the central nervous system. Some children may show limited skin or mucosal symptoms, making the disease more difficult to distinguish from common illnesses, he said.On the first day of the nationwide rollout, families in Hà Nội, HCM City, Đà Nẵng, Cần Thơ and other localities brought their children for vaccination. Tens of thousands of registrations were recorded at nearly 300 VNVC centres nationwide, with under-three children accounting for about 70 per cent of those seeking vaccination, according to VNVC.Dr Chính said VNVC has worked with Substipharm Biologics for several years to bring the vaccine to Việt Nam at an early stage.The vaccination system has prepared vaccine supply and storage facilities, trained medical staff and distributed the vaccine to its centres nationwide ahead of the peak season for hand, foot and mouth disease, she said.“We hope families with young children will consider vaccination early so that we will no longer have to face the anxiety caused by major outbreaks or severe disease peaks like those seen in previous years,” Chính said. — VNS

It is the first time the vaccine has been introduced in Việt Nam and Southeast Asia. The vaccine, known as Envacgen, was approved by the Ministry of Health in March for children aged from two months to under six years.

Việt Nam launches hand, foot and mouth vaccine for young children

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2026/9/17/530025_5586348130006806_20260914_0920_vns.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Assoc. Prof. Dr Nguyễn Hồng Quang, Vice President and Secretary-General of the Vietnam Physical Society, addresses the programme. Photo chinhphu.vn</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>HÀ NỘI — Artificial intelligence is expanding the possibilities for materials discovery and smart diagnostics, according to researchers speaking at a recent lecture programme on AI and physics.Associate Professor Dr Nguyễn Hồng Quang, Vice Chairman and Secretary General of the Việt Nam Physical Society, said the rapid development of AI was ushering in a new technological era. This requires the scientific community not only to understand AI, but also to find effective ways to apply it within each specialist field.Dr Phan Đức Anh from the Centre for Innovation and Materials Technology at VinUniversity delivered a lecture entitled “A New Era in Materials Discovery: AI, Physics and Simulation”.According to Đức Anh, materials research has undergone several stages of development, from traditional experimental methods to the use of computer simulations to study complex physical systems. Advances in computing power and AI have now given scientists additional tools to process large volumes of data, predict properties and identify new material structures.One notable approach is inverse design. Rather than beginning with a material structure and then predicting its properties, researchers can define the desired properties in advance and use AI to identify a suitable structure.This opens up a new direction in materials discovery, in which humans define the scientific questions and objectives, while AI helps search and analyse vast numbers of possibilities across an enormous data space.AI can also help scientists find, synthesise and analyse published research, identify emerging trends, suggest unresolved questions and predict the properties of various materials, including polymers, pharmaceuticals, metals and alloys.However, Đức Anh stressed that AI could not replace scientists. The effectiveness of a model depends heavily on the quality, scale and relevance of its data. Researchers must therefore continue to define problems correctly, select appropriate data, evaluate models and verify results.While AI is expanding the possibilities for materials discovery, it is also being applied in nanophysics to address problems with more immediate practical applications.Associate Professor Dr Lê Văn Lịch, also from the Centre for Innovation and Materials Technology at VinUniversity, delivered a lecture entitled “Nanophysics and Artificial Intelligence: From Physical Phenomena to Smart Diagnostic Technology”.His research group is using AI to detect and quantify the hepatitis B virus (HBV) through a combination of gold nanoparticles, nano-optical phenomena and machine-learning models.Gold nanoparticles have distinctive optical properties, meaning that changes in the colour of a solution can indicate reactions taking place within the system. The research group is using this property to develop biosensors, with AI analysing images and converting colour information into quantitative data on viral load.The research dataset comprises 990 images of samples with virus concentrations ranging from zero to 10⁸ copies per reaction. Of these, 810 data points were used for training, 162 for validation and 18 for testing. The group selected and compared three machine-learning models and three deep-learning models to assess their suitability for the task.Its long-term objective is to integrate image-processing algorithms and AI models into smartphones. Users would then be able to photograph a sample with their phone, allowing the system to analyse the image automatically and produce a quantitative result.To prepare the technology for real-world use, the research group is focusing on selectivity and specificity, its potential application to other pathogens and its integration into a point-of-care diagnostic solution.These research directions demonstrate the potential of combining AI with specialist knowledge to address practical problems. They also reflect the spirit of the lecture series, with “AI and Physics” following “AI and Mathematics” in promoting academic exchange, connecting scientific disciplines and bringing new AI applications closer to the public. — VNS

Researchers are exploring how artificial intelligence can accelerate the hunt for new materials and enable smartphone-based detection of hepatitis B, reflecting a broader push to embed AI across scientific disciplines.

