Vietnam Begins New School Year Amidst Education Reform Drive

Vietnam nationwide commenced the 2026-2027 academic year on September 5th. This date also marks exactly one year since the implementation of Politburo Resolution No. 71-NQ/TW, aimed at achieving breakthrough development in education and training. As students and teachers across the country enter the new academic year, the progress of reforms based on this resolution and the challenges in achieving the goal of qualitative improvement in education are once again in focus. Opening ceremonies were conducted with a unified format nationwide, featuring flag hoisting and drum performances, creating a sense of national unity and synchronicity. The weather forecast for the first day was favorable across the country, supporting the smooth execution of the opening ceremonies. The Communist Party of Vietnam designates education and training as a "top priority" for the nation's sustainable development, strongly promoting qualitative enhancement. Specifically, the new resolution includes modernization of the entire education system, revision of curriculum content, improvement of teacher quality, and expansion of investment in education. This indicates Vietnam's urgent need to cultivate human capital, which is essential for enhancing international competitiveness amidst its rapid economic growth. However, the path of educational reform is not without its challenges. Issues such as the educational gap between rural and urban areas, or between public and private institutions, improving teacher compensation, and fostering practical skills that meet the needs of modern society have been pointed out. Furthermore, within the one-party system, the transparency of the education policy decision-making process and its implementation, as well as the mechanism for reflecting public feedback, will be crucial factors determining the success of the reforms. The start of the new academic year signifies a renewed commitment to these reforms, while also serving as a new starting point to question their effectiveness.