From April 18 to 20, 2025, the Ministry of Education and Training, in collaboration with Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Central Committee and Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, hosted the 7th National Startup Festival for Students (SV.STARTUP 2025) at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education.

The event was attended by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, along with leaders from central and local authorities, educators, scientists, entrepreneurs, and a large number of students from universities, colleges, and high schools nationwide.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh delivered a keynote speech at the 7th National Startup Festival for Students.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh praised ministries, localities, and businesses for their contributions in promoting entrepreneurship. He noted that since the government approved Project 1665 in 2017, aimed at supporting student startups by 2025, the education sector, schools, and students have shown a marked shift in mindset and action. This has led to a growing number of student-led projects receiving development support.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the national startup festival is not just an annual event, but a place that nurtures students’ dreams - no matter how small. It is a gathering point for young minds to share entrepreneurial spirit and connect with enterprises and academic institutions to turn ideas into reality.

“We must connect the ‘three pillars’ - schools, government, and businesses - to work more closely with students. Businesses should take the initiative to place orders, invest, and offer internships and commercialize ideas. Meanwhile, schools need to inspire and guide the next generation,” Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stated.

“A firm handshake” between academia and entrepreneurs

Mr. Ho Minh Hoang - Chairman of the Board of Directors of DEOCA Group (an alumnus of Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education), delivered a speech aimed at inspiring the young generation to pursue entrepreneurship and highlighting the importance of practical education.

He also emphasized the importance of linking education with real-world production and business, so enterprises act not only as employers but also as partners in training high-quality human resources for the country.

Mr. Ho Minh Hoang spoke at the program.

Drawing on more than 30 years of experience in transport infrastructure investment and construction, Mr. Ho Minh Hoang shared that the Prime Minister had frequently visited DEOCA’s projects and provided specific and meaningful guidance. Among his directives is the instruction to focus on “training local human resources, assisting other companies in workforce development, and mastering technology.”

In response, DEOCA Group has set up on-site training centers and collaborated with universities and colleges to provide programs that train hands-on workers and practical engineers. The Group also welcomes students and lecturers to the construction site for internships and work. These initiatives not only support local contractors in project execution and management but also enrich teaching for lecturers and learning for students.

“The spirit of working in ‘three shifts, four crews,’ ‘snatching meals, rushing sleep,’ ‘working day and night’ and ‘conquer the sun, overcome the rain, stand strong against the storm’ is not only for our staff and engineers but also for the students who intern on our projects,” Mr. Ho Minh Hoang said.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visits DEOCA Group’s exhibition booth at the 2025 National Startup Festival.

Beyond training, DEOCA Group also assigns senior executives to serve on the Boards of various educational institutions, such as University of Transport Ho Chi Minh City and Central University of Civil Engineering. This helps bridge the gap between training programs and business needs.

Additionally, Mr. Hoang also identified several challenges in the current education system, including outdated learning facilities, ineffective university governance models, limited focus on soft skills, and weak connections between schools and entrepreneurs.

He proposed that the Government, the Ministry of Education and Training and related parties expand the socialization of education, especially in practical training and new technology application. He also called for greater knowledge-sharing under the philosophy of “knowledge creates value,” and for recognizing corporate infrastructure and expert teams as part of the educational resources that can support student specialized training.

An inspiring message for students

While offering systematic suggestions, Mr. Hoang’s speech sent an inspiring message to students, whom he referred to as future leaders of the Vietnamese economy.

“Vietnam does not lack young talents. What we need is the right ecosystem to awaken and nurture that ambition,” Mr. Hoang affirmed. He stressed that if young people start their businesses not only with skills but also with a sense of responsibility and patriotism, their success will contribute to national achievements.

The Chairman of DEOCA Group added that the company is fully committed to supporting young people, as investment in human capital is the most sustainable one. Drawing from his personal experience as a graduate of Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education, he encouraged students to “keep the flame of ambition alive,” to embrace challenges and constantly innovate in pursuit of lasting values.

His speech at SV.STARTUP 2025 represented not only the voice of the business community but also a call to action for the education system, policymakers, and the startup community to work together toward a sustainable future where students are not only taught but also empowered to do and to succeed.

Without perseverance, one cannot be an entrepreneur

Earlier, at the startup inspirations from entrepreneurs forum, which was attended by numerous speakers and students, Mr. Hoang delivered a memorable speech titled “Without perseverance, one cannot be an entrepreneur.” He offered honest and practical insights at the startup journey, raising awareness of the determination and bravery needed to become future entrepreneurs.

Chairman of DEOCA Group spoke at the forum of startup inspirations from entrepreneurs.

Not resting on his laurels, Chairman of the Board of Directors of DEOCA Group emphasized that entrepreneurial resilience is built not just through ambition but also the will to start over. He cautioned young people that an entrepreneurship journey must require careful preparation and the right attitude.

“Education is an essential foundation. One must first “learn to walk before they can run,” so prepare carefully before the startup. Don’t drop out of school to pursue your passion and don’t let that distract you from learning,” he said. In order to master great achievements, young people must first show perseverance in small things - from paying attention to lectures to diligently completing hands-on practice sessions.

Mr. Hoang also highlighted the value of relationships in university years, “The friends you make today may be your collaborators tomorrow. If you nurture a tree together, the day it blooms will be the fruit of shared effort.” He stated that entrepreneurship is not a solo race but a collaborative journey.

Along with knowledge, Mr. Hoang reminded students that “a person with the right attitude will never lack opportunities.” Attitude is the key factor that creates real distinction. Recruiters, he noted, always look for candidates who demonstrate humility, accountability, and consistency.

According to the Chairman of DEOCA Group, while young entrepreneurs may lack experience, those who set clear goals, budget wisely, manage risks, and sharpen their communication skills can steadily progress on the path to personal and professional success.

News: TT - Photo: To Hung