AI opens new frontiers in materials science and medical diagnostics

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2026/9/15/530272_5587155730600910_vna_potal_chuyen_doi_so_gop_phan_nang_cao_chat_luong_giao_duc_tai_bac_ninh__9023342.jpeg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Teachers at Phúc Hòa secondary school share their experience in applying digital transformation to teaching and learning. VNA/VNS Photo Danh Lam</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>BẮC NINH — The use of the Department of Education and Training’s shared database system ensures that information on students, teachers and other staff is managed on a unified platform, making administration more efficient.Digital transformation is not simply about introducing computers, software and online platforms into schools. It is gradually changing how education is managed, taught and delivered in Bắc Ninh Province.From shared databases and electronic records to online admissions and artificial intelligence (AI), technology is helping schools improve management, providing teachers with additional tools and enabling students to take a more active role in acquiring knowledge.From digital management to greater administrative efficiencyAccording to Nguyễn Văn Thêm, deputy director of the Bắc Ninh Department of Education and Training, the province’s education sector has undergone comprehensive digital transformation in recent years.It is gradually moving away from isolated applications of information technology towards managing education, delivering lessons and providing educational services through digital platforms and data.To date, all educational institutions have their own websites. School management systems, sector-wide databases, online admissions, cashless payments, online learning and digital examinations are also being increasingly adopted.Online admissions are now available for preschool and grades 1, 6 and 10. Electronic school records have been introduced in general and continuing education, while data on students, staff and facilities are gradually being standardised, verified and connected to support management and administration.At individual educational institutions, digital transformation is helping address practical management challenges.Nguyễn Thanh Tuấn, principal of Phúc Hòa Secondary School, said that after three former schools were merged to form the new institution, it had to manage facilities located up to 6km apart. The Department of Education and Training’s shared database allows information on students, teachers and other staff to be managed on a unified software platform, making administration more efficient.Phúc Hòa Secondary School has fully adopted electronic records. Grade books, school records and lesson plans are approved and digitally signed through the system. The school has also introduced blended learning, with some lessons conducted online, providing an additional channel for teachers, students and parents to exchange assignments, communicate and provide feedback.At Yên Dũng 1 High School, digital transformation has been applied to both management and professional activities. The school has stepped up the updating and use of the sector’s database. Teachers have received training in using AI tools for teaching and management, while students have been taught how to use digital technology safely and effectively.Chu Văn Thuận, deputy principal of Yên Dũng 1 High School, said the school had been digitalising documents ranging from grade books and school records to lesson plans and educational plans. Technology not only supports document storage but is also changing how work is organised at the school.In 2026, Bắc Ninh provided training for more than 56,000 education officials and teachers, while more than 704,000 students and nearly 187,000 parents of preschool children received training and information through the learning management system. The education sector is preparing to introduce single sign-on, develop a shared repository of digital learning resources and expand the use of AI.Thêm stressed the need to change awareness, management approaches and working methods across the sector. He said digital transformation must be linked to the responsibilities of agency and institution heads and measured through concrete results and practical effectiveness.Expanding learning spaces and encouraging innovative teachingWhile digital data is changing the way education is managed, technology is also bringing noticeable changes to teaching and learning in the classroom.Thuận said that as AI continued to develop, students needed guidance on how to approach and use the technology effectively. Schools must also change their testing and assessment methods, moving away from questions that rely on rote learning towards those that assess students’ thinking skills. Technology can also help teachers better understand individual students’ abilities and select suitable teaching methods.Ngụy Thị Hòa, a geography teacher at Yên Dũng 1 High School, said teachers previously had to spend considerable time designing lessons, preparing materials and developing teaching ideas. Technology and AI have made these tasks easier, giving teachers more time to care for and support their students.<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2026/9/15/530278_5587156858342823_vna_potal_chuyen_doi_so_gop_phan_nang_cao_chat_luong_giao_duc_tai_bac_ninh__9023347.jpeg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Teacher Ngụy Thị Hòa guides the school’s geography team in applying technology to learning. VNA/VNS Photo Danh Lam</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>Under the blended-learning model, students can study at home with the support of technology before presenting their findings, discussing ideas and solving problems in class. This gives teachers more opportunities to assess each student’s actual understanding and ability to apply knowledge, rather than relying solely on work generated by AI.Despite the positive results of digital transformation, Bắc Ninh still faces several challenges.At Yên Dũng 1 High School, for example, some teaching equipment remains inadequate or incompatible, while some teachers make only limited use of AI and other digital tools. Older teachers may find it difficult to adopt new technologies, while the financial circumstances of some students’ families can limit their access to digital devices.Nguyễn Thanh Tuấn, principal of Phúc Hòa Secondary School, said that in rural areas, not every student had a personal device for online learning, and some had to share a phone with their parents. The school therefore had to work closely with families to arrange suitable study schedules.In response to these challenges, Bắc Ninh’s education sector has identified improving educational quality and ensuring equal learning opportunities as the ultimate goals of digital transformation. It will continue to upgrade infrastructure, integrate software systems, develop shared databases and digital learning repositories, and expand electronic school records, online admissions and cashless payments. It will also focus on information security, personal data protection and the responsible use of AI.Thêm stressed that students needed to develop the skills to master technology, think independently and use AI responsibly. They should know how to ask questions, verify information, identify inaccuracies, protect personal data, respect copyright and refrain from using AI to cheat in their studies.From school administration to classroom teaching, digital transformation is gradually changing how Bắc Ninh’s education sector operates and delivers education.However, further progress will require continued improvements to digital infrastructure, data systems and learning resources, together with stronger digital skills among education staff, narrower gaps in access to technology and robust data security. — VNS

Shared databases, electronic records, online admissions and AI are improving school management and classroom teaching in Bắc Ninh, although gaps in infrastructure, digital skills and access to devices remain.

