Vietnam Launches National Math Program to Cultivate Future AI-Ready Generation
Vietnam is embarking on an ambitious national initiative to revitalize mathematics education, aiming to foster a generation equipped to thrive in the age of artificial intelligence. The program, centered around the Vietnamese Mathematics Field (VNMF), seeks to transform how students approach the subject, shifting the focus from rote memorization to creative problem-solving and a genuine love of learning.
The VNMF, designed for students in grades 1 through 9 nationwide, directly supports the implementation of the General Mathematics Program 2018 and the nation’s broader 2021-2030 plan for mathematics development, with a specific emphasis on talent identification and human resource development.
During the inauguration ceremony, a leading figure in Vietnamese mathematics, Professor and Doctor of Sciences Ngo Bao Chau, articulated the core mission: “The main objective of the organization of the Mathematical Games field of Vietnam is to help ever more students to learn mathematics with enthusiasm, joy and interest. It is then a question of contributing to their adaptation to the context of dazzling development of artificial intelligence.”
A Shift in Educational Philosophy
The program represents a significant departure from traditional mathematics education, according to Professor Ngo Bao Chau. He emphasized that the initiative aims not only to elevate Vietnam’s standing in international mathematics competitions but also to “give life to mathematics and support their implementation in Vietnam.” The goal is to present mathematics as an engaging pursuit, rather than a source of anxiety. “Even if everyone has no particular talent, each student can acquire the necessary basic skills and knowledge,” he stated.
This sentiment was echoed by a senior official from the Ministry of Education and Training, who highlighted the importance of cultivating skills beyond mathematical proficiency. “To become a person who lives well in society, many different capacities are necessary, including capacities close to mathematics learning, such as creativity and problem solving,” the official explained. They further stressed the untapped potential within Vietnamese students, advocating for a cultural shift in mathematics education – one that prioritizes critical thinking and application over simply achieving high test scores.
VNMF: A Multi-Stage Competition and Learning Ecosystem
The VNMF is structured as a series of five increasingly challenging competitions, designed to cater to a diverse range of student abilities. The program, launching on August 2, 2025, and running through April 2026, features the following stages:
- Warm-up: A free, unlimited practice test.
- Discovery: A conditional test consisting of three assessments.
- Challenge: A school-level test with two events – one awarding school prizes and the other selecting students for the provincial competition.
- Conquest: A provincial-level test with a single event.
- Shine: A national-level test comprising an online component and a dissertation.
Beyond the competitive stages, the VNMF will offer online competitions, academic exchanges, and community activities to enrich the learning experience. Students progress through the stages based on their individual capabilities and performance.
The program leverages a modern online platform – accessible at https://vnmf.edu.vn – to deliver engaging content and facilitate participation. The national examination will be held in Hanoi.
Developing 21st-Century Skills
The VNMF is designed to cultivate a range of essential skills, including logical reasoning, problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity. Participants will also gain exposure to modern educational technologies and develop their digital literacy and autonomy. A key objective is to identify and nurture mathematically gifted students, creating a pipeline of talent for national and international competitions.
The Vietnamese mathematics program distinguishes itself through its in-depth examination questions, which demand rigorous mathematical thinking and clear presentation skills. The online format offers a user-friendly interface and a variety of engaging question types, allowing students to practice daily. Successful students may even have opportunities for international recognition.
Fostering a New “Culture of Teaching and Learning”
A recent seminar, “Innovation in the Culture of Teaching and Learning Mathematics,” brought together leading experts to discuss emerging trends in mathematics education. The seminar served as a forum for teachers, researchers, and experts to explore the role of technology and artificial intelligence in personalizing the learning experience. Participants emphasized the need to cultivate a deeper “culture of teaching and learning mathematics” – a factor often overlooked but crucial to student engagement and success.
The VNMF aims to create a positive, creative, and welcoming learning environment, fostering a love of mathematics among students of all abilities. By prioritizing engagement and discovery over pressure and rote learning, Vietnam hopes to empower the next generation with the mathematical skills and mindset needed to navigate an increasingly complex and technologically driven world.
