THE HANOI TIMES — Vietnamese ethnic minority students and youth were inspired to embrace pride, resilience, and ambition as they pursue their aspirations and contribute to the nation’s future.
Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh delivered this message during the 2025 commendation ceremony honoring 150 exemplary students from 53 ethnic groups across Vietnam, held in Hanoi on December 27.
He encouraged young individuals to excel academically, preserve their cultural heritage, and strive to become contributing members of their villages, communities, and the nation.
Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh (center) with outstanding ethnic minority students and youth at the 2025 ceremony. Photos: VNA
The deputy prime minister emphasized the importance of implementing support policies for ethnic minorities with transparency and effectiveness, guided by the “six clears” principle: clear beneficiaries, clear objectives, clear timelines, clear responsibilities, clear outcomes, and clear authority.
He highlighted that this approach is crucial for ensuring initiatives aimed at ethnic minority communities yield tangible results and create sustainable opportunities for future generations.
Sin Duc Manh, a Pa Then student representing one of Vietnam’s smallest ethnic groups, shared his conviction in the transformative power of education and his commitment to advancing his community’s progress.
Sin Duc Manh (center, first row), a Pa Then student, receives certificates of merit.
“Together, we will ignite the flame of knowledge and determination, embodying the spirit of Vietnam’s ethnic minority youth: resilient, ambitious, and driven by dreams,” Manh declared.
Deputy Prime Minister Chinh commended their achievements and urged continued pursuit of excellence, noting that the ceremony underscores the government’s unwavering dedication to fostering talent among ethnic minorities.
He highlighted the Party’s consistent policies for ethnic communities, including Politburo Resolution No. 71, which focuses on breakthroughs in education, tuition waivers, and learning support programs that have transformed the lives of thousands of ethnic students.
Lo Chinh Huong, a first-year cadet at the Border Guard Academy, expressed gratitude: “We feel honored, proud, and motivated. This event inspires us to work harder and serve our country.”
He pledged to dedicate himself to becoming a Border Guard officer.
Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh and Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs Dao Ngoc Dung present certificates of merit to honorees.
Lo Thi Kieu Vy, an 11th-grade student from Lai Chau’s Ethnic Boarding High School, shared her dream of becoming a kindergarten teacher and returning to her hometown to educate children.
“I’m from Nam Cuoi Commune, where schools face teacher shortages. This ceremony inspires me to study harder and turn my dream into reality,” Vy said.
The 2025 commendation marked the 12th year of this annual event, which has honored over 2,000 outstanding ethnic minority students and youth nationwide.
Through meticulous planning and heartfelt execution, the ceremony serves as a meaningful platform to recognize and nurture young ethnic talents.
Outstanding ethnic minority students and youth of 2025 offer incense at Hanoi’s Temple of Literature on December 27.
On December 26, General Secretary To Lam met with the 150 honorees, commending their perseverance and academic achievements while reaffirming the Party’s commitment to developing human resources in ethnic and mountainous regions.
He acknowledged the enduring contributions of ethnic minority communities throughout Vietnam’s history and expressed confidence that more intellectuals, officials, entrepreneurs, scientists, artists, athletes, and soldiers will emerge from remote areas to build a prosperous nation.
To strengthen the role of ethnic minority youth in the new development phase, he urged the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs to refine policies for ethnic minority students and establish long-term support for recognized individuals.
He also encouraged young people to maintain their passion for learning, enhance skills, master science, technology, and digital transformation, and live with ideals, ambition, and responsibility toward their families, communities, and the nation.
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