Politburo member Vo Van Thuong, head of the Party Central Committee's Communication and Education Commission, presents the VUSTA’s certificates of merit for outstanding intellectuals. (Photo: Phuong Hoa/VNA)

Addressing Friday’s ceremony in Hanoi, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam acknowledged the contributions by intellectuals and encouraged them to do more for national industrialization and modernization.

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam presents the Prime Minister’s certificates of merit to the most outstanding scientists. (Photo: Phuong Hoa/VNA)

Mr. Dam said: “The honored intellectuals are bright examples for everybody to follow. The government hopes that the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations, its branches, and intellectuals themselves will make more efforts and be role models. Intellectuals should continue to advise the Party and State in policy making for national development and defense.”

46 of the 53 honored intellectuals are associate professors, professors, and doctors.