The Ho Chi Minh City Education Authority announced this Wednesday that it will launch a bilingual English Vietnamese curriculum focused on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) for grades 1 to 12 in the 2025–2026 school year, integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual/augmented reality (VR/AR) technologies into English teaching.
Lam Hong Lam Thuy, head of general education at the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education, speaks during a conference presenting the education goals for the 2025–2026 school year, on August 20, 2025. Photo: T. Thu
During the conference, Lam Hong Lam Thuy indicated that the new program will be delivered through an online learning platform.
This program will support personalized teaching and promote the government's goal of making English a second language in schools.
According to Thuy, the program will incorporate AI and VR/AR tools to create interactive and personalized learning environments for students.
The education plan also includes teacher training in English proficiency, with the support of local and international experts.
It also includes incentives to attract qualified, native-speaking educators to underserved areas, as well as investments in improved classrooms with audiovisual equipment, computers, and internet access.
Students participate in a science day event alongside teachers from an integrated English program at Binh Tho Secondary School in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: B.K.
Officials also plan to develop digital learning resources—such as interactive platforms and a centralized content bank—to improve access to English materials.
Teachers of other subjects will receive support to integrate English into their teaching.
The new bilingual STEM program consists of 36 modules for students at all educational levels.
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Each module consists of three phases—inquiry, construction, and presentation—and is taught in English and Vietnamese.
It will be implemented through a STEM competency framework that will also measure innovation skills.
This initiative is part of the city's effort to make English a second language in schools, in compliance with a Politburo mandate and a directive from the Prime Minister.
The 2025–2026 school year in Vietnam begins between late August and early September, depending on the grade level and location.