Acknowledging the contributions of science and technology to the country.

(Baonghean) - Appreciating the contributions of science and technology to the country's development process, the 13th National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, at its 5th session on June 18, 2013, passed and promulgated the Law on Science and Technology. Article 7 of the Law on Science and Technology stipulates that May 18th of each year is Vietnam Science and Technology Day.

Cultivating spirulina algae, a project supported by the Department of Science and Technology for Thanh Mai Co., Ltd. (Quynh Luu). Photo: Cong Sang

The first National Congress of the Vietnam Association for the Dissemination of Science and Technology was held on May 18, 1963. The Congress took place in the context of North Vietnam's vigorous efforts to implement the first five-year plan (1961-1965), achieving great successes in various fields. President Ho Chi Minh, on behalf of the Central Committee of the Party and the Government, attended and addressed the Congress.

In his speech at the Congress, President Ho Chi Minh expressed his views on science and technology. President Ho Chi Minh pointed out the weaknesses in science: “We all know that our current level of science and technology is still low. Production methods have not been improved much. Working methods are still arduous. Labor productivity is still low. There are still many backward customs and traditions. The task of science is to improve that” (1). He emphasized, “Science must come from production and must return to serve production, serve the masses, in order to increase labor productivity and constantly improve the lives of the people, ensuring the victory of socialism” (2). “Under the socialist regime, science is the common property of the whole people, not the property of any group of people. Therefore, you must strive to widely disseminate your scientific and technical knowledge among the working people, so that the people can compete in producing more, faster, better, and cheaper…” (3).

President Ho Chi Minh's speech at the First National Congress of the Vietnam Association for the Dissemination of Science and Technology perfectly encapsulated Ho Chi Minh's thoughts on science and technology.

Following Ho Chi Minh's ideology on science and technology, over the past 50 years, science and technology in our country have made significant strides, becoming a driving force in socio-economic development. In all fields, from social sciences and humanities to engineering and technology, their contributions to the country's development have been affirmed, especially during the period of reform and integration.

The social sciences and humanities have delved into summarizing practical experiences, providing scientific arguments to shape the Party's reform policies and build an advanced culture rich in national identity. The science, technology, and engineering fields have researched and applied research results to practical production, making significant contributions to improving productivity and quality, enhancing the competitiveness of our country's economy, and enabling Vietnamese goods to be exported to many countries around the world. Many agricultural products, such as rice, coffee, pepper, and cashew nuts, hold leading positions globally in terms of quantity, transforming Vietnam from a poor country to a middle-income developed country. Highly appreciating the contributions of science and technology to the country's development, the 13th National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, at its 5th session on June 18, 2013, passed and promulgated the Law on Science and Technology. Article 7 of the Law on Science and Technology stipulates that May 18th of each year is Vietnam Science and Technology Day.

2014, the first year of the Vietnam Science and Technology Day, also marked the 55th anniversary of the Science and Technology sector (1959-2014) with the theme: “Science and Technology – A Driving Force for Rapid and Sustainable Development.” The activities included: Extensive and thorough dissemination of scientific and technological achievements; demonstrations and widespread popularization of scientific and technological achievements to support national development; honoring scientists and researchers who have made significant contributions to the country; raising public awareness of the role of science and technology in national development; and motivating and encouraging young people to be passionate and dedicated to scientific research, contributing to building a prosperous and strong nation.

To celebrate Vietnam Science and Technology Day on May 18, 2014, Nghe An province implemented meaningful and practical activities: Organizing the Announcement Ceremony of Vietnam Science and Technology Day; Opening the Nghe An Technology and Equipment Market 2014 with activities such as: Technology demonstrations, exhibitions introducing scientific and technological achievements; Booths comparing counterfeit and genuine products; Booths displaying research and innovation products in science and technology; Booths showcasing the research and development capabilities of research institutes, universities, and colleges in the province… During the week of activities celebrating Vietnam Science and Technology Day from May 14 to May 19, provincial leaders will visit, congratulate, and assign tasks to several units, scientists, and managers. The Nghe An Department of Science and Technology will organize a meeting with collaborators, launch the Science and Technology Magazine, and hold scientific seminars and technology and equipment demonstrations.

Nguyen Quoc Hong

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(1), (2), (3) Ho Chi Minh Complete Works - Volume 11 National Political Publishing House Hanoi - 1996, pages 77, 78