Hanoi (VNA) – All four Vietnamese students have won gold medals at the 57th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO), including two ranked among the top ten, according to the Ministry of Education and Training.
This marks the first time Vietnam has won four golds at an in-person edition of the IChO. With this outstanding performance, Vietnam tied with China and the US in the overall gold medal count.
The gold medallists are Ngo Quang Minh, a 12th grader from the Bac Ninh High School for the Gifted in Bac Ninh province (7th place); Nguyen Hoang Khoi, a 12th grader from the High School for the Gifted under the Hanoi National University of Education (10th place); Giang Duc Dung, a 12th grader from the High School for Gifted Students in Natural Sciences at the University of Science under the Vietnam National University, Hanoi (14th place); and Nguyen Manh Tuan, an 11th grader from the Hanoi-Amsterdam High School for the Gifted (37th place).
The achievement continues a strong track record for Vietnam in recent years. From 2020 to 2025, all 24 Vietnamese contestants at ICho have brought home medals, including 21 golds and three silvers.
Held in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from July 5 to 14, the 57th IChO gathered 354 contestants from 90 countries and territories.
Participants took part in one theoretical exam and one practical test, each lasting five hours.
The practical exam required mastery of a wide range of experimental skills, from basic to advanced techniques. These included the synthesis and analysis of coordination compounds, amino acid identification, detection of organic compounds using thin-layer chromatography, titration, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The test demanded precision, logical thinking, and strong laboratory skills.
The theoretical exam focused on real-world chemistry-related topics such as seawater desalination, solar energy, tennis balls, and lanterns. It challenged contestants to apply integrated knowledge and critical thinking to solve practical problems. This year’s exam structure was praised for its creativity, real-life relevance, and scientific depth.
IChO is the world’s largest and most prestigious competition in the field of chemistry for high school students. It held annually with the participation of top talents from around the globe.
Vietnam first took part in the IChO in 1996 and has twice secured four gold medals in 2020 and 2022. However, both editions were held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Vietnamese team earned three gold medals and one silver medal in 2023 and 2024 each.
In May this year, Vietnamese students also achieved outstanding results at the 59th Mendeleev International Chemistry Olympiad, widely considered the most challenging chemistry competition in the world. All four contestants brought home medals, comprising two golds and two silvers.
Vietnam’s team was selected based on the results of the national selection exam for regional and international Olympiads held in last March, alongside the main team for the IChO.
Contestants faced three rounds over three days, each lasting five hours. Official awards were presented to the top 60% of participants, with gold, silver and bronze medals distributed in a 1:2:3 ratio