Digital transformation reshapes education in Bắc Ninh

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2026/9/17/530655_5588045001964101_vna_potal_lam_dong_hoc_sinh_tang_toc_on_tap_chuan_bi_cho_ky_thi_tot_nghiep_thpt_nam_2026_8772957.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>An lesson at Hàm Thắng Boarding School for Ethnic Minority Students in Lâm Đồng. — VNA/VNS Photo Hồng Hiếu</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>LÂM ĐỒNG — Lâm Đồng will introduce artificial intelligence (AI) education for students across the province in the 2026–2027 academic year, following a pilot programme at 47 schools in the previous academic year.The programme will provide 12 core AI education periods for each grade per academic year. Schools will have flexibility in delivering the content through thematic lessons, integration into existing subjects and educational activities, as well as additional activities tailored to students’ needs.AI integrated into school subjectsDuring the 2025–2026 academic year, Lâm Đồng piloted AI education at 47 schools, comprising 16 primary schools, 16 lower secondary schools and 15 upper secondary schools. All administrators and key teachers at participating schools completed training in accordance with guidance from the Ministry of Education and Training.According to the provincial Department of Education and Training, most schools chose to integrate AI content into existing subjects, particularly Informatics. Lessons covered data, algorithms, computational thinking, AI tools and principles for the safe and responsible use of AI.Some schools also incorporated AI into Mathematics, Literature, English, Natural Sciences, History, Geography, Civic Education and experiential activities.Schools organised thematic sessions, AI, STEM, Informatics and Robotics clubs, technology days, AI forums and competitions to develop AI-powered products. Activities covered a range of topics, from identifying AI applications and writing prompts to using chatbots for learning, understanding AI ethics, protecting personal data and using AI responsibly.The pilot showed that students were more engaged in practical activities, hands-on experiences and AI-related projects. Many learned to use AI tools to support their studies, prepare presentations, design products and complete project-based tasks.They also began developing skills to verify information and assess the reliability of AI-generated results.For teachers, the pilot helped shift perceptions of AI from a simple support tool to a means of improving teaching methods, personalising learning and assisting with assessment.Trần Minh Hải, Principal of Trần Hưng Đạo High School for the Gifted, said students had shown strong interest and actively participated in lessons, thematic sessions and practical activities involving AI tools.He added that teachers had also gradually developed a better understanding of AI education and become more proactive in adopting new teaching methods and organising technology-related activities.From pilot to wider rolloutBased on the pilot results, the provincial Department of Education and Training has developed a plan to introduce AI education across schools from the 2026–2027 academic year.Phan Thanh Hải, Deputy Director of the department, said the programme aimed to equip students with basic AI knowledge and practical skills, while helping them understand and assess the role of the technology in learning and daily life.It also seeks to develop essential qualities and competencies, strengthen students’ critical thinking and information-verification skills, and promote the safe, ethical and responsible use of AI. At the same time, it will support the implementation of the national general education programme and innovation in teaching, learning and assessment.The initiative is also expected to encourage independent learning and creativity among students, Hải said.The AI education programme will consist of two components: core and extended content. The core component will include 12 periods for each grade per academic year, covering essential AI knowledge and skills that students can apply directly to their studies and educational activities. Schools will determine the extended content based on students’ needs and their own conditions.AI education will be delivered in three forms: thematic lessons covering the core content; integration into school subjects and educational activities; and additional activities for students who wish to explore AI in greater depth.Thematic AI lessons will be included in schools’ two-session-per-day education plans and tailored to different groups of students without creating additional academic pressure. Integrating AI into existing subjects will neither change nor increase the required learning outcomes of those subjects or educational activities.Alongside technological knowledge and skills, the programme will emphasise the safe, ethical and responsible use of AI.The rollout, however, faces several challenges. Some schools in remote and mountainous areas, as well as those with large ethnic minority student populations, still have limited computer facilities, equipment and internet connectivity. Teachers’ AI capabilities also remain uneven, according to the department.To ensure effective implementation, the Department of Education and Training has asked schools to participate in training and provide further professional development for all administrators and teachers. Schools must incorporate AI education into their annual education plans and provide the required 12 core periods for each grade per academic year.They must also secure the resources needed for two-session-per-day education, including staff, funding, facilities, equipment, learning materials, maintenance and technical support. — VNS

The programme will provide 12 core AI education periods per grade each academic year, while chools will have flexibility in delivering the content through thematic lessons, integration into subjects and educational activities, as well as activities based on students' needs.

