September 2 is one of the most significant holidays on the Vietnamese calendar, as it marks the day revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam’s independence. Vietnamese around the country commemorate this monumental occasion with flags and festivities, while fireworks light up the night sky in Ho Chi Minh City and other localities. 

   September is also a special month for students in Vietnam, with September 5 marking the first day of the school year for most. Vietnam views education as a national priority, with 20 per cent of the State budget spent on education since 2008. The government’s commitment and the long-standing cultural and social support for education have led to significant progress being made.

   In our Cover Story this month, we report on this progress, especially since Decree No. 86 came into force on August 1, 2018, reforming regulations on both investment and compliance issues in the education sector. According to figures from the Foreign Investment Agency at the Ministry of Planning and Investment, accumulated investment in education has increased by 16.3 per cent since the Decree came into effect. A report on the first seven months of this year revealed that Vietnam has attracted 122 education projects with total capital of $69.63 million. Joining local and foreign investors these days are private equity funds.

   We also report on the startup movement in edtech (educational technology), which is blooming and seeing the number of funds and foreign investors rise sharply. With such positive signs, it is hoped that Vietnam’s education market will see continued interest and development from funds and foreign investors.

   This month also marks the 20th anniversary of The Guide Awards, and the Vietnam Economic Times Group will distribute a special publication at the awards ceremony on September 26. We look back on how the tourism sector has developed over the last two decades and present views on its future. Within the framework of the awards program, we will also hold a workshop with the theme “Vietnam’s Tourism Development: Views on the Efforts of the Private Sector”. We look forward to welcoming you to this special event.