The newly established Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) will have 25 units, including 22 administrative organizations responsible for state management and three public service units supporting the ministry’s functions.

On March 2, the government issued Decree No. 55, defining the functions, responsibilities, and organizational structure of the newly merged Ministry of Science and Technology. The decree took effect on March 1, 2025.

The MoST was formed by merging the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) with the former Ministry of Science and Technology. While responsibilities for network security have been transferred to the Ministry of Public Security, press and publishing management functions previously under the MIC have been assigned to the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.

According to Decree No. 55, the MoST is a government agency responsible for state management in scientific research, technology development, innovation, high-tech industries, and strategic technologies.

It also oversees intellectual property, metrology and quality standards, nuclear energy, radiation and nuclear safety, postal services, telecommunications, radio frequencies, IT and digital industries, e-commerce, and national digital transformation policies.

The MoST will operate 25 units, including 22 administrative divisions assisting the Minister in state management and three public service entities supporting government functions.

Minister Nguyen Manh Hung is tasked with submitting proposals to the Prime Minister regarding the functions and structure of the Academy of Science and Technology Strategy and other affiliated public service institutions.

Key organizational changes

The Academy of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Vietnam Science and Technology Journal, Institute of Strategy and Policy on Information and Communications, Management Training School for Information and Communications, and Information and Communications Journal will continue operating until the Prime Minister issues final structural decisions within three months of Decree No. 55’s implementation.

Similarly, the Department of Cybersecurity will remain active for up to three months to handle financial, personnel, and operational transitions. Meanwhile, VietnamNet Newspaper will continue its activities until it is officially transferred to the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, a process expected to be finalized in March.

Leadership and vision

On February 18, the National Assembly approved the appointment of Nguyen Manh Hung as Minister of Science and Technology, and later that day, President Luong Cuong officially presented the appointment decision.

As of March 1, Minister Nguyen Manh Hung will be supported by five deputy ministers: Bui The Duy, Le Xuan Dinh, Hoang Minh, Pham Duc Long, and Bui Hoang Phuong.

Speaking about the strategic direction of the newly merged ministry, Minister Nguyen Manh Hung emphasized that the consolidation aims to bridge science, technology, and innovation with digital transformation, creating a powerful synergy for Vietnam’s rapid development.

He highlighted that the 74,000 digital technology enterprises previously managed by the Ministry of Information and Communications will now have direct access to scientific research and technological advancements under the MoST.

This integration will accelerate the commercialization of scientific research and enhance the country's technological competitiveness.

During the March 1 ceremony, where the Prime Minister’s decision on vice-ministerial appointments was announced, Minister Hung described the merger as a landmark transformation in government restructuring.

The new ministry will not only inherit the responsibilities of its predecessors but also take on additional strategic tasks, such as developing Vietnam’s national technological capabilities.

“The integration of science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation under one unified organization will create the momentum needed to position Vietnam as a high-income, developed nation in the digital era,” Minister Hung stated.

Organizational structure of the New Ministry of Science and Technology

The 22 administrative units include:

Office of the Ministry
Inspectorate of the Ministry
National Committee for Standards, Metrology, and Quality

Nine departments:

Legal Affairs
Personnel and Organization
Planning and Finance
International Cooperation
Postal Services
Technology Evaluation and Assessment
Science, Engineering, and Technology
Social Sciences and Humanities
Digital Economy and Society

Ten agencies (bureaus):

Radiation and Nuclear Safety
National Post Administration
IT and Digital Industry Development
National Digital Transformation
Innovation and Startup Development
Intellectual Property Administration
Radio Frequency Management
Information and Statistics Management
Telecommunications Administration
Business and Technology Enterprises

The three public service institutions include:

IT Center
Academy of Science and Technology Strategy
Vietnam Express News Agency (VnExpress)

Van Anh