"Using the final result as the ultimate measure of success."

Speaking at the Spring Festival meeting in the year of the Horse 2026, the Minister of Science and Technology, Nguyen Manh Hung, emphasized the overarching spirit within the Ministry of Science and Technology: taking the final result as the highest measure, and shifting strongly from a "doing it right" mindset to a "doing it to get results" mindset.

Minister Nguyen Manh Hung delivered a speech at the Spring Festival gathering in the year of the Horse 2026.

The first day at work is always a special moment. It's not just a beginning in terms of time, but more importantly, it's a beginning in terms of spirit, mindset, and work style for the entire period ahead.

Every new year, we often talk a lot about goals, plans, and tasks. But in my opinion, the most important thing on the first day of work is to redefine how we will work. Because if we do things the right way, even the most difficult tasks can be accomplished; but if we do things the wrong way, then no matter how good the goals are, the results will be difficult to achieve.

The Ministry of Science and Technology defines the complete science and technology value chain as encompassing the stages from science to technology, from technology to products, from products to production, and from production to the market. State support must encompass the entire chain, reaching the ultimate goal of the market. The further down the chain, the greater the participation of businesses and the greater the value contributed to development.

Our formula for science and technology (S&T), innovation, and digital transformation is: 0 -> 1 -> N -> 100%. 0 -> 1 represents research and development in S&T; 1 -> N represents innovation (creating many products/services from one technology); N -> 100% represents digital transformation (creating a digital environment to quickly disseminate products/services to the entire population).

The transition from zero to one is a journey from nothing to something, often difficult, time-consuming, and costly. It's similar to scientific research, discovering new knowledge; or technological development, creating new technology. The direct economic and social value generated may not be substantial, but it forms a foundation.

1 -> N is the process of creating N products and services from a new technology to solve socio-economic problems. It requires innovative thinking and a connection to practical applications. It is easier, faster, and less expensive, and is suitable for the level of development and capabilities of Vietnamese people. The value created begins to increase.

Reaching 100% represents the process of popularizing products and services to the entire population, especially through the digital environment. This is when we can create and contribute to economic development and growth.

Developed countries focus on 0 -> 1, which means basic research and technological development; developing countries must focus more on 1 -> N -> 100%, which means innovation and digital transformation.

Looking back on the journey so far, in the context of a rapidly changing and unpredictable world, and with increasing competitive pressure, our Ministry has made many efforts and endeavors. I acknowledge the sense of responsibility, dedication, and the silent but very important contributions of the staff, civil servants, and workers throughout the Ministry. The results achieved are the result of unity, collective intelligence, and a spirit of not shying away from difficulties and hardships.

However, we also need to frankly acknowledge that the demands placed on the Ministry are increasingly high, not only higher than before, but far higher than we were yesterday. The country is facing the need for faster and more sustainable development. To achieve this, science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation cannot simply follow behind, but must lead, accompany, and guide.

Science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation cannot simply follow behind; they must lead, accompany, and guide.

Today, science and technology are no longer purely research fields. Innovation is not just a movement. Digital transformation is not simply the application of information technology. These three fields are merging into one, becoming the central driving force of national development. And our Ministry is the agency entrusted by the Party and the State with a very important responsibility in creating, leading, and organizing the implementation of that driving force.

This requires us to make even more drastic changes, starting with a change in mindset. Management thinking cannot stop at issuing regulations; it must focus on solving practical problems. Policy-making thinking should not only follow the correct procedures and authority, but also address the right issues, meet the needs, and create real value.

I hope that every official in the Ministry, regardless of their position, will always ask themselves these three core questions.

First, what is the biggest problem facing the country in your area of ​​responsibility?

Secondly, does what I'm doing actually contribute to solving that problem?

Thirdly, what is the final result measured by?

If we can answer these three questions honestly, then our work will have a clear direction, focus, and meaning.

In the coming period, I want to emphasize a guiding principle throughout the Ministry: the ultimate goal is to prioritize the final outcome. We need to shift strongly from a "do it right" mindset to a "do it for the best results" mindset. Processes are necessary, but processes are not the goal. Documents are necessary, but documents are not the final product. Our final product must be a positive impact that can be felt in practice.

To achieve this, discipline and order in implementation are indispensable. Once the policy is clear, it must be implemented seriously. Once a task is assigned, it must be followed up until completion. Once work is done, it must produce concrete results. The spirit is that words must be matched by actions; once a task is started, it must be completed thoroughly, reaching the final outcome.

Alongside discipline, there must be innovation and creativity. I hope that all units and officials will boldly propose new ideas and experiment with new things, as long as they stem from the common good and contribute to the development of the country. Innovation and creativity are not limited to laboratories or businesses, but must begin in the way each state management agency thinks and works.

Another very important point is working in a systemic spirit. No one can solve major problems alone. Today's problems are all interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral. Therefore, each unit within the Ministry needs to view its work within the overall context, coordinate closely, avoid parochial thinking, and avoid working in a "everyone for themselves" manner.

I also hope that every official of the Ministry will always maintain a spirit of service. We work not just to complete assigned tasks, but to serve the development of the country, the people, and businesses. When we put ourselves in the position of the policy beneficiaries, we will create policies differently—more humane, more practical, and more effective.

The New Year is also a time for self-reflection. Each person should ask themselves: What changes will I make this year to improve my work performance compared to last year? It could be changing my approach to problems, improving collaboration, or simply altering my attitude towards daily tasks. Small changes, if made consistently, can lead to significant improvements.

I believe that our Ministry has the intelligence, courage, and sense of responsibility to successfully complete the very challenging but also very honorable tasks ahead. The important thing is that we move together, in the same direction, with the same spirit and the same goal.

On my first day at work, I hope all of you will share a common spirit: greater unity, more exemplary leadership, more discipline, more focus, stronger innovation, and more breakthroughs. Every workday should be a day of creating new value, however small, because when accumulated, it will create significant change.

Minister Nguyen Manh Hung and leaders of the Ministry of Science and Technology
Giving books as gifts to officials, civil servants, and employees.

On the occasion of my first day back at work, I would like to extend my best wishes for good health, peace, and renewed energy to all colleagues and their families. May each of our working days be a day of creating value for the Ministry, the industry, and the country.

I wish all of you a year of more disciplined, innovative, and efficient work, and most importantly, one that produces tangible and sustainable results.

Source: https://vietnampost.vn/vi/thong-inform-huu-ich/lay-ket-qua-cuoi-cung-lam-thuoc-do-cao-nhat