Minister fields questions on university funding, tech-savvy workforce training
Addressing concerns over university education spending, Son explained that as public universities gain greater autonomy, the Ministry of Finance has scaled back recurrent state funding. “Over the past decade, as autonomy has increased, the State's support has steadily declined”, he noted
Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Kim Son answers questions raised by legislators. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) - Minister of Educaꦗtion and Training Nguyen Kim Son fielded questions from deputies concerning university funding, tech-savvy workforce training, and psychological counseling in schools, at the 15th National Assembly’s 9th session in Hanoi💯 on June 19.
Addressing concerns over university education spending, Son explained that as public universities gain greater autonomy, the Ministry of Finance has scaled back recurrent state funding. “Over the past decade, as autonomy has increased, the State's support has steadily declined”, he noted
However, the minister noted recent directives from the Party and State urging his ministry to work with finance officials to adjust funding policies, ensuring universities retain essential state backing and strategic guidance even as they go independent.
Deputy Dang Thi Bao Trinh from Quang Nam province raises her question. (Photo: VNA)
Regarding the training of a workforce for hi-tech industries, Son stressed a growing focus on sci-tech and engineering talents. Under the Government’s Plan 1002, his ministry has rolled out measures to bolster public universities, including upgrading equipment, recruiting skilled professionals, and fostering international partnerships. Curriculum updates, smoother admissions, and tougher quality checks are also in play to meet industry needs.
On school mental health, Son admitted counseling services are lagging. Since the late 2024, the goal has been one dedicated counselor per school, but only 5% of general education schools, excluding kindergartens, have trained psychologists. Most lean on teachers pulling double duty. The ministry is now ramping up teacher training and building a counselor pipeline to close the gap.
He further stressed that supporting student mental health is not an one-person job. “It takes teachers, parents, socio-political organisations, and the whole community to support students’ well-being”, he said./.
During the session, Nguyen Thi Quyen Thanh, a deputy from the Mekong Delta province of Vinh Long, proposed that the drafting committee further specify support policies to further encourage and facilitate the participation of women in UN peacekeeping missions.
Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang cleared up deputies' concern regarding how to spur socio-economic growth, renew traditional growth motives and establish new momentum for development.
On June 13, NA deputies examine the draft resolution for the second amendment and supplementation of certain articles of the 2013 Constitution, alongside revisions to multiple foundational laws governing the Vietnam Fatherland Front, Trade Unions, Youth, and Implementation of the Grassroots Democracy.
The trip will be made at the invitations of Chinese Premier Li Qiang and WEF President and CEO Børge Brende, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Long spoke highly of the dynamic, positive, and comprehensive development of Vietnam – Russia relations in recent years. He affirmed that the Vietnamese Party and State place great importance on further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia in a substantive and effective manner, in line with the development needs of both nations.
At the conference, participants reported that the Government has so far issued 28 decrees on the delegation of responsibilities and powers between the central Government and two-tier local administrations. Several localities have already piloted the new governance model.
Reality is the ultimate benchmark for success, he said, urging drafting agencies to work out policies that foster development, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and respect practical conditions.
Under the official dispatch signed on June 20, ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, and chairpersons of provincial and municipal People’s Committees are requested to concentrate efforts on implementing core measures to ensure the smooth operations of the new administrative framework.
The Party chief underscored the need for the press to innovate relentlessly, evolve to keep pace with the country's development, transform into a truly professional, humanistic, and modern sector that serves the cause of the Party, the State, and the people on the path to national construction and development.
The UN Secretary-General praised Vietnam’s remarkable achievements in socio-economic development and international integration in recent years, noting that the country has emerged as a model in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting international peace and security, and engaging in key UN processes.
Nghia affirmed that this is a milestone of special significance, affirming and honouring the the Vietnamese revolutionary press’s glorious tradition of 100 years of serving the revolutionary cause of the Party, serving the Fatherland, and serving the people.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
