Circular No. 25/2025/TT-BKHCN detailing the implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Competition and Rewards and Government Decree No. 152/2025/NĐ-CP dated June 14, 2025, concerning the Science and Technology sector.

CIRCULAR

Detailed regulations on implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Encouragement and Reward and Decree No. 152/2025/NĐ-CP dated June 14, 2025 of the Government for the Science and Technology sector

Detailed regulations on implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Encouragement and Reward and Decree No. 152/2025/NĐ-CP dated June 14, 2025 of the Government for the Science and Technology sector

Pursuant to Decree No. 152/2025/NĐ-CP dated June 14, 2025 of the Government on decentralization and delegation of authority in the field of encouragement and reward; detailed regulations and guidance on implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Encouragement and Reward;

                                                    

Pursuant to the Law on Encouragement and Reward dated June 15, 2022;

Pursuant to Decree No. 55/2025/NĐ-CP dated March 2, 2025 of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Science and Technology;

The Minister of Science and Technology issues this Circular detailing the implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Encouragement and Reward and Decree No. 152/2025/NĐ-CP dated June 14, 2025 of the Government for the Science and Technology sector.

The phrase "or examination" is abolished pursuant to Clause 6, Article 8 of Circular No. 15/2025/TT-BVHTTDL dated November 25, 2025, of the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism amending and supplementing certain articles of Circulars prescribing job codes, qualification standards, and salary grades for civil servants in the heritage culture, library, grassroots cultural activities, sports, fine arts, art performance, film, and cultural propaganda sectors, which takes effect from January 15, 2026.

This Circular details the implementation of Clause 4 Article 24; Clause 3 Article 26; Clause 3 Article 27; Clause 3 Article 28; Clause 2 Article 71; Clause 6 Article 74; Clause 2 Article 75; Clause 4 Article 76; Clause 6 Article 84 of the Law on Encouragement and Reward; specifies the contents delegated according to Clause 2 Article 6 of Decree No. 152/2025/NĐ-CP dated June 14, 2025 of the Government on decentralization and delegation of authority in the field of encouragement and reward; detailed regulations and guidance on implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Encouragement and Reward (hereinafter referred to as this Circular).

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

1. Individuals are officials, civil servants, public employees, and workers, and collectives of agencies, units, enterprises under and directly under the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Science and Technology sector.

Article 2. Applicability

2. Agencies, units, enterprises, and individuals who are Vietnamese citizens and foreigners with outstanding achievements contributing to the construction and development of the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Science and Technology sector (hereinafter referred to as collectives and individuals outside the Ministry).

STANDARDS, OBJECTS, FILES, PROCEDURES FOR CONSIDERING AWARDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT AND REWARD TITLES; FORMS OF REWARDS; RECOGNITION OF LEVELS OF COMPLETION OF TASKS BY INDIVIDUALS AND COLLECTIVES

Chapter II

1. The title "Advanced Worker" is awarded annually to individuals belonging to agencies, units, enterprises under and directly under the Ministry of Science and Technology, meeting the standards prescribed in Clause 1 Article 24 of the Law on Encouragement and Reward.

2. The assessment of the title "Advanced Worker" for specific cases shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of Clause 5 Article 2 of Circular No. 15/2025/TT-BNV dated August 4, 2025 of the Minister of Home Affairs on measures to organize and guide the implementation of the Law on Encouragement and Reward and Decree No. 152/2025/NĐ-CP dated June 14, 2025 of the Government on decentralization and delegation of authority in the field of encouragement and reward; detailed regulations and guidance on implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Encouragement and Reward (hereinafter referred to as Circular No. 15/2025/TT-BNV).

3. The title "Advanced Worker" shall not be assessed for any of the following cases:

Article 3. Criteria for awarding the title "Advanced Worker"

a) Individuals who have been absent from work without participating in work activities as prescribed by law for three months or more during the year of award consideration, except those on maternity leave as prescribed in Clause 5 Article 4 of Decree No. 152/2025/NĐ-CP dated June 14, 2025 of the Government on decentralization and delegation of authority in the field of encouragement and reward; detailed regulations and guidance on implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Encouragement and Reward (hereinafter referred to as Decree No. 152/2025/NĐ-CP);

b) Individuals newly recruited for less than six months as prescribed in Point d Clause 5 Article 2 of Circular No. 15/2025/TT-BNV.

