HANOI—In an impressive speech to intellectuals and scientists, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), Tô Lâm, emphasized the key role that intellectuals and scientists must play in shaping the country’s future. He particularly highlighted their responsibility to make Vietnam a leading country in Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Southeast Asia.

The General Secretary acknowledged the country’s great achievements in the last four decades of innovation, stating that these had been made possible largely through the work of the country’s intellectuals and scientists. He referred to this group as the “core force,” representing the nation’s intelligence and talent and acting as one of the most important resources for the country’s economic growth and prosperity.

General Secretary Criticizes His Party

Despite this recognition, the General Secretary also admitted significant shortcomings in handling intellectuals and scientists. He criticized the existing limitations regarding access to resources, recruitment systems, and the lack of a supportive environment for the proactive application of science and technology. These deficits, he argued, must be urgently addressed to fully realize the responsibilities and missions of intellectuals in the country.

A key concern for Tô Lâm was to point out the insufficient number of leading experts and talents in Vietnam’s science and technology sector. At the same time, he called on intellectuals to prioritize national interests over personal ones and to engage more actively in the scientific and technological development of Vietnam. It is essential, he said, for more scientists to take on responsibility and dedicate themselves to the challenging tasks and projects that are of great importance to the country.

The General Secretary emphasized that it would be a “crime” to leave the potential of science and technology untapped. Only through innovation, research, and technological development could Vietnam increase its labor productivity and quickly become a regional leader. This is the only way to advance the nation in the coming years and ensure its global competitiveness.

Tô Lâm called for close collaboration between the government, scientists, and the broader society to achieve the ambitious goals. The General Secretary made it clear that it is crucial for Vietnam to enhance its international competitiveness in the field of AI and general scientific research and to set the course for a sustainable and technology-driven future. (zai) – Photo: vietnam.vn