They were selected from 223 candidates proposed by 54 provincial and municipal Youth Unions. Of the winners, 34 are studying at vocational schools.  

Addressing the awards ceremony in Hanoi on March 28, State Vice President Nguyen Thi Doan praised young Vietnamese people for their enthusiasm for starting up their own business and hoped that they would continue sharpening their skills to become well-off and contribute to the cause of national modernisation and industrialisation.

“The Party and State always create the best possible conditions for youth to study, grow and fulfil their duties,” said Ms Doan.

She asked vocational training schools to improve the quality of teaching and update their scientific and technological knowledge to train students to meet the country’s requirements during the international economic integration process.

According to Nguyen Hoang Nghiep, Secretary of the Youth Union Central Committee, 70-80 percent of Youth Union officials at the town, commune and ward levels will receive financial support to attend vocational training courses in 2009.   

The Fund for Young Skilled Workers made its debut at the ceremony and received donations from many businesses and philanthropists.