3. The title "Advanced Worker" shall not be conferred in any of the following cases:

a) An individual who has been on leave without participating in work as prescribed by law for three months or more during the year under consideration for commendation, except in cases of maternity leave as stipulated in Clause 5, Article 4 of Decree No. 152/2025/NĐ-CP dated June 14, 2025, issued by the Government detailing and guiding the implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Competition and Rewards;

b) An individual who has been employed for less than six months as prescribed in Point d, Clause 5, Article 2 of Circular No. 15/2025/TT-BNV;

Article 4. Standards and Recipients for the Award of the Title "Advanced Labor Collective"

1. The title "Advanced Labor Collective" shall be awarded annually to collectives meeting the standards prescribed in Clause 1 of Article 28 of the Law on Encouragement and Reward.

2. Recipients for the award of the title "Advanced Labor Collective":

a) Departments, Offices of the Ministry, agencies assisting the Party Committee of the Ministry in its work; Bureaus, Committees, Funds, Academies, Institutes, Schools, Centers, Newspapers, Publishing Houses, enterprises and equivalent entities (hereinafter referred to as agencies, units, and enterprises under the Ministry);

b) Divisions and equivalent entities under agencies, units, and enterprises under the Ministry.

Article 5. Standards and Recipients for the Award of the Title "Outstanding Labor Collective"

1. The title "Outstanding Labor Collective" shall be awarded annually to collectives meeting the standards prescribed in Clause 1 of Article 27 of the Law on Encouragement and Reward.

2. Recipients for the award of the title "Outstanding Labor Collective":

a) Agencies, units, and enterprises under the Ministry;

b) Divisions and equivalent entities under agencies, units, and enterprises under the Ministry.

Article 6. Standards and Recipients for the Award of the Flag of Excellence from the Ministry of Science and Technology

1. The Flag of Excellence from the Ministry of Science and Technology shall be awarded annually to leading collectives in the movement of competition organized by the Ministry of Science and Technology and meeting the standards prescribed in Clause 1 of Article 26 of the Law on Encouragement and Reward.

2. The Flag of Excellence from the Ministry of Science and Technology shall be awarded to leading collectives in specialized competition movements initiated by the Ministry of Science and Technology with implementation periods of three years or more when summarizing the competition movement.

3. Recipients for the award of the Flag of Excellence from the Ministry of Science and Technology include:

a) Agencies, units, and enterprises under the Ministry;

b) Divisions and equivalent entities under agencies, units, and enterprises under the Ministry.

c) Provincial and Municipal Science and Technology Departments directly under the Central Government.

Article 7. Standards for the Award of the Certificate of Merit from the Ministry of Science and Technology

1. The Certificate of Merit from the Ministry of Science and Technology shall be awarded to individuals under the Ministry of Science and Technology who have set exemplary examples in implementing the policies of the Party and the laws of the State and meet one of the following criteria:

a) Achieving outstanding results recognized in competition movements initiated or implemented by the Minister of Science and Technology;

b) Achieving many results or outstanding results with significant impact in one of the fields under the management of the Ministry of Science and Technology;

c) Contributing to economic and social development, applying scientific and technological progress; social work, humanitarian and charitable activities in fields under the management of the Ministry of Science and Technology;

d) Having been twice consecutively awarded the title "Model Competitor at the Base Level" or having been rated as completing tasks excellently for two consecutive years or more, during which time two initiatives were recognized and effectively applied within the base level or two science and technology tasks and innovation projects were successfully completed and effectively applied within the base level (for individuals serving as project leaders, participants writing at least one section, and secretaries of the tasks);

đ) Having worked for ten years or more in agencies, units, and enterprises under the Ministry of Science and Technology for men, eight years or more for women, achieving many results or outstanding results, contributing to the development of the agency, unit; being rated as completing tasks well for five consecutive years before the date of nomination, including at least one time rated as completing tasks excellently. Individuals nominated for the award are proposed on the occasion of the anniversary of the establishment or traditional day of the agency, unit, enterprise (round year).

