Hanoi (VNA) - Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Kim Son fielded questions from deputies concerning university funding, tech-savvy workforce training, and psychological counseling in schools, at the 15th National Assembly’s 9th session in Hanoi on June 19.
Addressing concerns over university education spending, Son explained that as public universities gain greater autonomy, the Ministry of Finance has scaled back recurrent state funding. “Over the past decade, as autonomy has increased, the State's support has steadily declined”, he noted
However, the minister noted recent directives from the Party and State urging his ministry to work with finance officials to adjust funding policies, ensuring universities retain essential state backing and strategic guidance even as they go independent.
Regarding the training of a workforce for hi-tech industries, Son stressed a growing focus on sci-tech and engineering talents. Under the Government’s Plan 1002, his ministry has rolled out measures to bolster public universities, including upgrading equipment, recruiting skilled professionals, and fostering international partnerships. Curriculum updates, smoother admissions, and tougher quality checks are also in play to meet industry needs.
On school mental health, Son admitted counseling services are lagging. Since the late 2024, the goal has been one dedicated counselor per school, but only 5% of general education schools, excluding kindergartens, have trained psychologists. Most lean on teachers pulling double duty. The ministry is now ramping up teacher training and building a counselor pipeline to close the gap.
He further stressed that supporting student mental health is not an one-person job. “It takes teachers, parents, socio-political organisations, and the whole community to support students’ well-being”, he said./.
