Over the past 11 editions, the Commendation Ceremony for Outstanding Ethnic Minority Students and Youth has become a powerful symbol of Vietnam’s efforts to promote education in highland and minority regions.

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Students offer tributes at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, symbolizing the fruits of their educational journey. 

Among the most meaningful moments at each ceremony is when the honorees - students and young people from ethnic communities - visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to pay tribute. They bring with them the “fruits” of their journey through adversity: achievements earned through sheer determination and a deep thirst for knowledge.

The event not only honors academic excellence and social contributions but also affirms the effectiveness of government policies aimed at building human capital in mountainous and minority regions. More importantly, it spreads the spirit of learning across Vietnam’s 53 ethnic groups.

Policy as foundation

In recent years, the Committee for Ethnic Minority Affairs - now the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs - has been instrumental in advising the Party and State on a range of policies for ethnic minority areas. Among these, education and training are seen as foundational. Developing human capital is the most sustainable path to lifting disadvantaged regions out of poverty.

Supportive policies for ethnic minority students have grown increasingly comprehensive. These include financial aid, scholarship prioritization, the expansion of boarding schools for ethnic students, and efforts to preserve indigenous languages and scripts.

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The Commendation Ceremony offers ethnic minority youth a space to connect, share, and grow. 

Thanks to these efforts, access to education in remote areas has expanded significantly. According to the Ministry of Education and Training, 98% of ethnic minority five-year-olds now attend preschool, while primary school enrollment exceeds 97% - a remarkable achievement for remote areas.

Within this broader picture, the Commendation Ceremony has emerged as a unique and meaningful initiative. It not only recognizes academic performance and personal development but also serves as clear evidence of the success of ethnic education efforts. Each honoree’s story reflects resilience, identity, and the desire to rise.

Over its 11 editions, the Ministry has actively partnered with other ministries, localities, and social organizations to organize the event. As such, the ceremony has evolved into more than an annual celebration - it’s now a symbol of sustainable human development for Vietnam’s highlands.

The direct involvement of senior leaders each year underscores a strong commitment: education and training for ethnic youth must remain central to Vietnam’s development strategy for minority regions.

A platform for connection and inspiration

Beyond the accolades, the Commendation Ceremony offers a rare space where ethnic minority students from across the country come together to connect, exchange experiences, and build networks.

The success stories that emerge from these events highlight not only the dedication of the Ministry and related agencies, but also the potential of minority youth when given the right support. The ceremony is part of a broader, humane, and sustainable approach: supporting through policy, investing in resources, and nurturing through recognition.

For these reasons, the event regularly welcomes top leaders of the Party and State, representatives of ministries and local governments, teachers, and millions of supporters from all over the country.

Building a new generation of ethnic knowledge leaders

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Each student honored carries the dream of building a stronger future for their homeland. 

Since the first event in 2013, nearly 2,000 ethnic minority students and youth from all 53 recognized groups have been honored. Many have gone on to become doctors, engineers, teachers, local officials, and military officers contributing directly to their communities.

Their stories resonate nationwide. Each tale of perseverance inspires families in highland areas to prioritize education and galvanizes broader societal support to create enabling environments for ethnic youth to thrive.

The image of students from remote villages walking confidently onto the stage in their traditional attire, full of pride and determination, sends a powerful message: knowledge can transform lives.

Each honoree represents a nucleus of knowledge and a dream of a better future - key to building the next generation of human capital in Vietnam’s highlands.

The 12th Commendation Ceremony is set for mid-December 2025 in Hanoi. This year’s event, recognizing 150 exceptional students and youth, is organized by the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs in coordination with the Ministry of Education and Training and the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front. VietNamNet serves as the standing member of the organizing committee.

Particularly notable is the role of Minister Dao Ngoc Dung, who serves as Head of the Steering Committee for this year’s event - reflecting the Ministry’s deep commitment to the program.

In the context of Vietnam’s sweeping digital transformation, preparing young human capital - especially from ethnic groups - is more urgent than ever. The Commendation Ceremony thus serves as both recognition and launchpad, helping ethnic minority youth enter a new era with confidence.

Its long-term vision: to nurture a generation of ethnic minority youth who are knowledgeable, confident, and ready to lead Vietnam forward in the digital age.

Hong Phuc