2. The Certificate of Merit from the Ministry of Science and Technology shall be awarded to business leaders, intellectuals, scientists, and individuals outside the Ministry who have implemented the policies of the Party and the laws of the State and meet one of the criteria specified in point a, point b, point c of Clause 1 of this provision or have made contributions to the construction and development of the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Science and Technology sector.

3. The Certificate of Merit from the Ministry of Science and Technology shall be awarded to collectives under the Ministry of Science and Technology who have set exemplary examples in implementing the policies of the Party and the laws of the State, maintaining internal unity, and meeting one of the following criteria:

a) Achieving outstanding results recognized in competition movements initiated or implemented by the Minister of Science and Technology;

b) Achieving outstanding and sudden results with significant impact in one of the fields under the management of the Ministry of Science and Technology;

c) Contributing to economic and social development, applying scientific and technological progress; social work, humanitarian and charitable activities in fields under the management of the Ministry of Science and Technology;

d) Being recognized as completing tasks excellently for two consecutive years or receiving the title "Outstanding Labor Collective" for two consecutive years; practicing democracy at the grassroots level, organizing competition movements well; caring for the material and spiritual life of the collective; practicing thrift; preventing corruption, waste, and negativity;

đ) Having been established for ten years or more, including five consecutive years rated as completing tasks well before the date of nomination; collectives nominated for the award are proposed on the occasion of the anniversary of the establishment or traditional day of the agency, unit, enterprise (round year).

4. The Certificate of Merit from the Ministry of Science and Technology shall be awarded to collectives outside the Ministry who have set exemplary examples in implementing the policies of the Party and the laws of the State and meet one of the criteria specified in point a, point b, point c of Clause 3 of this provision or have made contributions to the construction and development of the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Science and Technology sector.

5. Other cases shall be identified and decided by the Minister.

Article 8. Criteria for awarding Certificates of Merit

Heads of agencies, units with legal personality, and enterprises under the Ministry of Science and Technology shall award Certificates of Commendation to individuals and collectives based on the following criteria:

1. Individuals who have set exemplary examples in implementing the policies of the Party and the laws of the State and meet one of the following criteria:

a) Achieving outstanding results recognized in competition movements initiated or implemented by the heads of agencies, units, and enterprises;

b) Achieving many results or outstanding results with significant impact in the field under the management of the agency, unit, or enterprise;

c) Performing tasks excellently; having good moral qualities; maintaining internal unity; consistently studying to improve professional expertise.

2. The collective sets a model example in implementing Party guidelines, State policies and laws; maintaining internal unity and meeting one of the following criteria:

a) Achieving outstanding results recognized in competition movements initiated or implemented by the heads of agencies, units, and enterprises;

b) Achieving many results or outstanding results with significant impact in the field under the management of the agency, unit, or enterprise;

c) Performing tasks excellently; having no complaints or accusations; effectively implementing democratic regulations at the grassroots level; caring for the material and spiritual lives of members within the collective; practicing thrift; preventing corruption, waste, and negativity; fully implementing systems and policies for members of the collective.

3. Individuals and collectives currently studying at the Academy of Post and Telecommunications Technology, Academy of Science and Technology Strategy, College of Information and Communication have outstanding achievements in their studies, training, and moral cultivation.

4. Other cases shall be examined and decided upon by the head of the agency, unit, or enterprise.

Article 9. General provisions on the files and procedures for commendation awards within the authority of the Minister

1. The application file for commendation must comply with the prescribed time limit, components, and content. Individuals and collectives are responsible for the accuracy of the reported achievements in their commendation applications. Heads of agencies, units, and enterprises are responsible for the accuracy of the application files for individual and collective commendations before submitting them to the competent authority for commendation.

2. Application files for commendation from subordinate agencies, units, and enterprises under the Ministry must have the unified opinion of the Ministry's leadership responsible before being sent to the Standing Committee of the Ministry of Science and Technology's Competition and Commendation Council.

