Dr. Hoang Thi Bich Hang, Chairwoman of the Dong Nai Union of Science and Technology Associations: Inspiring pride, aspiration to contribute, and spirit of innovation among intellectuals

The 1st Congress of the Dong Nai Union of Science and Technology Associations for the 2025–2030 term was held at a time when the province has recently completed its administrative merger and is entering a new stage of development full of expectations. The event not only marks an important milestone for the province’s scientific and technological workforce but also highlights the urgent need for organizational innovation, new operational approaches, and a stronger role for the Union within the province’s knowledge ecosystem.

Delegates discuss on the sidelines of the 1st Congress of the Dong Nai Union of Science and Technology Associations for the 2025–2030 term. Photo: Huy Anh

On this occasion, the reporter spoke with Dr. Hoang Thị Bích Hang, Chairwoman of the Union, about the mission, responsibilities, and development direction of the intellectual union in this new phase.

Dr. Hoang Thi Bich Hang, Chairwoman of the Dong Nai Union of Science and Technology Associations. Photo: Huy Anh

* The 1st Congress of the Dong Nai Union of Science and Technology Associations took place at a special moment. What is the significance and vision of the Union in this new phase?

 - This Congress marks a significant milestone following the merger of the Dong Nai and Binh Phuoc Science and Technology Associations. In the context of the country actively promoting the development of science and technology, a knowledge-based economy, and digital transformation, the Union aims to become a hub for intellectuals – a place that connects creativity and applies knowledge in practice, while supporting the province’s journey toward sustainable development.

With the spirit of “Solidarity – Creativity – Breakthrough – Development”, the Union will continue to innovate its activities and approaches to fully leverage the expertise of its body of intellectuals, contributing to Dong Nai’s growth into a green, prosperous, civilized, and modern province.

* What have been the Union’s most notable achievements in recent years?

 - During the 2020–2025 period, the Union reviewed and provided input on more than 40 plans, policies, and draft laws related to urban planning, digital transformation, and high-tech agriculture. It also organized nearly 150 science and technology outreach activities, including “Bridge of Knowledge”, “Dissemination of Knowledge at the Farm Gate”, and “Innovation and Startup Initiatives” using a variety of formats. These activities have delivered scientific and technological knowledge to the right audiences, increased public understanding, and supported the province’s group of intellectual and members in effectively implementing the Party’s and State’s policies and directives.

Comrade Thai Bao, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Head of the Provincial Party Committee’s Organization Commission, chairs the working session with the Dong Nai Union of Science and Technology Associations to review the organization’s activities.

The technical innovation movement has flourished, with thousands of entries submitted for competitions and numerous solutions winning national awards. The intellectual contingent has grown steadily in both size and quality, with many leading experts contributing to the province. Notably, within just the first month following the provincial merger, we organized the workshop Trust and Expectations of the body of intellectuals which generated a positive impact and received high praise from both provincial leaders and group of intellectuals

* In the new term, which strategic directions will the Union prioritize?

- In addition to the 14 key tasks approved by the Provincial People’s Committee for 2026, we have identified five major strategic directions:

First, to streamline and strengthen the organization toward a lean, professional, and modern model; enhance coordination with member associations and research and training institutions; and build a unified, seamless ecosystem for connecting the intellectual community.

Second, to vigorously enhance the Union’s role in consultation and counterargument; proactively contribute input to major project and master plans; and provide reliable science and technology expertise to support policymaking in accordance with the spirit of Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW.

Third, to intensify communication and the dissemination of science and technology knowledge with the approach of “bringing science closer to the public”; and to develop digital platforms for the wide dissemination of open knowledge, integrating expert databases and innovative models.

Fourth, to strongly promote the Technical Innovation Movement and innovation-driven entrepreneurship; strengthen linkages between ideas and enterprises, investment funds, and incubators. At the same time, in coordination with member associations and affiliated organizations, we will expand expert networks to ensure timely, high-quality, and practice-oriented consultation and feedback on provincial programs, projects, and policies.

Fifth, to accelerate comprehensive digital transformation toward an “electronic Union”; apply artificial intelligence (AI) and open data in governance and counterargument; and expand international cooperation and regional linkages, positioning the Dong Nai Union as a regional hub for knowledge and innovation.

* You have just mentioned policy consultation and counterargument. How these activities are carried out?

- The Union conducts consultation and counterargument through main modalities.

First, we participate in forums and conferences chaired or co-organized by the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Dong Nai province, thereby contributing to the critique of major policies and strategic orientations of the province.

Second, we undertake independent critique in accordance with Decision No. 14/2014/QD-TTg dated February 14, 2014, issued by the Prime Minister. Under this framework, the Union may proactively select programs, projects, policies that have a direct impact on social life for independent critique, or participate in critique assignments entrusted by the Provincial Party Committee, the Provincial People’s Committee, as well as relevant departments, agencies, localities, and units.

Depending on the specific subject matter, we invite appropriate experts from our intellectual database to ensure scientific rigor and objectivity.

The Union’s consultation and critique activities focus on analyzing root causes, forecasting impacts, and proposing feasible, practical solutions.

* In your view, what is the key factor in unlocking and enhancing the role of the intellectual community?

- Intellectuals are the core force of innovation. Their responsibility is to serve the people and contribute to the nation through knowledge and ethics.

The most critical factor is the creation of a trustworthy, democratic, open, and creative environment in which intellectuals can fully realize their capabilities and social responsibilities.

An intellectual association must serve as a place of convergence, connection, and resonance – a platform that awakens pride, inspires aspirations for contribution, and sustains a spirit of continuous innovation within the intellectual community.

* Thank you for your insights!

By P.V – Translated by Thu Hien, Thu Ha