Lâm Đồng rolls out AI education for school students

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2026/8/30/526988_khcn.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>People works at the TAZMO Việt Nam Company in the Long Hậu Industrial Park, Tây Ninh Province. Resolution No 19 sets out the renewal of Việt Nam’s development model, taking science, technology, innovation and high-quality human resources as key driving forces. — VNA/VNS Photo Thành Phương</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>HÀ NỘI — International cooperation in science and technology enables Việt Nam not only to absorb advanced knowledge and technologies, but also to accelerate development, helping enhance national competitiveness.The Party Central Committee's Resolution No. 19-NQ/TW, dated July 28 this year, on renovating Việt Nam’s development model, calls for special mechanisms to attract multinational corporations, research organisations and international talent to participate in science and technology programmes in Việt Nam.Amid the implementation of Politburo Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science and technology, innovation and national digital transformation, and Resolution No. 59-NQ/TW on international integration, international partnerships will expand and strengthen Việt Nam’s scientific and technological capacity.Building, connecting, and effectively leveraging international scientific networks will enable Vietnamese science to reach the world while bringing global expertise to Việt Nam to jointly conduct research and address major national development challenges.In recent years, Vietnamese research institutions have stepped up international cooperation and achieved notable results. Last year, the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) signed 51 international cooperation agreements at academy and affiliated-unit levels, focusing on such key areas as space technology, materials science, energy, data science, and environmental science.VAST is also implementing 45 cooperation tasks and preparing 57 new ones for 2026-29. These programmes have enabled Vietnamese scientists to access advanced research directions, improve their expertise, and gradually acquire and master new technologies.Last year, VAST hosted 27 international delegations, helping promote scientific cooperation and technology transfer, particularly in strategic technology fields. It also actively participated in international science organisations, contributing to Việt Nam’s greater engagement in global scientific programmes.Meanwhile, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU), organised 93 international conferences, seminars, forums and lectures last year, attracting nearly 700 leading experts and scientists from around the world. These academic activities helped strengthen staff capacity, improve the quality of education and research, and raise VNU’s international standing.VNU has also been invited to join leading international alliances and networks in artificial intelligence and digital transformation, recognised as an equal partner in the global scientific community. One example is the AI Alliance Network, which brings together 17 international AI associations from 14 countries, with more than 7,000 members and partners.Despite these achievements, experts say international science and technology cooperation still falls short of current requirements. Many programmes and projects remain focused on academic exchanges and have yet to be closely linked to market needs. Financial and intellectual property protection mechanisms remain fragmented, while procedures for bringing in foreign experts and research equipment can be cumbersome.International cooperation should therefore shift decisively from signing agreements to building genuine domestic capacity in research and development (R&amp;D), talent, data, computing infrastructure, technology transfer and markets.Prof. Dr. Trần Hồng Thái, President of VAST, said the development of international scientific networks should be pursued through four closely linked lines of action.Vietnamese scientists should have more chances to work directly at global hubs where new knowledge and technologies are created. To truly master advanced technologies, Việt Nam can’t just receive finished products; it needs to get involved early in major international programmes, labs, and research facilities. This way, Vietnamese scientists can become active members of the global community shaping the technologies of the future.Vietnamese scientists should also be encouraged to join international scientific organisations and gradually take on leadership roles, contributing to agenda-setting, research priorities, initiatives, standards and decisions on the allocation of international scientific resources.Alongside sending Vietnamese researchers abroad for training and collaboration, Việt Nam should create favourable conditions for international scientists to work in the country, train local talent and jointly address specific scientific and technological challenges.This requires attractive funding mechanisms, research facilities and working conditions, as well as resources to recruit leading experts, ensure adequate laboratories and research teams, and streamline administrative procedures.Việt Nam should also take the initiative in organising international conferences, forums, scientific schools and specialised workshops. These events should focus on areas where Việt Nam has strengths or strategic needs, with the aim of developing joint research programmes, collaborative teams and long-term scientific initiatives, said the expert. — VNA/VNS

Building, connecting, and effectively leveraging international scientific networks will enable Vietnamese science to reach the world while bringing global expertise to Việt Nam.

Optimising int’l science-technology cooperation to enhance national competitiveness

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2026/9/1/526825_5571715440512798_image.png" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>A tech product displayed at VILOG 2025. — VNA/VNS Photo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam is shifting the implementation of its landmark science and technology strategy from building institutional frameworks towards delivering commercially viable technologies and measurable products, with strategic technologies and greater business participation at the centre of the next phase.After more than one year and eight months of implementing Politburo Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW, changes have become increasingly evident in policy awareness, institutional development and implementation, according to the Ministry of Science and Technology.While the initial phase focused largely on policies, mechanisms and fundamental conditions, the ministry said implementation had now entered a new stage centred on programmes, specific tasks and tangible outcomes.A major development has been the establishment, for the first time, of a list of 10 strategic technology groups and 30 strategic technology product groups, accompanied by a new approach to organising technology development tasks.Rather than spreading resources across individual technological fields, the new approach concentrates investment on addressing major challenges facing the country, industries and localities.Each strategic technology task is expected to identify from the outset its objectives and expected outcomes, the core technologies to be mastered, participating businesses, intended applications and a pathway towards commercialisation.The approach marks a shift from investing primarily in research towards developing strategic technology products, while gradually strengthening Việt Nam’s capacity to master core technologies and enhance national technological autonomy.The ministry is also restructuring science, technology and innovation programmes to create a more streamlined and interconnected process spanning basic research through to commercialisation. Businesses will be placed at the centre, with development challenges determining research priorities and practical products and effectiveness becoming key measures of investment outcomes.Meanwhile, investment in digital infrastructure, data and national digital platforms is supporting the development of digital government, the digital economy and digital society, as well as emerging technologies including artificial intelligence and big data.<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2026/9/1/526826_5571716439084352_image.png" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Researchers at a lab in the Ho Chi Minh City Strategic Technology Development Centre. — VNA/VNS Photo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>However, the ministry’s office said the main bottleneck in implementing Resolution 57 was no longer primarily a lack of policies or mechanisms.Instead, the challenge has shifted towards implementation and the ability to translate policies into tangible products and measurable results.Mobilising private resources, particularly corporate investment in research and development and innovation, remains limited. Links between research institutes, universities and businesses are still insufficient, while many research results have yet to be commercialised.The strategic technology programme itself also presents new implementation challenges.As the approach is being applied for the first time, mechanisms covering financing, commissioning, funding, contracting and programme management are still being refined.Some ministries and agencies have also faced difficulties in defining expected outputs, identifying core technologies, assessing investment efficiency and developing commercialisation plans. Testing, inspection and certification capacity for certain strategic technologies also needs further development.For the remainder of 2026, the ministry has identified the development of tangible technologies and products for socio-economic development as a priority.It plans to complete the national science, technology and innovation programme, particularly its strategic technology component, while refining mechanisms for funding, commissioning, contracting and programme management.Strategic technology development tasks will be accelerated with the aim of creating the first Vietnamese-branded strategic technology products.At the same time, science, technology and innovation programmes will continue to be restructured to concentrate resources on strategic technologies, key national products and major development challenges.Co-investment and co-financing mechanisms will be promoted to increase business participation throughout the process, from research to commercialisation.The ministry will also prioritise research infrastructure, national key laboratories, digital and data infrastructure and the science and technology market, while helping localities identify strategic technology challenges based on practical needs.The next phase will focus on measurable outcomes, greater mastery of core technologies, Vietnamese-branded strategic technology products and the development of technology enterprises capable of taking leading roles in the market. — BIZHUB/VNS

