Vietnam currently uses three textbook series under a socialised publishing model: Canh Dieu (Kite), Chan Troi Sang Tao (Creative Horizons), and Ket Noi Tri Thuc Voi Cuoc Song (Connecting Knowledge to Life), Thuong said.
He added that the ministry had ruled out compiling an entirely new textbook series because doing so would require two to three years of preparation.
Instead, after consultations with local authorities and education experts, the ministry selected Ket Noi Tri Thuc Voi Cuoc Song, published by the Vietnam Education Publishing House, as the official nationwide textbook set.
The decision was approved by the education minister on December 26, 2025, allowing time for implementation before the new school year.
The ministry has instructed local authorities to prepare for uniform adoption of the textbook set nationwide, while stressing that textbooks remain teaching materials rather than rigid instructional frameworks.
It said teachers and students would continue to be encouraged to use supplementary materials to broaden knowledge and support competency-based learning.
The ministry has also ordered revisions to relevant textbook content following changes to Vietnam’s two-tier local government model introduced in July 2025, particularly in subjects such as history, geography and civics.
The publisher has been directed to ensure textbooks are printed and delivered to schools no later than 20 days before the start of the new academic year.
Thuong said Vietnam’s national curriculum would remain broadly stable for 10 to 15 years in line with international practice, though periodic updates would continue to reflect practical needs.
Future curriculum adjustments will focus on expanding content related to science, technology, innovation, STEM education, digital transformation and artificial intelligence, while strengthening life-skills, cultural and arts education, he added.