Vietnam’s leading digital news outlet, VietNamNet, will continue operations under its current structure until the official approval for its transfer to the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs is finalized.

The Vietnamese government has issued Decree No. 55, outlining the functions, responsibilities, and organizational structure of the newly restructured Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST). This decree, effective March 1, 2025, also details transitional provisions, including VietNamNet’s reassignment.

Previously managed by the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC), VietNamNet will remain operational until the official decision on its transfer to the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs is approved by the relevant authorities.

The decree states that the Minister of Science and Technology is responsible for submitting a report to the government for approval within March 2025.

A brief history of VietNamNet

VietNamNet was originally launched on December 19, 1997, as www.vnn.vn, marking Vietnam’s first-ever news website and domain name.

On June 17, 2008, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 755/QĐ-TTg, transferring VietNamNet under the management of the Ministry of Information and Communications.

On May 30, 2018, MIC Minister signed Decision No. 820/QĐ-TTTT, merging VietNamNet with Vietnam Post Newspaper, forming the current VietNamNet structure.

Structural changes under the new Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs

At the 9th extraordinary session, the Vietnamese National Assembly approved Resolution No. 176/2025/QH15, restructuring the government for the 15th National Assembly term.

Under this resolution, the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs was established as one of 17 ministerial-level agencies.

The National Assembly also approved the appointment of Dao Ngoc Dung as Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs.

According to Decree No. 41/2025/NĐ-CP, the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs is tasked with state management over ethnic affairs, religious affairs, and public services within these sectors.

Trong Dat