The next phase will focus on measurable outcomes, greater mastery of core technologies, Vietnamese-branded strategic technology products and the development of technology enterprises capable of taking leading roles in the market.

Việt Nam shifts Resolution 57 focus from policy to strategic technology products

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2026/9/1/526756_vien-thong-1a.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Technicians install and check telecommunications equipment at a mobile base transceiver station (BTS). — VNA/VNS Photos</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>HÀ NỘI — The Ministry of Science and Technology has issued Consolidated Document No. 09/2026/VBHN-TT-BKHCN, bringing together Circular No. 07/2020/TT-BTTTT, dated April 13, 2020, and subsequent amendments concerning the inspection of telecommunications equipment and radio stations.The document incorporates amendments introduced by Decision No. 1665/QĐ-BTTTT, dated October 22, 2021, and Circular No. 21/2026/TT-BKHCN, dated May 20, 2026.One framework, easier complianceThe consolidation is intended to make the legal framework more consistent while providing a clearer and more transparent basis for management, in line with broader efforts to reform administrative procedures and develop national digital infrastructure.For businesses, inspection requirements have become spread across several documents as regulations have been amended and supplemented over time. Bringing the applicable provisions into a single document is expected to make it easier for telecommunications operators, inspection organisations, infrastructure providers and regulators to identify and apply the rules currently in force.Importantly, the consolidation does not introduce requirements beyond those already promulgated. Instead, it brings existing provisions together, reducing the risk of conflicting interpretations and helping improve transparency and enforcement.The move is also in line with the Government's broader push to decentralise and simplify administrative procedures and eliminate unnecessary requirements.Faster procedures, clearer responsibilitiesOne of the most notable aspects of the document is the incorporation of administrative reforms introduced under Circular No. 21/2026/TT-BKHCN.Under the updated procedure, within three working days of receiving a complete and valid application, the inspection organisation must notify the applicant in writing that the dossier has been accepted and provide information on the appraisal fee.Once the business has fulfilled its financial obligations, the appraisal and issuance of an inspection certificate must be completed within 11 working days.If shortcomings are identified in the dossier, the inspection organisation must clearly notify the business so that the necessary amendments can be made within eight working days. After the supplementary documents are received, the inspection certificate must be processed within a further five working days.The regulations also clarify the responsibilities of the parties if a business fails to complete its dossier within the prescribed period.Another provision sets a five-working-day deadline for payment of the appraisal fee from the date the business receives notification. Failure to pay within this period may result in the inspection organisation declining to carry out the appraisal.The clearer deadlines are expected to prevent applications from remaining unresolved for extended periods while placing greater responsibility on businesses to complete administrative procedures on time.The regulations also continue to encourage voluntary inspection of equipment that is not subject to mandatory inspection. This reflects a shift away from purely administrative control towards an approach based more on technical standards, quality and businesses' own compliance responsibilities.Preparing for next-generation networks<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2026/9/1/527053_Vien%20thong.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>A telecommunications technician checks cables and restores connections in an area affected by a landslide in Đà Nẵng City’s Trà Tân Commune.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>As Việt Nam moves rapidly towards 5G and other advanced digital infrastructure, inspection requirements are taking on greater importance.The expansion of high-density base stations, high-speed transmission systems and high-power radio equipment has increased the need to ensure technical safety and compliance with electromagnetic-field exposure limits.The regulations specify cases requiring initial inspection, re-inspection and unscheduled inspection. Re-inspection is required when equipment's technical parameters are changed beyond permitted limits or when changes in surrounding construction conditions affect electromagnetic-field exposure safety.At the same time, businesses are not required to undergo re-inspection if equipment is modified within permitted technical parameters and continues to meet certified safety limits.The approach is intended to keep regulatory oversight proportionate to actual risks, protecting public safety without imposing unnecessary compliance costs on businesses.Digital infrastructure gets a regulatory boostBeyond its technical provisions, the consolidated document has broader implications for the development of Việt Nam's telecommunications sector.A clearer and more consistent inspection process can help businesses deploy networks more quickly by reducing administrative delays before equipment is put into operation. This, in turn, can support faster investment in next-generation telecommunications networks.The regulations also clarify the responsibilities of regulators, inspection organisations and businesses, while requiring inspection databases, public disclosure of relevant information and online updates of inspection and measurement results. These measures are expected to strengthen transparency and oversight while supporting digital transformation in State management.The framework is particularly relevant to the implementation of Politburo Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW, which identifies breakthroughs in science and technology, innovation and national digital transformation as key drivers of the country's development.Reliable telecommunications networks are fundamental to these goals. Digital government, the digital economy, smart cities, smart manufacturing and the Internet of Things all depend on infrastructure that is not only fast and widely accessible but also technically safe and reliable.Against this backdrop, inspection based on national technical regulations provides an important safeguard, helping ensure that equipment entering operation meets requirements for quality, safety and technical compatibility.As Việt Nam seeks to strengthen its digital capabilities, telecommunications infrastructure will remain a foundation for wider digital development.A modern, transparent and efficient inspection framework therefore goes beyond administrative reform. By reducing unnecessary procedural burdens while maintaining essential safety requirements, it can support faster network deployment, improve business competitiveness and contribute to the development of Việt Nam's next-generation digital infrastructure. — VNS

