On the afternoon of 15/10, during the prime minister's dialogue with youth program in 2026, delegate Dang Thi Le Hang, principal researcher at the Institute of Advanced Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, raised a question about mechanisms for young scientists to contribute to the nation.

She stated that in 2023, she was among the 10 Outstanding Young Vietnamese Faces. Through her work and activities at the young scientists' club in TP HCM, she observed that youth possess many new ideas, technological aptitude, and creative thinking. They aspire to apply research findings to address national issues, contributing to the development of a knowledge economy.

She asked the Minister of Science and Technology to explain the Ministry's mechanisms for commissioning, assigning tasks, and evaluating products to enable young scientists to participate.

In response, Minister of Science and Technology Vu Hai Quan recounted that he began scientific research as a student in TP HCM, participating in the Eureka program. "In 1985-1986, as a third and fourth-year student, I started conducting research and even won awards. While not profoundly significant, it served as a great source of encouragement and motivation for me to pursue a scientific career," he said.

Later, as Director of Vietnam National University, TP HCM, he served as head of the judging panel for the Eureka program. The national university also supported and sponsored the program's expansion.

According to the Minister, the Ministry of Science and Technology continues to accompany youth, particularly the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union and the Vietnam Youth Federation, through programs like the Golden Globe Science and Technology Award, the Female Students in Science and Technology Award, the Khue Van Cac Award, and the Outstanding Young Vietnamese Faces. The Ministry participates in reviewing and funding these programs.

He stated that one of his first policies as Minister was to support excellent doctoral students. The support could amount to one billion Vietnamese dong per year, for three years. He assessed this as significant support, competitive with other countries in the region.

Minister of Science and Technology Vu Hai Quan answers questions from youth on the afternoon of 15/10. *Photo: VGP*.

Data received by the Minister from the National Foundation for Science and Technology Development (NAFOSTED) also indicated an increasing proportion of applications from scientists under 40 in basic research programs over the years: from 31% in 2024 to 46% in 2025 and 67% in 2026. This demonstrates growing interest and participation from young scientists in basic research.

The Minister stated that during a working trip to the Russian Federation with the prime minister, he discussed with Russia's Minister of Science and Technology a program to invite 50 young Vietnamese scientists to Moscow for the World Congress of Young Scientists in early December. There, he plans to present Vietnam's policies for developing and supporting young scientists.

Another Ministry program supports businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, in applying artificial intelligence (AI), with funding up to three billion Vietnamese dong. The program targets young talents in the AI field, collaborating with businesses to find solutions for improving productivity and quality. The model will be piloted for one year; if proven effective, the Ministry will continue long-term investment.

Addressing a young person's question about participating in strategic technology development and tackling major national challenges, Minister Vu Hai Quan said, "We can do great work, but we must start with small tasks and see those small tasks through to the end."

He suggested that young people first need a vision, identifying which technologies could develop in the next 5-10 years. Additionally, they should have an open mindset, believe in themselves, and their efforts. To become an expert in a field, one must work diligently and persistently. He referenced the 10,000-hour rule as the minimum time required to achieve mastery in a science and technology field.

Furthermore, youth need to build a network of friends, colleagues, and collaborators to create a foundation for development. "Everyone should incorporate these goals into specific action plans, day by day, month by month, year by year, to make practical contributions to the nation," said the Minister of Science and Technology.

Delegate Dang Thi Le Hang, principal researcher at the Institute of Advanced Technology, asks a question to Minister Vu Hai Quan on the afternoon of 15/10. *Photo: VGP*.

Vu Tuan