Exactly 60 years ago, on May 18, 1963, President Ho Chi Minh, representing the Central Committee of the Party and the Government, attended and congratulated the First National Congress of the Vietnam Association for the Promotion of Science and Technology (the predecessor of the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations).
In his speech, President Ho Chi Minh summarized the most important points regarding the development of Science and Technology (S&T) in our country, while assigning this challenging yet glorious task to the Vietnamese intellectual community in S&T. He affirmed:
“We all know that our level of S&T is still low. The production methods have not improved much. The working methods are still burdensome. Labor productivity is still low. Many customs and practices are outdated. The task of science is to strive to transform these issues…”
“…Science must produce itself and must return to serve production, serve the masses, in order to raise labor productivity and continuously improve the lives of the people, ensuring the victory of socialism…”
“…You must strive to spread your knowledge of S&T widely among the working people, so that they compete to produce more, faster, better, and cheaper…”.
President Ho Chi Minh delivering a speech at the First National Congress of the Vietnam Association for the Promotion of Science and Technology on May 18, 1963.
The brief and concise words of President Ho Chi Minh have retained their value over nearly six decades, reflecting his broad strategic vision and profound thoughts regarding the long-term development direction of our nation’s S&T.
Embracing the teachings of the great leader, in June 2013, during the 5th session of the 13th National Assembly, it was decided to pass the S&T Law and officially designate May 18th each year as “Vietnam Science and Technology Day” (as stipulated in Article 7 of the amended S&T Law passed by the National Assembly in 2013 – Law No. 29/2013/QH13).
The purpose of selecting this particular date is to highlight the spirit and responsibility of the community towards the S&T cause, honoring the labor, creativity, and contributions of the Vietnamese S&T intellectual community.
Accordingly, Vietnam Science and Technology Day has been, is, and will be a festival to honor scientists, showcase research results, and promote the application of science and technology in production.
Moreover, this day is also an opportunity to raise awareness and inspire pride in Vietnamese intellect, and the spirit of creative labor among the people, especially the youth of Vietnam in the nation-building and development process.
Since this historical milestone, May 18th has become a day of particularly significant historical importance not only to the S&T sector but also to all those passionate about science, creativity, and entrepreneurship.
S&T has since affirmed its vital role and immense power in the fields of industrialization and modernization of the country, becoming a key driving force in the renewal and development process.
Over several decades, thanks to the study and absorption of the guiding thoughts of President Ho Chi Minh, the Vietnamese S&T intellectual community has continuously grown, making its presence felt in all scientific fields and socio-economic development areas across the country, while integrating with advanced S&T systems worldwide.
Continuing this precious tradition, many S&T achievements have increasingly garnered attention, research, application, dissemination, and widespread implementation in practice, positively impacting socio-economic development, improving living standards, enhancing public education, and preserving and promoting the beautiful values of Vietnamese culture and humanity.
This year, numerous activities are being implemented across the country. Events honoring scientists, book exhibitions, seminars, STEM festivals, and journalism award ceremonies are being organized by many units. Some laboratories are also open to the public, allowing them to visit and learn about science and technology.
To commemorate the 60th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh meeting with the intellectual community and the 10th anniversary of Vietnam Science and Technology Day, on May 17, the Ministry of Science and Technology organized a welcoming ceremony, hoping that representatives from businesses and scientists will share real stories, inspiring the incorporation of science and technology into solving real-life problems.
Alongside the event, there will be an exhibition showcasing research products, application activities, and technology development from enterprises, research institutes, and universities.
This year, Vietnam Science and Technology Day falls on Thursday, May 18, 2023.
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