Prof., Dr. Tran Van Nhung, former Deputy Minister of Education and Training, was an advocate for making English language education a national priority in Vietnam.

In 2015, he wrote an open letter to the Politburo, the Secretariat, and the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, proposing that English language teaching and learning should be elevated to a national policy.

At that time, Dr. Nhung recommended that the Politburo issue a directive similar to Directive 58 on Information Technology, but specifically focused on foreign languages, particularly English. He believed that with the full engagement of the entire political system and society, the teaching, learning, and use of English in Vietnam could be implemented strongly and decisively, leading to significant progress.

On August 12, 2024 the Politburo issued Conclusion No. 91 on the continued implementation of Resolution No. 29 of 2013 by the Central Party Committee, which calls for gradually making English a second language in schools.

According to Prof, Dr. Nhung, this is very positive news, as it signals that with the Politburo's directive, the entire system will work together to achieve success, similar to the way the promotion and development of Information Technology was accelerated.

VietNamNet is pleased to share Prof. Dr, Nhung's insights with our readers.

As a staunch advocate for elevating English to a national priority in Vietnam's education system, I proposed a comprehensive national policy in 2015, mirroring the successful IT Directive 58. Recently, the Politburo's Conclusion No. 91 has reinforced this vision, marking a strategic shift towards integrating English as a second language in schools—a move critical for our nation's competitiveness in the global era.

Conclusion No. 91 by the Politburo underlines the necessity of advancing English proficiency to foster a generation capable of thriving in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This directive not only emphasizes the instrumental role of English in economic and scientific arenas but also in maintaining national security. In this digital age, while technology assists in bridging language gaps, the deep, nuanced understanding facilitated by proficient English use remains irreplaceable.

Vietnam has made commendable strides in embedding foreign language education within its curriculum. This latest directive from the Politburo, however, is the first of its kind, spotlighting the paramount importance of this initiative.

The task of implementing English as a second language in schools, especially in resource-scarce rural areas, poses considerable challenges. It demands an all-encompassing mobilization of our political system, necessitating meticulous planning from the government and the Ministry of Education and Training. This plan should reassess current policies, incorporate insights from past initiatives, and tailor approaches to meet the diverse needs of our students across the nation.

The potential adaptation of educational materials and curricula, perhaps integrating internationally recognized English programs and enhancing teacher recruitment strategies, will be vital in this endeavor.

The successful integration of English in Singapore and Malaysia provides valuable lessons. Singapore's strategic emphasis on English and IT post-independence catalyzed its transformation into a global hub, thanks to visionary leadership that understood the critical importance of a skilled, globally competitive workforce.

Conversely, Malaysia's initial focus on Malay and subsequent pivot back to English underscores the dynamic interplay between language policy and national economic imperatives. These examples offer Vietnam crucial insights into the potential impacts of language policies on national development.

As we navigate the complexities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the evolving job market, the proficiency in English, coupled with IT skills, becomes not just beneficial but essential. The envisioned formula for future Vietnamese citizens encapsulates this blend: Good Health + Kind Heart + Sharp Mind + Strong Life Skills + English + IT/ICT Skills.

Vietnam's youth, with their adaptability and enthusiasm for learning, are well-positioned to leverage the opportunities Conclusion No. 91 presents, propelling Vietnam towards substantial growth and international integration.

Prof., Dr. Tran Van Nhung

Former Deputy Minister of Education and Training