Vietnamese students won 20 medals at the 2021 International Mathematics and Science Olympiad (IMSO). (Photo: VNA)

Since 2016, 174 Vietnamese students have participated at regional and global Olympiads winning 54 gold medals, 68 silver medals, 40 bronze medals, and 8 certificates of merit. Competition teams in Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, and Computer Science have done well in the competitions. Minister of Education and Training Phung Xuan Nha said, 'The achievements of Vietnam’s national teams at regional and global Olympiads have improved remarkably. In 2017, they won a record 14 gold medals. Their achievements have inspired young Vietnamese to put Vietnam on a par with other countries.'

In 2020, Vietnamese national teams participated in online international Olympiads in mathematics, chemistry, biology, and informatics and the Asia-Pacific Informatics Olympiad. The 24 students brought home 9 gold medals, 8 silver, 5 bronze, and 2 certificates of merit and were applauded at home and abroad. At the 2020 International Chemistry Olympiad, the Vietnamese team finished second behind the US in gold medals. This was Vietnam’s highest finish ever in the competition.

Ha Vu Huyen Linh of Hanoi National University’s High School for Gifted Students of Science, who won a bronze medal at the 2020 International Biology Olympiad, said, 'I’m proud that my efforts paid off and I have contributed partly to lifting Vietnam to the international level. This result helped me realize my dream of studying at the Hanoi University of Medicine. I will do my best to be worthy of what the State and my teachers have given me.'

Vietnam’s achievements at international Olympiads have been due to great efforts on the part of students and teachers and dramatic reforms in the education sector in identifying and fostering gifted students. Vietnam is entering a new period of ambitious economic goals. This will require the education sector to give students the knowledge, skills, and creativity needed to contribute to national development.