In two days, voters nationwide will simultaneously cast their ballots to elect 500 deputies for the 16th National Assembly. Among the 864 candidates are many scientists, technology experts, and leaders from major institutes and universities.

One candidate is Associate Professor Vu Hai Quan, 52, from Ninh Binh. He is the Permanent Deputy Minister of Science and Technology, a member of the 13th and 14th Party Central Committee, and a National Assembly deputy in the 15th legislature. An expert in artificial intelligence, he also serves as Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Advisory Council for Research and Development of Artificial Intelligence Applications.

Before his appointment as Permanent Deputy Minister of Science and Technology in September 2025, he was the Director of Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City.

Associate Professor, Doctor of Philosophy Vu Hai Quan. Photo: Hoang Phong

Running for National Assembly deputy in electoral unit 4, Quang Ngai province, Associate Professor Vu Hai Quan stated he will leverage his experience as a scientist and manager to promptly convey voter opinions to the National Assembly and the government.

He plans to promote innovation in agriculture and forestry, supporting brand building and traceability for local specialty products like Ngoc Linh ginseng and Tra Bong cinnamon. Additionally, he proposes advancing digital transformation at the commune level through online public services, telemedicine, and digital education to narrow the development gap between mountainous and urban areas.

Associate Professor Vu Hai Quan also pledged to help build a legal system relevant to local realities, advocating for specific mechanisms concerning digital infrastructure, transport, education, healthcare, and clean water for residents. He highlighted the importance of preserving and promoting the cultural values of ethnic minority communities, including the gong cultural space of the Ba Na, Gia Rai, and Xo Dang ethnic groups, linking it with cultural life development in Quang Ngai's mountainous communes.

Furthermore, he proposes increasing training for ethnic minority local officials and developing policies to support students from disadvantaged regions in accessing higher education and vocational training through "training aligned with local employment needs", helping graduates return to serve their communities.

Professor Chau Van Minh, Secretary of the Party Committee of the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations. Photo: VGP

Another candidate is Professor Chau Van Minh, 66, from Hue City. He is the Secretary of the Party Committee of the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations and a member of the 11th, 12th, and 13th Party Central Committee. He is one of the Vietnamese scientists honored with France's Legion of Honor.

During over 40 years in science, Professor Chau Van Minh has advanced numerous research and training cooperation programs between the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology and French scientific organizations. He participated in negotiations and developed roadmaps for major projects supported by the French government in Vietnam, including the Earth observation satellite VNRED-Sat1 and the establishment of Hanoi University of Science and Technology, also known as Vietnam-France University.

Running for National Assembly deputy in Phu Tho province, Professor Chau Van Minh believes the locality has significant growth potential in industry, services, and cultural tourism following administrative boundary adjustments. However, this development also brings challenges related to planning, infrastructure, and social welfare.

According to him, local development decisions should be based on scientific data and in-depth analysis. If elected, he commits to contributing his expertise in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation to the drafting of laws and major policy decisions of the National Assembly.

Associate Professor Huynh Quyet Thang, Director of Hanoi University of Science and Technology. Photo: Hanoi University of Science and Technology

Associate Professor Huynh Quyet Thang, 59, from Gia Lai, is the Director of Hanoi University of Science and Technology and is running for National Assembly deputy in Hanoi. He holds a doctor of computer science degree and is a member of the Prime Minister's policy advisory council.

In his action program, Associate Professor Huynh Quyet Thang stated his top priority is to foster science, technology, and innovation as drivers for the capital's development. He believes Hanoi has much potential to develop a research and innovation ecosystem, but the application of research results into practice remains limited.

Based on this reality, he plans to propose improving linkage mechanisms among universities, research institutes, and businesses; promoting the transfer and commercialization of research results; and advocating for policies to develop high-tech industries and the digital economy.

In addition to the aforementioned candidates, other scientists running for the 16th National Assembly include: Doctor of Philosophy Ho Duc Thang, Director of the National Institute of Digital Technology and Digital Transformation; Professor, Doctor of Philosophy in pharmacology Nguyen Thi Thanh Mai, Director of Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City; Associate Professor Nguyen Ngoc Kien, lecturer at the School of Mechanical Engineering, Hanoi University of Science and Technology; and Professor Nguyen Thi Lan, Director of Vietnam National University of Agriculture.

The participation of scientists in the list of candidates for the 16th National Assembly occurs as science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation are identified as important drivers of development.

The 14th Party Congress set goals to perfect institutions promoting research, technology transfer and application, developing an innovation ecosystem, and high-quality science and technology human resources. As a legislative body, the National Assembly is tasked with building and perfecting the legal system and deciding major policies in these areas, while overseeing the implementation of national science and technology programs and strategies.

Son Ha