Vietnam has once again demonstrated its exceptional talent in science education, with all four of its students winning gold medals at the 2026 International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO). This outstanding achievement places Vietnam joint first alongside powerhouses China and India in the number of gold medals awarded.
The four Vietnamese gold medalists are Nguyen Manh Tuan, Nguyen The Minh, and Tran Hoang Nam from Hanoi-Amsterdam High School for the Gifted, and Dinh Xuan Phuc from Vinh Phuc High School for the Gifted in Phu Tho Province. Their success highlights the strength of Vietnam’s specialized gifted education system.
This year’s performance further cements Vietnam’s reputation as one of the top-performing nations at the prestigious IChO. Between 2020 and 2026, Vietnamese contestants have secured an impressive 25 gold medals and three silver medals, consistently ranking among the world’s best in chemistry.
The International Chemistry Olympiad is one of the most competitive academic contests globally, bringing together the brightest young minds from over 80 countries. Participants face rigorous theoretical and practical examinations that test advanced knowledge in organic, inorganic, physical, and analytical chemistry.
Vietnam’s consistent excellence at the IChO reflects the country’s strong investment in STEM education and its commitment to nurturing gifted students. The Ministry of Education and Training plays a crucial role in identifying and preparing talented students through specialized programs at gifted high schools across the nation.
Hanoi-Amsterdam High School for the Gifted has long been a powerhouse in producing Olympiad champions. Many of its alumni have gone on to study at world-renowned universities and contribute significantly to Vietnam’s scientific development. Similarly, provincial gifted schools like Vinh Phuc High School for the Gifted are proving that academic excellence extends beyond major cities.
Education experts attribute Vietnam’s success to several factors: a rigorous national curriculum, dedicated teachers, intensive training camps, and a strong culture that values academic achievement. Students selected for the national team undergo months of intensive preparation, often balancing regular schoolwork with advanced chemistry studies.
The four gold medalists expressed pride in representing Vietnam on the international stage. Their achievement not only brings honor to their schools and families but also inspires younger students across the country to pursue excellence in science.
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This remarkable result comes at a time when Vietnam is accelerating its efforts to strengthen STEM education as part of its national strategy for industrialization and modernization. The government has been promoting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through various initiatives, scholarships, and international partnerships.
Vietnam’s strong performance at international Olympiads serves as powerful proof of the quality of its education system, particularly in the sciences. It helps attract global attention and potential collaborations with leading educational institutions worldwide.
As Vietnam continues to integrate more deeply into the global economy, such academic achievements play a vital role in building the country’s soft power and human capital. The success of these young chemists demonstrates that Vietnam possesses the talent and determination needed to compete at the highest levels internationally.
The Ministry of Education and Training congratulated the students and their teachers, reaffirming its commitment to continuing support for gifted education programs. Officials noted that these victories motivate the next generation and highlight the importance of investing in education as a foundation for national development.
With this latest triumph at the 2026 IChO, Vietnam has once again proven that its students can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the world’s best. The nation looks forward to even greater achievements in future international competitions.
