Teachers Rewarded Up to VND 500 Million for Students' International Wins

Several provinces and cities across Vietnam are implementing generous reward schemes for teachers whose students achieve top honors in international competitions. Notably, Quang Ninh province is offering up to VND 525 million (approximately $21,700 USD) to teachers whose students win gold medals at international Olympiads, particularly if the students are from ethnic minority groups or study in disadvantaged areas. This initiative generally aligns teacher rewards at 50-80% of the student's prize money. These policies, recently approved by the provincial People's Councils, establish tiered rewards based on student achievements, including gold, silver, and bronze medals, as well as honorable mentions. In Quang Ninh, gold medal instructors receive VND 525 million, silver medal instructors VND 375 million, bronze medal instructors VND 300 million, and those with honorable mentions VND 150 million. For students not meeting the special criteria, teacher rewards are reduced by 1.5 times, ranging from VND 100 million to VND 350 million. Hai Phong and Vinh Long cities are each offering VND 300 million to teachers of international gold medalists. Vinh Long specifically matches the student's reward amount for their teachers. Other localities like Phu Tho, Ninh Binh, Da Nang, Hanoi, and Hue are providing rewards exceeding VND 200 million. The calculation of rewards for teachers whose students win multiple awards varies by locality. Phu Tho province sets teacher rewards at 80% of the student's total prize money. Tuyen Quang province calculates it as 100% of the highest award for the student, while Ha Tinh province adds an extra VND 5 million to VND 13.5 million for each subsequent award. According to the Ministry of Education and Training, Vietnamese students have secured 112 gold, 140 silver, and 89 bronze medals, along with 21 honorable mentions in regional and international Olympiads between 2016 and 2025. The Chemistry Olympiad team, for instance, has consistently ranked among the top 10 since 2020, often within the top 5. This policy reflects Vietnam's strategic focus, under its one-party system, on nurturing high-caliber talent to enhance national competitiveness. The increased investment in education and teacher incentives aims to elevate the country's prestige in academic fields. However, concerns are raised that such substantial reward disparities could potentially exacerbate existing educational inequalities across different regions.