A newly consolidated regulatory document is expected to streamline the inspection of telecommunications equipment and radio stations, making requirements easier to understand and apply while shortening processing times and reducing compliance costs. The changes also introduce a more risk-based approach to support the development of next-generation digital infrastructure.

Clearer telecom inspection rules aim to speed up network deployment

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/MediaUpload/Org/2026/08/21/08202621150653_IMG_8725.JPG" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Participants at a policy dialogue titled 'Child Protection in the Digital Environment: Legal Frameworks and Practice of Implementation' in Hà Nội on August 21 morning. — VNS Photo Nguyễn Hằng</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam’s legal framework for protecting children online needs to be further reviewed and improved, while law enforcement must also be strengthened to ensure greater effectiveness, according to Minister of Justice Hoàng Thanh Tùng.Minister Tùng made the statement on Friday morning in Hà Nội at a policy dialogue titled 'Child Protection in the Digital Environment: Legal Frameworks and Practice of Implementation'.The policy dialogue was held under the European Union-funded EU JULE II Project on Strengthening the Rule of Law and Justice in Việt Nam for the 2026–30 period.According to the justice minister, Việt Nam has been developing a legal framework to protect children in the digital environment, with relevant provisions in a wide range of legal documents covering children’s rights, criminal law, criminal procedures, cybersecurity, personal data protection and the management and provision of internet services.Protecting children in the digital environment is no longer simply a matter of theoretical warnings, nor is it the sole responsibility of any individual or group of organisations.“It has become an urgent national and global imperative, requiring a whole-of-society effort and the highest level of shared responsibility,” Tùng said.Addressing the dialogue, EU Ambassador to Việt Nam Julien Guerrier said the discussion was “both timely and necessary”, noting that while children are benefiting from digital technologies in unprecedented ways, they are also increasingly exposed to new and evolving forms of harm.“That demands stronger laws, better implementation and closer cooperation across institutions and sectors,” he said.The policy dialogue was organised under the EU JULE II programme, the EU’s flagship initiative supporting Việt Nam’s justice sector.Ambassador Julien said the programme represents a strong and growing partnership between the EU and Việt Nam, reflected in the recent elevation of bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.The programme is not just a financial contribution, but a practical expression of the EU's long-term partnership with Việt Nam to strengthen justice sector reform, the diplomat remarked“Every child has the right to safety, dignity, privacy, participation, development and access to justice. In the digital environment, these rights must be upheld just as firmly as in the offline world,” Julien added.“We are committed to supporting efforts that strengthen the justice sector, uphold children’s rights and build a safer digital environment for every child.”Silvia Danailov, UNICEF Representative in Việt Nam, noted that digital technologies are transforming children’s lives, creating new opportunities while also exposing them to risks such as cyberbullying, online exploitation and privacy violations.“Every child has the right to participate in the digital world safely. UNICEF remains committed to supporting Việt Nam in advancing laws and policies that protect children’s rights in the digital age,” she said.<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2026/8/21/525044_IMG_8736.JPG" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Minister of Justice Hoàng Thanh Tùng delivers a speech at the policy dialogue in Hà Nội on Friday morning. — VNS Photo Nguyễn Hằng</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>At the dialogue, delegates discussed the current legal framework and orientations for further improvement, as well as the responsibilities of digital platforms and technology companies, protection of children’s personal data, handling of online child abuse, electronic evidence, child-friendly justice and mechanisms for inter-agency and international cooperation.Discussions and recommendations put forward at the event are expected to provide useful reference material for relevant authorities as they continue to review and improve legislation and enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement to protect children in the digital environment.The Ministry of Justice also reaffirmed its commitment to continued cooperation with Vietnamese agencies and organisations and international partners, including the EU and UNICEF, to help create a safe, healthy and child-friendly digital environment where children’s rights and best interests are effectively protected.In Việt Nam, the 2022 ‘Disrupting Harm’ study by ECPAT, INTERPOL and UNICEF found that 89 per cent of children aged 12-17 were internet users, and that 2 per cent of children aged 15-17 reported having exchanged sexual images or videos for money or gifts.Việt Nam has demonstrated strong leadership in international efforts to combat cybercrime and protect children online.In April, Việt Nam became the second country in the world to ratify the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime (the 'Hanoi Convention'), a landmark treaty that addresses online child sexual abuse and exploitation material, online grooming and other cybercrimes.This milestone underscores the country’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation and enhancing protection for children in the digital environment.— VNS

Minister of Justice Hoàng Thanh Tùng said protecting children in the digital environment has become an urgent national and global imperative, requiring a whole-of-society effort and the highest level of shared responsibility.

