In 2025, the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs (formerly the Committee for Ethnic Minority Affairs), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Training and the Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union (now under the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front), organized the 12th National Commendation Ceremony for Outstanding Ethnic Minority Students and Youth.

Since the program’s inception in 2013, it has honored more than 2,000 young achievers from ethnic minority backgrounds. Many have won first, second, and third prizes in national academic competitions, top prizes in national and international science and technology contests, and awards in arts and sports. Some were admitted to universities or academies with entrance scores of 27 points or higher. Others were recognized for their exemplary achievements or for overcoming unique difficulties in remote and mountainous areas.

From border villages to highland communities, these 2,000 bright faces represent stories of determination and hope. For many, the ceremony was their first opportunity to travel beyond their hometowns and stand proudly on a national stage among peers with shared dreams.

Many of these honorees have gone on to win international scholarships, become valedictorians and salutatorians, or pursue careers as doctors, engineers, teachers, local officials, and military officers-returning to their hometowns to contribute directly to community development.

Through each edition, the Commendation Ceremony has grown in scope, standards, and impact. Its ultimate goal is to build a generation of educated, courageous, and community-minded young intellectuals among ethnic minorities-those who aspire to dedicate their talents to the nation’s progress.

Nguyen Van Ba, Editor-in-Chief of VietNamNet and Standing Deputy Head of the Organizing Committee for the 2025 ceremony, emphasized that the event demonstrates the Party and State’s deep concern for developing human resources among ethnic minorities and mountainous regions. “The ceremony is not only an act of recognition but also an investment in the country’s future,” he said.

Sharing about the program’s significance, Deputy Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs Y Thong, Head of the Organizing Committee, affirmed that the event honors both academic excellence and the enduring spirit of learning within Vietnam’s ethnic communities. “The ceremony spreads inspiration for young people to overcome hardship and pursue their dreams,” he added.

The 2025 ceremony features several new highlights. This year, 150 outstanding ethnic minority students and young people from 30 provinces and cities are being honored - the largest representation ever, encompassing all 53 ethnic groups. For the first time, the category of “graduating valedictorians” has been added.

Additionally, the first-ever Ethnic Youth Forum, themed “Digital stories from the villages,” is being held as part of the program.

The Commendation Ceremony includes meaningful side events:

The Ethnic Youth Forum (2:30–4:45 p.m., December 26).

The Tribute Ceremony at the Temple of Literature – National University, with entries into the Golden Book of Merit (8:00–11:30 a.m., December 27).

The main ceremony takes place at Ho Guom Theatre, Hanoi, from 8:00–9:30 p.m., and is broadcast live on VTV5.

Thuy Nga