The 2026 Admissions Festival for Science and Technology: When young people with national aspirations lead the future

28/05/2026

On May 17, 2026, the "2026 Admissions Festival for Science and Technology" took place on a large scale at the headquarters of Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) for high school students interested in science, technology, and innovation. The program was jointly organized by Tien Phong Newspaper, VAST, the Central Committee of the Vietnamese Students' Association, the Hanoi Department of Education and Training, and the University of Science and Technology of Hanoi (USTH). This is a key activity to celebrate Vietnam Science, Technology, and Innovation Day (May 18); the 136th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh's birthday (May 19, 1890 - May 19, 2026); and the anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (May 20, 1975 - May 20, 2026).

Overview of the event

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Prof. Dr. Tran Hong Thai, Member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Head of the Central Policy and Strategy Board, and President of VAST, stated that the world is entering a phase of rapid development where national strength is measured by intellectual capacity and the ability to master core technologies. He also emphasized that this is a golden time for the younger generation. If they dare to step out of their comfort zone to pursue science, they will not only find a career, but more importantly, they will find themselves and the destiny of the Vietnamese nation. He also encouraged students to nurture scientific curiosity and depend less on social networks to focus on developing independent and creative thinking.

Leaders of Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, the Editor-in-Chief of Tien Phong Newspaper, and delegates perform the opening ceremony of the "2026 Admissions Festival for Science and Technology"

Sharing the same view, Journalist Phung Cong Suong, Editor-in-Chief of Tien Phong Newspaper, noted that amid the boom of AI, big data, and semiconductor technology, innovation capacity will determine national standing. Young people today are no longer just beneficiaries but have become creative subjects and the driving force of social development.

The biggest difference of this year's Festival is the specialized space designed according to the philosophy of "Touch - Try and Understand". Here, students do not just receive pure admissions information but can directly experience technological models, visit the Vietnam National Museum of Nature, and engage in direct dialogues with leading experts.

During the panel discussion, the speakers addressed many practical questions from students regarding scholarships, job opportunities, and the role of women in engineering fields. Experts emphasized that the gateway to science and technology is always wide open to all young people who have passion and a spirit of commitment, even if they are not yet truly outstanding in natural science subjects like Mathematics. The panelists further affirmed that science and technology always welcome young individuals with passion, determination, and a willingness to dedicate themselves to proving their capabilities and contributing to the future of the country.

Prof. Dr. Tran Hong Thai and journalist Phung Cong Suong at the panel discussion "Science and Technology - The Nation's Future, Opportunities for Young People"

Translated by Phuong Ha
Link to Vietnamese version