Vietnam is hosting the International Chemistry Olympiad for the first time.

For the first time, Vietnam hosted the 46th International Chemistry Olympiad (ICHO 46) in 2014, with the participation of 291 students from 75 countries and territories around the world.

The Vietnamese team at the 2013 International Chemistry Olympiad. (Photo: Quy Trung/VNA)

With a view to reforming management and separating state management of education and training from professional administration, the Ministry of Education and Training assigned the University of Science - Vietnam National University, Hanoi to lead and Hanoi Pedagogical University to coordinate in organizing this major international education event.

This information was provided by Mr. Bui Duy Cam, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Head of the Organizing Committee of the ICHO 46 Examination, at a press conference held on July 16 in Hanoi.

The opening ceremony of the 46th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO 2014) will take place on the morning of July 21st at the National Convention Center, Hanoi. On July 23rd, contestants will take the practical exam, and on July 25th, the theoretical exam. The competition will conclude on the afternoon of July 28th.

Participating in this exam, candidates also get to take part in cultural, artistic, and sporting activities, and visit several tourist destinations in Vietnam such as Bai Dinh Pagoda, Trang An, Temple of Literature - National University, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, etc.

To date, the Organizing Committee has fully prepared plans for welcoming the delegations, ensuring accommodation, meals, and transportation for all participants. Regarding professional matters, the Organizing Committee has promptly sent the sample exam papers to participating countries, including 29 theoretical and 7 practical questions. The expert panel has also completed the introduction of the official exam questions.

The theoretical exam rooms have been prepared according to regulations; the exam room lists, candidate numbers, and seating charts have been finalized. The software for processing exam results, updating records, candidate numbers, scores, analyzing results, and determining awards has also been completed. The preparation of facilities, equipment, and desks for the practical exam has been inspected and evaluated positively by experts from the International Chemistry Olympiad Committee, ensuring compliance with international requirements.

The International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) is a chemistry competition for high school students under the age of 20 from all countries around the world, held annually since 1968.

According to the IChO regulations, officially participating countries take turns hosting the annual competition.

According to VNA