WELCOME TO THE FIRST CONGRESS OF DELEGATES OF THE DONG NAI PROVINCE UNION OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ASSOCIATIONS, TERM 2025-2030. Dr. Hoang Thi Bich Hang, President of the Dong Nai Province Union of Science and Technology Associations: Awakening pride, aspiration for contribution, and the spirit of innovation among intellectuals.

The First Congress of Delegates of the Union of Science and Technology Associations of Dong Nai Province (Union of Associations), for the term 2025-2030, took place at a time when the province had just been merged and was entering a new phase of development with many expectations. This event not only marked an important milestone for the scientific and technological intellectual workforce but also opened up the need for strong innovation in the organization, operating methods, and role of the Union of Associations in the province's knowledge ecosystem.

Delegates discuss on the sidelines of the First Congress of the Union of Science and Technology Associations of Dong Nai Province, term 2025-2030. Photo: Huy Anh

On this occasion, our reporter had an interview with Dr. Hoang Thi Bich Hang, President of the Union of Intellectuals, regarding the mission, responsibilities, and development direction of the intellectuals' association in the new phase.

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

* Madam, the First Congress of Delegates of the Federation is taking place at a special time. What is the significance and vision of the Federation in this new phase?

- This congress marks an important milestone following the merger of the former Union of Associations of Dong Nai and Binh Phuoc provinces. In the context of the whole country promoting the development of science and technology, the knowledge economy, and digital transformation, the Union of Associations aims to become a center for gathering intellectuals, connecting creativity and bringing knowledge into life, and accompanying the province in its sustainable development.

With the spirit of "Unity - Creativity - Breakthrough - Development," the Union of Associations continues to innovate its content and methods of operation to leverage the intellectual capacity of its workforce, contributing to building Dong Nai province into a green, prosperous, civilized, and modern province.

* What are the outstanding achievements and milestones of the Union of Associations in the recent past, Madam?

- During the period 2020-2025, the Union of Associations reviewed more than 40 projects, policies, and draft laws related to urban planning, digital transformation, high-tech agriculture, etc. Simultaneously, it organized nearly 150 science and technology communication activities such as "Knowledge Bridge," "Disseminating Knowledge on the Field," and "Innovative Entrepreneurship" in various forms. These activities have brought scientific and technological knowledge to the right target audience, enhanced community understanding, and supported intellectuals and members in the province in effectively implementing the Party and State's guidelines and policies.

Comrade Thai Bao, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Head of the Provincial Party Committee's Organization Department, chaired a working session with the Provincial Union of Science and Technology Associations to hear a report on the unit's activities.

The Technical Innovation Movement has flourished with thousands of entries and many solutions winning national awards. The intellectual workforce is growing in both quantity and quality, with many leading experts contributing to the province. Notably, in just the first month after the province's merger, we organized the "Confidence and Expectations of the Intellectual Workforce" workshop, which had a positive impact and received high praise from provincial leaders and the intellectual community.

* Madam, what strategic directions will the Federation focus on during its new term?

- In addition to the 14 key tasks approved by the Provincial People's Committee for 2026, we have identified 5 major directions:

Firstly, streamline the organization towards a lean, professional, and modern structure; strengthen coordination with member associations and research and training institutions; and build a unified and seamless knowledge-sharing ecosystem.

Secondly, we must strongly promote the advisory and critical role; proactively participate in providing feedback on key projects and plans; and provide reliable scientific and technological knowledge to serve policy planning in accordance with the spirit of Resolution 57-NQ/TW.

Thirdly, promote communication and dissemination of scientific and technological knowledge in the direction of "bringing science closer to the people"; develop digital spaces to spread open knowledge, integrate expert data and innovative models.

Fourth, vigorously promote the Technical Innovation and Entrepreneurship Movement; strengthen the connection between ideas and businesses, investment funds, and incubators. Simultaneously, coordinate with member associations and organizations to expand the network of experts, ensuring that advice and feedback on the province's programs, projects, and policies are provided promptly, with quality and relevance to reality.

Fifth, promote comprehensive digital transformation, aiming towards an "electronic association"; apply artificial intelligence (AI) and open data in governance and critical analysis; expand international cooperation and regional linkages, positioning the Dong Nai Association as a knowledge and innovation center of the region.

* You just mentioned advisory and critical review activities; could you elaborate on these activities, Madam?

- The association provides consultation and feedback in two forms:

Firstly, participate in forums and conferences chaired or co-organized by the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of the province, contributing to critical feedback on major policies and guidelines of the province.

Secondly, conduct independent reviews in accordance with Decision No. 14/2014/QD-TTg dated February 14, 2014, of the Prime Minister. Accordingly, the Union of Associations is free to select projects, programs, and policies that directly impact social life to organize independent reviews, or participate in reviews when entrusted with the task by the Provincial Party Committee, the Provincial People's Committee, departments, agencies, localities, and units.

Depending on the content, we invite suitable experts from our knowledge database to ensure scientific accuracy and objectivity.

The advisory and critical review activities of the Union of Associations mainly focus on analyzing the causes, predicting the impacts, and proposing feasible solutions.

* In your opinion, what are the key factors in unleashing and developing the role of the intellectual workforce?

Intellectuals are the core force of innovation; their responsibility is to serve the people and the nation with their knowledge and ethics.

The most important factor is building a trustworthy, democratic, open, and creative environment where intellectuals can develop their abilities and fulfill their social responsibilities.

Intellectual associations should be places of convergence, connection, and dissemination, where pride, a desire to contribute, and a spirit of continuous innovation are fostered among the intellectual community.

Thank you very much, Madam!

PV (performed by)

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/xa-hoi/khoa-hoc-cong-nghe/202512/chao-mung-dai-hoi-dai-bieu-lien-hiep-cac-hoi-khoa-hoc-va-ky-thuat-tinh-dong-nai-lan-thu-i-nhiem-ky-2025-2030-tien-si-hoang-thi-bich-hang-chu-tich-lien-hiep-cac-hoi-khoa-hoc-va-ky-thuat-tinh-dong-nai-k-5d319fe/