Minister Vu Hai Quan: 'Science does not ask where you were born'

Emphasizing that knowledge does not discriminate based on background, Minister Vu Hai Quan encouraged Vallet scholarship recipients to believe in themselves, nurture their aspirations for learning, and create a 'circle of gratitude'.

At the Vallet Scholarship award ceremony for the northern region held on the morning of 23/8 at Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam, Minister Vu Hai Quan highlighted that the scholarship originated from a convergence of beliefs: that knowledge can change human destiny, and that investing in young people is investing in the nation's future. This round of scholarships benefited 620 students, undergraduates, and research fellows.

Addressing the recipients, Minister Quan first encouraged them to believe in themselves, regardless of whether their starting point is in a city, rural area, or mountainous region, or if their families face difficult circumstances. "Science does not ask where you were born. Knowledge does not ask how much money you have. What matters is whether you possess an aspiration to learn, capability, and perseverance," he stated.

Second, the Minister urged students and undergraduates to surpass their past selves. He stressed that learning and research are not merely about achieving high grades or publishing a paper, but should aim towards understanding the world, solving national problems, and innovating to create values that did not previously exist. According to him, Vietnam is entering a new phase of development where science, technology, innovation, and high-quality human resources increasingly determine national competitiveness. The country needs young people who are not only professionally competent but also possess a desire to serve.

The third message, and one the Minister hoped the young recipients would remember most, was to become scholarship givers someday. He clarified that they do not necessarily need a large fortune; they could offer a scholarship, a book, or return to their hometowns to help a child gain more educational opportunities. "When you succeed, do not forget those who believed in you before your success. That is how a scholarship becomes a circle of gratitude and sharing," the Minister said.

Minister of Science and Technology Vu Hai Quan at the Vallet Scholarship award ceremony, on the morning of 23/8. Photo: Hoang Giang

Professor Tran Thanh Van, chairman of the Rencontres du Vietnam Science Organization—the body coordinating the scholarship—expressed that this initiative provides both material support and encouragement, instilling faith and enabling young people to soar further in their academic pursuits, achieve success, and serve the nation. "We hope that you will not only focus on your studies but also uphold the honesty, responsibility, humility, and compassion characteristic of Vietnamese people. Always share what you have learned with future generations," he urged.

The Vallet Scholarship is awarded to Vietnamese students and undergraduates with outstanding academic and scientific research achievements, those from difficult family circumstances, or individuals from ethnic minority groups. It is sponsored by Professor Odon Vallet, his family, and Sorbonne University in Paris. To date, the Rencontres du Vietnam Science Association has granted nearly 55,000 scholarships, totaling over VND 600 billion. This year alone, scholarships are being awarded to more than 2,150 recipients, with each student receiving VND 17 million and each undergraduate receiving VND 34 million.