VUSTA Party Secretary Chau Van Minh works with the Vietnam Fund for Supporting Technological Creations (VIFOTEC)

Accompanying him were Dr. Sc. Phan Xuan Dung - President of VUSTA, Mr. Pham Huu Hue - Chief of Office, and Mr. Tran Xuan Viet - Acting Head of the Department of Science and International Cooperation of VUSTA.

Overview of the working session

At the meeting, representatives of VIFOTEC’s leadership presented a brief report on the Fund’s key achievements in recent years. With nearly 40 years of sustained efforts, the Fund has consistently operated in line with its mission and mandate, becoming a key pillar supporting the national scientific community through major initiatives such as the Vietnam Science and Technology Innovation Award, the National Technical Innovation Contest, and the National Contest for Youth and Children’s Creativity. Notably, over 29 editions (1995-2024), the Vietnam Science and Technology Innovation Award has established strong credibility, attracting 3.252 entries, of which 1.116 projects have received awards. Many of these have been widely applied in practice, generating tangible socio-economic benefits.

VIFOTEC has made increasingly significant contributions to the country’s innovation and development process, creating broad impact and helping to promote nationwide movements in scientific research and technological innovation. It has encouraged scientists and intellectuals to engage in research and creativity, contributing to the timely resolution of pressing practical challenges and supporting national development in line with the tasks entrusted by the Party and the State.

The awards organized by the Fund have generated strong and far-reaching impact, promoting a nationwide movement of creative labor across all segments of society, from leading scientists to students in remote and disadvantaged areas. Notably, amid the rapid advancement of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the Fund has proactively reformed its evaluation processes, transforming its awards into a dynamic “innovation ecosystem” that strengthens linkages between research and practical application.

Delivering remarks at the session, Prof. Academician Chau Van Minh expressed his appreciation for the achievements of VIFOTEC. He commended the Fund’s sustained efforts in maintaining and enhancing the quality of its awards over decades, noting that they have become one of the country’s most reputable platforms for scientific innovation, where practical, high-impact ideas are cultivated and widely disseminated, contributing to meaningful improvements in socio-economic life.

Prof. Academician Chau Van Minh, Secretary of the VUSTA Party Committee, speaks at the working session

Party Secretary Chau Van Minh emphasized the important role of VIFOTEC in the overall development of VUSTA. As an “extended arm” and a core unit in organizing and managing nationwide scientific and technological innovation movements, he expressed his expectation that the Fund would continue to build on its strong foundation while making more decisive transformations to adapt to the evolving context. He also underscored that VUSTA’s leadership would continue to provide close guidance and strategic direction to help open up new development pathways for the Fund in the coming period.

At the conclusion of the visit, Prof. Academician Chau Van Minh and the VUSTA delegation toured VIFOTEC’s headquarters and its exhibition space featuring award-winning projects. This first official visit by Prof. Academician Chau Van Minh in his capacity as Secretary of the VUSTA Party Committee to VIFOTEC - an affiliated unit of VUSTA - together with his clear strategic orientations, serves as a strong source of encouragement for the Fund’s staff as they continue to promote innovation and honor scientific achievements nationwide.

Prof. Academician Chau Van Minh and the VUSTA delegation tour VIFOTEC’s headquarters and exhibition space

The VUSTA delegation poses for a commemorative photo with VIFOTEC leadership

VUSTA leadership poses for a group photo with VIFOTEC staff