The "Trạng Nguyên Tiếng Việt" competition, a hallmark of Vietnamese educational culture, recently concluded its 10th annual event, showcasing the dedication and passion of young students for the Vietnamese language. Organized by the Vietnam Education Publishing House in collaboration with the Trạng Nguyên Education Investment Company, this year's competition ran from September 2024 to April 2025, drawing in a remarkable number of participants.
Over 5 million students from grades 1 to 5 across 63 provinces and cities took part in various rounds, including preliminary rounds at the school level, district-level competitions (Hương), provincial-level contests (Hội), and the national finals (Đình) held in Hanoi on April 26 and 27, 2025. The event highlighted not only the academic prowess of the students but also their enthusiasm for learning the Vietnamese language.
According to the organizers, a total of 372 students from 49 provinces and cities qualified for the national round, demonstrating the widespread appeal of the competition. Lào Cai province alone had nine students participate, all of whom achieved remarkable success. These students collectively earned two first prizes, one second prize, and six third prizes. Notably, Trần Như Ý from Hoàng Văn Thụ Elementary School in Lào Cai city and Lâm Bảo Châm from Na Hối Elementary School in Bắc Hà district were awarded first prizes. Dương Đức Duy from Bắc Lệnh Elementary School in Lào Cai city secured the second prize.
"The 10th Trạng Nguyên Tiếng Việt competition is not just an academic playground, but a journey that helps students refine their language skills and develop holistically. Through each lesson and each exam, they will grow to love their mother tongue even more, confidently mastering the language and cherishing the cultural values of our nation," said Nguyễn Thị Thu Phương, a representative of the organizing committee.
The competition has seen participation from over 13 million students and teachers nationwide since its inception. It has successfully attracted not only students from affluent urban areas but also millions from less privileged regions, reflecting a deep-seated love for the Vietnamese language and a commitment to preserving the nation’s cultural heritage.
This year’s competition featured a significant innovation: the integration of technology into the examination process. Instead of relying solely on traditional multiple-choice and essay questions, the tests included situational videos, engaging audio clips, and visual aids designed to enhance students' cognitive abilities and language reflexes, connecting their knowledge with real-world contexts.
"The highlight of this year's competition is the application of technology in the exam format. This shift not only tests knowledge but also inspires students to appreciate the Vietnamese language more deeply every day," Phương added.
The awards ceremony was a grand affair, honoring the hard work and dedication of students from all corners of the country. The organizers covered all expenses for accommodation, uniforms, and prizes for contestants and team leaders, amounting to a staggering 1 billion VND. This gesture underscores the commitment to fostering a love for the Vietnamese language among the youth.
The competition is implemented in accordance with Decision No. 1008/QD-TTg issued by the Prime Minister, which aims to strengthen Vietnamese language skills for preschool children and elementary school students in ethnic minority areas from 2016 to 2020, with a vision extending to 2025.
Among the notable awards presented this year were the "Tiến sĩ" prize, awarded to Phạm Đình Vũ Đức from Lê Hữu Tựu Elementary School in Đông Anh, Hà Nội, and Nguyễn Thị Hoài Thương from Võ Thị Sáu Elementary School in Buôn Ma Thuột City, Đắk Lắk province. The "Hoàng Giáp" prize went to Bùi Nguyễn Bảo Tiên from Quang Trung Elementary School in Cà Mau City and Chiêu Lam My from Nguyễn Thị Định Elementary School in Bạc Liêu City. Additionally, the "Thám Hoa" prize was awarded to Nguyễn Lê Bảo Khanh from Văn Phú Elementary School in Việt Trì, Phú Thọ, and Nguyễn Xuân Nghi from Tôn Đức Thắng Elementary School in Đức Linh district, Bình Thuận province.
Other notable awards included the "Bảng Nhãn" prize, which was given to Võ Huỳnh Minh Nhật from Thị trấn 1 Elementary School in An Minh district, Kiên Giang province, and Trần Phương Linh from Cửu Long Elementary & THCS in Lương Sơn district, Hòa Bình province. The prestigious "Trạng Nguyên" prize was awarded to Nguyễn Thị Minh Thảo from Suối Hoa Elementary School in Bắc Ninh province and Phạm Lê Thảo Ngọc from Thị trấn Đoan Hùng Elementary School in Phú Thọ province.
The Trạng Nguyên Tiếng Việt competition not only serves as a platform for academic excellence but also plays a vital role in nurturing the cultural identity and values of Vietnamese students. As the competition continues to evolve and adapt to modern educational needs, it remains a cherished tradition that inspires countless students to embrace their language and culture with pride.