Việt Nam needs stronger laws, enforcement to protect children online

<figure class="image"><img src="https://api.blue-wave.vn/images/6c98fe9ec5926c09cb71a0c38f30aeea_20241107075624.jpg"></figure>The work of most organizations would slow to a crawl without functioning IT systems.Bluewave provides computer-related support, including installation and maintenance of servers and desktop hardware and software; computer equipment standards; equipment and technical support for conferences and meetings; the infrastructure for enterprise resource planning applications and other office automation applications; internet access and file-sharing services; e-mail and groupware services; security for application and server data and protection for the computer environment from viruses, hackers and similar threats.

The work of most organizations would slow to a crawl without functioning IT systems.Bluewave provides computer-related support, including installation and maintenance of servers and desktop hardware and software; computer equipment standards; equipment and technical support for conferences and meetings; the infrastructure for enterprise resource planning applications and other office automation applications; internet access and file-sharing services; e-mail and groupware services; security for application and server data and protection for the computer environment from viruses, hackers and similar threats.

Information Technology (IT)

We’ve been helping brands develop and define their voice since 2019. The times may have changed, but our love for creativity and problem-solving hasn't. We’re driven by technology and innovation to ensure we fulfill our key mission of helping our clients find their successful future.&nbsp;Searching for a professional consultant? Do not lose any time and send Bluewave&nbsp;an email. Because we&nbsp;will provide an incredible aid for your event promotion or your logistics management activities.<figure class="image"><img src="https://api.blue-wave.vn/images/c4ca4238a0b923820dcc509a6f75849b(2)_20241107075544.jpg"></figure>​ Bluewave partners with leaders in business and society to tackle their most important challenges and capture their greatest opportunities.&nbsp;To succeed, organizations must blend digital and human capabilities. Bluewave’s diverse, professional teams bring deep industry and functional expertise and a range of perspectives to spark change through leading-edge management consulting as well as data science, technology and design, digital ventures, and business purpose.&nbsp;We work in a uniquely collaborative model across the firm and throughout all levels of the client organization to deliver results that help our clients thrive.MissionOur mission is to gather and verify the hard data, expert insights, and actionable advice that you need to build your brand and grow your business – to provide the practical business wisdom that manifests in your success.Contact us if you&nbsp;want:<ul><li>Uncover the answers to your most pressing business questions by surveying business decision-makers and consumers</li><li>Advance your business savvy by gathering the latest business insights, trends, and news</li><li>Help you find the right business services to execute on a big project</li><li>Inspire you with stories of successes and creative problem solving</li></ul>&nbsp;What we believeWhether you want to advance an idea, a capability, or the world at large, Bluewave is with you every step of the way. We excel in the business of human potential, and believe in its power to shape strategic, organizational, economic, societal change, and beyond.Get in touch so that we can kickstart your branding today. <a href="https://api.blue-wave.vn/document/BLUEWAVE%20DA%20FIX_20250310034645.pdf">Corporate capability statement</a>

We’ve been helping brands develop and define their voice since 2019. The times may have changed, but our love for creativity and problem-solving hasn't. We’re driven by technology and innovation to ensure we fulfill our key mission of helping our clients find their successful future.&nbsp;Searching for a professional consultant? Do not lose any time and send Bluewave&nbsp;an email. Because we&nbsp;will provide an incredible aid for your event promotion or your logistics management activities.

About

<figure class="image"><img src="https://api.blue-wave.vn/images/b2f5ff47436671b6e533d8dc3614845d (1)_20241107075645.jpg"></figure>Content can be informational, funny, inspiring or persuasive. But most importantly, it needs to align with your business goals and digital strategy. It connects your business with this audience and nurtures them to the sale – before finally closing the deal and retaining them for another. &nbsp;Bluewave helps you create the right content to promote your business. Our content creation services are integrated into your digital marketing strategy and focus on achieving outcomes – building a brand, converting sales or retaining customers.

Content can be informational, funny, inspiring or persuasive. But most importantly, it needs to align with your business goals and digital strategy. It connects your business with this audience and nurtures them to the sale – before finally closing the deal and retaining them for another. &nbsp;Bluewave helps you create the right content to promote your business. Our content creation services are integrated into your digital marketing strategy and focus on achieving outcomes – building a brand, converting sales or retaining customers.

Content creation

What we do

NEWS

<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://api.blue-wave.vn/images/c81e728d9d4c2f636f067f89cc14862c(1)_20241107075658.jpg"></figure>Companies which are aiming to grow internationally and expand into global markets need to develop a business plan for their Indirect Channel to reach their potential buyers and to achieve this they must contact those Partners which best adapt to their company’s aims and strategy.At Bluewave, we can guide and assist you in developing a strategy that will help you stand out in the crowd and establish yourself as a valuable asset to both hosting partners and clients alike.&nbsp;Bluewave will grow your network of resellers while strengthening relationships with existing ones. Our distribution channel development strategies help you to connect with more resellers and to maximise the value of your existing relationships.&nbsp;Benefits of Bluewave's Channel Development:<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Increase sales beyond the reach of your salesforce in a variety of markets and segments.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Development of an efficient approach to potential markets.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Investment in partners with the greatest chance of success.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Grow your reputation throughout the territory.</li></ul>If you’re ready to focus on channel development marketing, get in touch with our team today. We’ll be with you every step of the way.

