On April 29, 2025, the Special National Relic Site Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám (Hanoi) was alive with the spirit of learning as 349 outstanding students from 33 provinces and cities gathered for the Final Round of the 23rd National "Young Scholars" Festival. The event also featured the "Beautiful Handwriting – Beautiful Character" contest and the "Golden Honor Roll" competition.
The event is held annually by Tien Phong and Nhi Dong Newspaper in collaboration with Hong Ha Stationery Joint Stock Company. It aims to discover and honor diligent, high-achieving students nationwide.
Hundreds of students compete in a historic setting
From early morning, students arrived at the gates of Văn Miếu to participate in the contests: "Young Scholars" (for Grades 2–5), "Beautiful Handwriting" (Grades 2–5), and "Golden Honor Roll" (Grades 6–8). Within the solemn, ancient space of the Thai Hoc courtyard, the students completed their exams with seriousness and determination.
This year, 208 elementary and secondary schools participated, a record. Notably, about 50 schools had students reach the Final Round for the first time.
A dignified opening ceremony honors outstanding young faces
Representatives from the Central Youth Union, the Ministry of Education and Training, Hong Ha Stationery Company, and the Editorial Board of Tien Phong and Nhi Dong Newspaper attended the opening ceremony.
Mr. Nguyễn Phan Khuê – Editor-in-Chief of Tien Phong and Nhi Dong Newspaper and Head of the Organizing Committee – delivered a speech at the event.
In his remarks, he shared meaningful messages about the journey of learning, the value of education, and encouraged the children to keep striving:
"This program aims to spread the nation's fine traditions – respect for learning, gratitude to teachers and elders, and appreciation of our roots. It offers a meaningful platform full of knowledge, inspiring students to grow into useful members of society."
Honoring the excellent achievements of young talents
After intense and determined competition, the top-performing students were honored for their accomplishments.
In the Young Scholars competition, the organizing committee awarded:
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12 first-ranking positions (Trạng Nguyên)
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16 second-ranking positions (Bảng Nhãn)
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24 third-ranking positions (Bảng Nhãn)
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109 Distinguished Scholars (Hoàng Giáp)
In the Beautiful Handwriting competition, awards included:
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4 First Prizes
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12 Second Prizes
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16 Third Prizes
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84 Encouragement Prizes
In the Golden Honor Roll contest:
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6 first-ranking positions
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6 second-ranking positions (Bảng Nhãn)
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12 third-ranking positions (Bảng Nhãn)
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48 Distinguished Scholars
In the Team category, 24 students were awarded the title of Team first-ranking positions (Trạng Nguyên).
All prizewinners received certificates of merit, gifts, cash prizes, and symbolic awards such as traditional ao dai and scholar's caps – colorful and meaningful tokens recognizing their dedication to learning. These achievements are a source of pride for their families and schools, and also serve as evidence of the enduring tradition of valuing education in Vietnamese culture.
18 new first-ranking positions honored in the 23rd "Young Scholars" contest and the 5th "Golden Honor Roll"
The contest concluded with a proud Rước Trạng (Procession of first-ranking positions), accompanied by the sound of ceremonial drums and the bright, joyful expressions of the young students – the nation's future.
The Young Scholars Festival is an engaging academic playground and a journey that nurtures dreams and spreads a love for learning, carrying forward Vietnam’s timeless tradition of honoring education.
