Scholar points out three values driving Vietnam’s global standing
As Vietnam gears up for the 80th anniversary of its National Day (September 2), Prof. Vu Minh Khuong from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy in Singapore outlined three key qualities that the world especially values, which he said, could propel the country to extraordinary heights.
As Vietnam gears up for the 80th anniversary of its National Day (September 2), Prof. Vu Minh Khuong from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy in Singapore outlined three key qualities that the world especially values, which he said, could propel the country to extraordinary heights.
Talking with Vietnam News Agency correspondents in Singapore, Khuong stressed that despite the scars of wars and immense hardship, Vietnam has bravely overcome them with a spirit of independence and resilience rooted in a thousand-year tradition. Drawing from his extensive studies and personal experience, he identified three enduring values that define Vietnam’s trajectory.
First, Vietnam serves as a model of transformation, rising from poverty and devastating conflict to reconciliation and cooperation. Its ability to “turn enemies into friends” and shift from confrontation to collaboration, he said, offers a historical lesson and a blueprint for sustainable future development, one that many nations may look to emulate.
Second, Vietnam is emerging as a dynamic economy. Beyond its current growth, which is impressive in its own right, the country holds vast potential in digital innovation, green technologies, and sustainable practices.
Third, and most critical, is Vietnam’s evolving mindset, according to him. Its universities are stepping up to world-class levels, with students proficient in English and navigating global academic and production ecosystems. This pivot, he argued, could catapult Vietnam to developed-nation status within the next two decades, a milestone he called “a priceless gift” for past generations.
In a world growing ever more complex, Khuong advised Vietnam to adhere to its open foreign policy of “being friends with all nations,” while fostering trust and mutual benefit with its partners. He cited Singapore as an example of how a nation can assert its value by contributing to the world and cultivating a broad, interconnected ecosystem.
Finally, he underscored the importance of national unity. With collective strength, he said, Vietnam can succeed in all endeavours, from eradicating poverty to reaching new peaks of development./.