On the morning of December 30, 2024, at the International Convention Center, General Secretary To Lam chaired a national meeting of representatives of intellectuals and scientists. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of National Economics University (NEU), was one of 15 scientists in the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) delegation attending the meeting.

An overview of the meeting

Also attending the meeting were Tran Cam Tu, Politburo member, Permanent Member of the Secretariat and Chairman of the Central Inspection Commission; Nguyen Trong Nghia, Head of the Central Commission for Information and Education, and Le Minh Hung, Head of the Central Organization Commission, both Politburo members and Secretaries of the Party Central Committee; Nguyen Xuan Thang, Politburo member, Director of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics and Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council; Nguyen Duy Ngoc, Chief of the Party Central Committee Office, and Le Hoai Trung, Head of the Central Commission for External Relations, both Secretaries of the Party Central Committee; Bui Thanh Son, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Nguyen Thi Thanh, Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly, both members of the Party Central Committee; Nguyen Kim Son, Minister of Education and Training; and others. They were joined by leadership representatives from central commissions, ministries, sectors and agencies, research institutes, universities and mass organizations in science and technology, education and training, along with 200 representatives of intellectuals and scientists with significant achievements and contributions who work in research, application, education and training across the country. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of NEU, represented the NEU teaching community as part of the 15-member MOET delegation attending the meeting.

General Secretary To Lam addresses the meeting

Speaking at the meeting, General Secretary To Lam affirmed that intellectuals and scientists had made particularly important contributions to the achievements of the revolution, especially the country’s great achievements after 40 years of Doi Moi (Renewal). Their advice paved the way for renewed thinking, particularly economic thinking, which helped Vietnam emerge from its socioeconomic crisis and gradually integrate into the international economy. By providing scientific foundations, proposing ideas, offering social criticism, organizing implementation and creating ideas, inventions and products, they have helped advance the country’s industrialization and modernization and foster innovation, leaving a strong mark through their dedication and contributions.

On behalf of the Party and State leadership, General Secretary To Lam acknowledged, commended and highly appreciated the achievements and results attained by Vietnam’s intellectuals and scientists throughout the stages of the Party’s revolution, especially during the country’s renewal, and congratulated them on these accomplishments.

General Secretary To Lam poses for a photo with the delegates

The General Secretary also expressed his desire for intellectuals and scientists to serve as the core force, as people with the “magic” to place Vietnam among the three leading countries in Southeast Asia in artificial intelligence research and development and among the world’s top 50 countries in digital competitiveness and the E-Government Development Index, and to ensure that the country has at least five digital technology enterprises on a par with those of technological powers by 2030. By 2045, Vietnam should be one of the digital technology industry centers of the region and the world; rank among the world’s top 30 countries in innovation and digital transformation; and have advanced, modern digital technology infrastructure with ultra-high capacity and ultra-wide bandwidth on a par with the “digital technology empires.”

“More than ever, the Party, State and people place great trust and expectations in intellectuals and scientists—the pioneering core force that drives innovation and powerful breakthroughs, providing maximum acceleration toward the country’s goal of rapid and sustainable development in the new period,” the General Secretary emphasized.

At the meeting, delegates expressed their delight at, and deep appreciation for, the attention shown by the Party, State and central commissions, ministries and sectors. They reported on results achieved in research, application and training in several important fields, such as healthcare, agriculture and high technology, as well as efforts to attract and bring together intellectuals and scientists and promote their role. The intellectuals and scientists put forward proposals and recommendations to improve institutions and achieve breakthroughs in the development of science, technology, innovation and national digital transformation; build world-class research and training institutions; develop high-quality human resources for the country; and develop strategic technology and industrial sectors and fields in the new era…

On the occasion of the New Year 2025 and the spring of the Year of the Snake, the NEU teaching community extends its respectful wishes to General Secretary To Lam, the leaders of the Party and State, leaders of ministries, commissions, sectors and mass organizations, and intellectuals and scientists for continued good health and happiness as they continue to contribute their intellect and passion to the country’s development.

Article and photos: Department of Communications (compiled)

This is an automated translation. If you notice any errors, please contact the Department of Communications, National Economics University at phongtruyenthong@neu.edu.vn.