The Central Institute for Economic Management (CIEM), in collaboration with the University of Copenhagen, organised a workshop on the draft report “Firm-level competitiveness and technology in Vietnam: Evidence from a survey in 2013” in Hanoi on May 22.

Vietnam Science and Technology Day will be held for the first time on May 18 with the theme “Science and technology (S&T): motivation for rapid and sustainable development”.

On 17.5.2014, Ministry of Science and Technology held the Awarding Ceremony of the first Ta Quang Buu prize; awarded the Party and State rewards to scientists, managers for their contribution to the country's scientific and technological development; and organized the dialogue with scientists. The Ceremony saw the presence of Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam, leaders of some ministries/sectors, more than 300 home and abroad scientists, and numerous press agencies.

Following the successful genome sequencing of 36 lines of native Vietnamese rice, the second phase of a joint Vietnam-United Kingdom project to characterise the genetic diversity of these 36 varieties of rice was launched recently in Hanoi.

Ten years after the conversion from a research institute model to a scientific technological (S&T) enterprise, the revenue of the Institute of Machinery and Equipment Industry (IMI) under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) has increased by 8.5 times while its profits have risen 9.4 times. This is a prime example of a successful S&T enterprise, underlining the correctness of the conversion policy.

"The implementation of our science and technology policy reveals shortcomings. So, we have to fundamentally change the method of implementation in accordance with strategies agreed upon by the Communist Party's Committee and the Government," Minister of Science and Technology (MOST) Nguyen Quan said on the sidelines of the national conference to deploy the science and technology development strategy for the 2011-2020 period recently held in Hanoi.

Many of the enterprises that won top prizes of the National Quality Award 2012 admitted that their success originated from intensive investment and technological innovation. The leaderships of these enterprises also said the awards were springboards for their strategies to penetrate the international market.

In a shimmering eatery with colorful reflected lights, a tall charming-eyed man was sitting in front of me playing a piece of music on his saxophone. The melodious sounds from the saxophone may make people think he's a professional, but in fact he remains an amateur and a simple farmer.

Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Quan's interest in science stemmed from an urge to revolutionize the sector. He said, "Science and technological development is considered a top national priority, creating an important driving force in the industrialization and modernization of the country. However, this development will require much time and great efforts as scientific and technological backwardness is obvious than in other sectors."

Technology is seen as one of the strategic tools to ensure rapid and sustainable development for enterprises in the market. Therefore, despite facing difficulties, the government has continuously supported the development of science and technology. According to specialists, to strengthen scientific and technological research, it needs more mechanisms to attract investment.

A ceremony to honor young science and technology talents was jointly held recently in Hanoi by the Ho Chi Minh Youth Union and the Ministry of Science and Technology. 141 young scientists were praised for their outstanding achievements, with ten honored to receive the technological scientific "2012 Golden Globe" Award.