According to the SEA-PLM 2023 report endorsed by UNICEF and the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization, Vietnamese primary students ranked highest in Southeast Asia across mathematics, reading, and writing, surpassing peers in Indonesia, the Philippines, Cambodia, and other participating countries.
Viet Nam’s Ministry of Education and Training credits this success to long-term curriculum reforms, structured teacher training, and strong parental engagement—particularly in reinforcing early literacy and numeracy through homework and after-school learning support.
Out of more than 40,000 students assessed across six ASEAN nations, 82% of Vietnamese children met or exceeded proficiency levels in reading and writing, while 85% achieved the same in math, making Vietnam the only country in the region where a majority of students excelled in all three core subjects.
Researchers at Vietnam National University highlight equitable access to schooling, consistent academic monitoring, and classroom discipline as critical factors—especially in rural and lower-income areas where student attendance and performance remain high despite modest funding.
International education bodies, including the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Regional Bureau for Education, suggest Viet Nam’s system provides valuable insights into delivering quality education at scale, emphasizing the importance of clear learning standards, cultural respect for teachers, and early interventions—demonstrating that impactful outcomes can be achieved without the financial investment levels typical in wealthier nations.
