The ceremony, held on the afternoon of April 3, was organized by the Politburo and the Secretariat to present the Independence Order, the Military Exploit Order and the Fatherland Protection Order to key leaders and senior officials of the Party, State, and central agencies who have made outstanding contributions to national construction and defense.

General Secretary To Lam presented the first-class Military Exploit Order and the first-class Independence Order to top leaders and both incumbent and former senior officials of the Party and State.

State President Luong Cuong and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man awarded second-class Independence Orders and second-class Military Exploit Orders to 10 individuals.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Standing member of the Secretariat Tran Cam Tu presented third-class Independence Orders, third-class Military Exploit Orders and second-class Fatherland Protection Orders to 15 outstanding individuals.

Among those receiving the third-class Independence Order was Minister Dao Ngoc Dung.

Speaking at the ceremony, General Secretary To Lam emphasized that these decorations are among the nation’s most prestigious honors, reflecting the Party and State’s recognition of the intellect, courage, responsibility and dedication of officials who have devoted themselves wholeheartedly to the revolutionary cause.

He noted that the awards also celebrate the exemplary moral qualities of leaders who remain steadfastly loyal to the nation, the Party and the people, consistently placing national interests above all else.

The General Secretary highlighted that, regardless of position or circumstance, these officials have demonstrated the stature of high-ranking leaders through strategic thinking, decisive action and a disciplined, scientific working style. They embody the spirit of saying what they do and doing what they say, daring to think, act and take responsibility, without retreating from challenges or avoiding major tasks.

Under the Law on Emulation and Commendation 2022, the third-class Independence Order is awarded to individuals who strictly comply with Party guidelines and State laws, and who either have a long record of service or have achieved outstanding accomplishments with nationwide impact across fields such as politics, economics, society, culture, science, technology or foreign affairs.

Mr. Dung has served as a member of the Party Central Committee in its 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th terms, and as a deputy of the 14th and 15th National Assembly. He holds a master’s degree in Public Administration and a bachelor’s degree in Law.

He began his career working with the Nam Ha Provincial Youth Union and the Central Youth Union, later serving as Secretary of the Yen Bai Provincial Party Committee. He was appointed Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs in 2016.

In February 2025, the 15th National Assembly approved his appointment as Minister of Ethnic Affairs and Religion.

Earlier this year, he was also awarded the third-class Labour Order by the State President for his outstanding contributions to the nationwide campaign to eliminate temporary and dilapidated housing.

Tran Thuong