Companies which are aiming to grow internationally and expand into global markets need to develop a business plan for their Indirect Channel to reach their potential buyers and to achieve this they must contact those Partners which best adapt to their company’s aims and strategy.At Bluewave, we can guide and assist you in developing a strategy that will help you stand out in the crowd and establish yourself as a valuable asset to both hosting partners and clients alike.&nbsp;Bluewave will grow your network of resellers while strengthening relationships with existing ones. Our distribution channel development strategies help you to connect with more resellers and to maximise the value of your existing relationships.&nbsp;Benefits of Bluewave's Channel Development:<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Increase sales beyond the reach of your salesforce in a variety of markets and segments.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Development of an efficient approach to potential markets.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Investment in partners with the greatest chance of success.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Grow your reputation throughout the territory.</li></ul>If you’re ready to focus on channel development marketing, get in touch with our team today. We’ll be with you every step of the way.

Channel development

&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://api.blue-wave.vn/images/8ce4b16b22b58894aa86c421e8759df3_20241107075725.jpg"></figure>We analyse data to discover how your digital assets really work. Then through testing and adjustment, we'll make them work harder for your business.Website optimisation is a central part of a digital strategy. Because in the digital world, nothing is permanent. Your business changes. The market changes. Technology changes. And customers change.Optimisation works in tandem with your other digital services. We analyse website analytics. Run user tests. And employ best-practice conversion tactics. All these combine with marketing and development to help you reach your business goals.

We analyse data to discover how your digital assets really work. Then through testing and adjustment, we'll make them work harder for your business.Website optimisation is a central part of a digital strategy. Because in the digital world, nothing is permanent. Your business changes. The market changes. Technology changes. And customers change.Optimisation works in tandem with your other digital services. We analyse website analytics. Run user tests. And employ best-practice conversion tactics. All these combine with marketing and development to help you reach your business goals.

Website optimization

<figure class="image"><img src="https://api.blue-wave.vn/images/d95679752134a2d9eb61dbd7b91c4bcc (1)_20241107075802.jpg"></figure>Our management consulting services focus on our clients' most critical issues and opportunities: strategy, marketing, organization, operations, technology, transformation, digital, advanced analytics, corporate finance, mergers &amp; acquisitions and sustainability across all industries and geographies.Bluewave brings deep, functional expertise, but are known for our holistic perspective:- We capture value across boundaries and between the silos of any organization.- We have proven a multiplier effect from optimizing the sum of the parts, not just the individual pieces.

Our management consulting services focus on our clients' most critical issues and opportunities: strategy, marketing, organization, operations, technology, transformation, digital, advanced analytics, corporate finance, mergers &amp; acquisitions and sustainability across all industries and geographies.Bluewave brings deep, functional expertise, but are known for our holistic perspective:- We capture value across boundaries and between the silos of any organization.- We have proven a multiplier effect from optimizing the sum of the parts, not just the individual pieces.

Consulting services

<figure class="image"><img src="https://api.blue-wave.vn/images/11d8c28a64490a987612f2332502467f (1)_20241107075814.jpg"></figure>In today’s business environment, strategy is more important than ever.At Bluewave, we offer creative solutions that have helped thousands of companies develop and execute winning strategies that create more value in their business. We work collaboratively with you, so you can:- Achieve sustained, profitable growth.- Develop a corporate strategy that supports end-to-end value creation, taking advantage of our broad expertise and world-class capabilities in business strategy, corporate finance, Micro-battles System, private equity transactions, organization and more.- Lead your company to its full potential, today and in the future, by making key decisions on where to play and how to win in your core business as you also build new engines of growth.- Develop digital strategies that align with your core strategy and propel you to a leadership position as digital reshapes your industry.- Leverage the power of proven tools and techniques that facilitate nimble experimentation and quick-hit problem resolution, recapturing the insurgent mindset that powered your company in its early days. Combine the talents of your commercially oriented and creative team members, the doers and the dreamers, to conceive and execute the bold new ideas that will fuel your strategy.

In today’s business environment, strategy is more important than ever.At Bluewave, we offer creative solutions that have helped thousands of companies develop and execute winning strategies that create more value in their business. We work collaboratively with you, so you can:- Achieve sustained, profitable growth.- Develop a corporate strategy that supports end-to-end value creation, taking advantage of our broad expertise and world-class capabilities in business strategy, corporate finance, Micro-battles System, private equity transactions, organization and more.- Lead your company to its full potential, today and in the future, by making key decisions on where to play and how to win in your core business as you also build new engines of growth.- Develop digital strategies that align with your core strategy and propel you to a leadership position as digital reshapes your industry.- Leverage the power of proven tools and techniques that facilitate nimble experimentation and quick-hit problem resolution, recapturing the insurgent mindset that powered your company in its early days. Combine the talents of your commercially oriented and creative team members, the doers and the dreamers, to conceive and execute the bold new ideas that will fuel your strategy.