Seven decades have passed but the value of President Ho Chi Minh’s appeal remains relevant, leading Vietnamese people in the process of national construction.

The story about a special class on Hon Chuoi Island in Ca Mau province is just one example. The class is run by border guard Tran Binh Phuc who wants to bring knowledge and literacy to children in remote areas. Senior lieutenant Phuc said after a rescue mission for victims of tropical storm Linda on Hon Chuoi in 1997, he felt pity for islander children who took whatever they saw on the roads to eat. They were all illiterate.

Over the past decade, Phuc has organized free training classes on the island in a bid to help the local children learn how to read and write for a brighter future, adding: “What I’m worried about most is what knowledge is most suitable and useful for children on Hon Chuoi Island. What should I do to narrow the knowledge gap between island and mainland children?”

Soldier teacher Tran Binh Phuc and his pupils go to the class together. (Photo: Le Khoa-bienphong.com.vn)

He went on to say: “After many years staying there, I have been successful in attracting local children to class. Now all children attending school can read, write, and have access to the current educational curriculum. Some have traveled to the mainland for higher study.”

Ngo Quang Huy, foreman of Lam Thao Fertilizers and Chemicals Company, has 19 innovations for production, which earn his firm more than 220,000 USD per year.

Ngo Quang Huy at work (Photo: H.A/laodong.vn)

 Huy said he was lucky to receive strong support from the company’s board of directors to try the initiatives which have improved working conditions for employees, and led to an increase in productivity and product quality.

Ngo Quang Huy (third from left) is instructing workers how to operate and repair the machine (Photo: baocongthuong.com.vn)

Huy said: “I am aware of President Ho Chi Minh’s example and his teachings. Contributing to my company is a way to contribute to national growth. I have exchanged opinions and consulted with colleagues to develop innovations to reduce the volume of labour for workers towards encouraging them to work harder.”

Businessman Ly Ngoc Minh, General Director of Minh Long I Ceramics and Porcelainwares Company (Photo: baodautu.vn)

 Businessman Ly Ngoc Minh, General Director of Minh Long I Ceramics and Porcelainwares Company, said he only thinks of himself as a grain of sand. Now Minh Long products are available in demanding markets like France, Germany, Italy, and Eastern European countries, and are highly appreciated in the region.

To date, Minh Long Company has found success using the technology of "once firing" that almost all major ceramic companies in the world use.

According to Minh, “Minh Long Company has pursued the technology of ‘once firing’ for a long time. The technology has shortened the production time from 7 days to 3 days. The automation has reduced the workforce of 200 to 20 people.”

Pham Van Hat from Tu Ky District, Hai Duong Province has invented a machine to till the soil and sow seeds which increases labor productivity and reduces the hardship for workers. The machine has one operator and can replace 40 employees working the same job.

“Our products are practical and have been applied in the market. Since 2012, I have created about 30 kinds of products which have been put into use immediately,” said Hat.