Vietnamese Students Shine at International Science Olympiads

Vietnamese students achieved remarkable success at the International Chemistry and Biology Olympiads, placing Vietnam among the top seven performing teams. This year's achievements are notable not only for matching the team's previous medal tallies but also for the first time seeing two Vietnamese contestants earn a perfect score of 30/30 in the theoretical examination. Furthermore, at the 38th Asia Pacific Mathematics Olympiad (APMO) in 2026, Vietnam secured 7th place among 45 participating countries and territories, earning one gold, two silver, and four bronze medals, along with three certificates of merit. In the 26th Asian Physics Olympiad (APhO 2026), all eight Vietnamese contestants won medals, ranking Vietnam among the top eight teams. These successes in scientific fields underscore the improving quality of education in Vietnam and raise expectations for future contributions to science and technology. As a socialist republic with a one-party system, Vietnam places significant emphasis on education as a means to nurture talent for the nation's future. Interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields is particularly high, with 53.45% of university applicants registering for STEM majors for the 2026 admissions cycle, indicating strong student motivation. These student achievements on the international stage also contribute to Vietnam's growing presence in the global community. While Vietnam's economic growth is susceptible to its relationship with China, the intensifying international competition in science and technology further highlights the importance of innovation and talent development for the country. These accomplishments suggest Vietnam's potential to evolve from a mere manufacturing hub into a nation that makes intellectual and technological contributions to the international community.