On the morning of February 17, the Central Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Commission held a conference to announce the Politburo’s decision. Nguyen Trong Nghia, Member of the Politburo, Secretary of the Party Central Committee, and Head of the Commission, formally presented the appointment decision to Huynh Thanh Dat.

Huynh Thanh Dat, born in 1962 in Mo Cay Nam district, Ben Tre province, holds a Ph.D. in Physics and is a former associate professor. He has had an extensive career in academia, serving in various leadership roles at Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCMC), including as Head of Administration, Chief of Staff, Vice President, and ultimately President.

In November 2020, he was appointed Minister of Science and Technology, where he contributed significantly to advancing Vietnam’s scientific and technological innovation landscape.

A new role in national propaganda and policy engagement

During the appointment ceremony, Nguyen Trong Nghia emphasized that the reassignment of Huynh Thanh Dat comes at a time when the Party and the country face new challenges and responsibilities. He described Dat as a leader with deep experience in academia, governance, and policymaking, noting his three terms as a National Assembly delegate and two terms as a Party Central Committee member.

Nghia highlighted Dat’s contributions in elevating VNU-HCMC into one of Vietnam’s top educational institutions and leading key breakthroughs in science and technology during his tenure as minister. He expressed confidence that Dat would bring valuable expertise to his new position, especially in advancing public policy communication and mobilization strategies.

Nghia also underscored the importance of digital transformation in propaganda and mass mobilization, calling for innovative approaches to policy communication and ideological guidance at all levels of governance.

Commitment to the new mission

In his acceptance speech, Huynh Thanh Dat expressed deep gratitude to the Party and the state for their trust in him. He acknowledged the significance of his new role in promoting the Party’s policies, fostering public engagement, and ensuring the effective dissemination of national strategies.

Recognizing the increasing importance of education, technology, and digital transformation, Dat pledged to work alongside the commission’s leadership team to enhance ideological communication, strengthen public trust, and facilitate the implementation of key policies nationwide.

He emphasized that Vietnam’s future development relies on fostering a highly skilled workforce and leveraging science, technology, and digital innovation as primary drivers of national progress. In this context, the Central Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Commission plays a critical role in shaping public awareness and ensuring effective policy execution.

Dat concluded by reaffirming his commitment to upholding Party directives, working collaboratively with colleagues, and contributing to the continued success of the commission’s mission.

Tran Thuong