3. The establishment of application files for awarding the "Competition Flag of the Ministry of Science and Technology" and the "Commendation Certificate of the Ministry of Science and Technology" for individuals and collectives in provinces and cities shall be primarily organized or advised by the Department of Science and Technology.

4. In cases where the individual belongs to a unit that has been dissolved or merged, the receiving unit shall be responsible for establishing the commendation application file.

5. Commendation for Vietnamese individuals and collectives residing abroad; individuals, collectives, and organizations of foreign nationals shall be carried out according to the provisions of the Law on Competition and Commendation and related documents concerning commendation involving foreign elements.

6. Soliciting opinions from relevant agencies before presenting to the Minister for consideration and commendation shall be conducted by the Cadre and Civil Servant Organization Department in accordance with the regulations:

Within ten days from the date of receipt of complete opinions from relevant agencies, the Cadre and Civil Servant Organization Department shall compile and submit to the Minister for consideration and commendation in accordance with the regulations;

In cases where the deadline for written responses has passed but relevant agencies have not provided opinions or there is no consensus among the agencies solicited for commendation or they have different opinions, the Cadre and Civil Servant Organization Department shall compile and report to the Minister for consideration and decision.

7. Non-legal entity organs or grassroots Competition and Commendation Councils must conduct voting when considering the title of "Outstanding Competitor of the Ministry of Science and Technology", "Grassroots Competitor", "Competition Flag of the Ministry of Science and Technology". Specifically:

- The titles of "Grassroots Competitor" and "Competition Flag of the Ministry of Science and Technology" must have a rate of agreement of 80% or more based on the total number of members of the collective or the Council;

- The title of "Outstanding Competitor of the Ministry of Science and Technology" must have a rate of agreement of 90% or more based on the total number of members of the collective or the Council;

- The results and rates of agreement must be reflected in the competition assessment minutes or commendation assessment minutes.

8. Components of the application file:

a) A proposal for granting commendation titles or forms;

b) Achievement reports of the proposed commendation subjects;

c) Minutes of competition assessments or commendation assessments:

- Minutes of competition assessments of non-legal entity organs or grassroots Competition and Commendation Councils in cases of proposing commendation titles such as "Excellent Labor Collective", "Advanced Labor Collective", "Advanced Laborer";

- Minutes of competition assessments and voting results of non-legal entity organs or grassroots Competition and Commendation Councils in cases of proposing commendation titles such as "Grassroots Competitor", "Outstanding Competitor of the Ministry of Science and Technology";

- Minutes of competition assessments and voting results of Clusters or Groups organized by the Ministry of Science and Technology in cases of proposing the "Competition Flag of the Ministry of Science and Technology";

- Minutes of commendation assessments of non-legal entity organs or grassroots Competition and Commendation Councils in cases of granting commendation certificates or commendation letters.

d) Decisions or documents confirmed by the Minister regarding innovative ideas, scientific and technological task results, and innovation outcomes that have been effectively applied and have potential for replication within the Ministry of Science and Technology in cases of proposing the title of "Outstanding Competitor of the Ministry of Science and Technology";

đ) Decisions or documents confirmed by competent agencies, units, or enterprises regarding innovative ideas or scientific and technological task results, and innovation outcomes in cases of proposing the title of "Grassroots Competitor" or commendation forms with standards related to innovative ideas or scientific and technological task results, and innovation outcomes.

9. The quantity of application files for granting commendation titles or forms includes one set of paper originals (originals) and electronic files (pdf, word files) of the commendation application file, except for documents containing state secrets.

Detailed contents of the commendation application file shall be implemented according to the model specified in Appendix I attached to this Circular.

10. Time for submission of commendation application files:

a) For merit commendation: Based on the Ministry of Science and Technology's annual work summary plan or direct instructions from the Minister, the Standing Committee of the Ministry of Science and Technology's Competition and Commendation Council issues a document specifying the time for submitting annual commendation application files; commendation at the Ministry level or national level stages.

b) For commendations for mid-term and final reviews of competition and emulation movements or specialized competitions initiated by the Prime Minister or the Minister of Science and Technology: Follow the specific guidelines of each competition and emulation movement;

c) For commendations for outstanding achievements or sudden outstanding achievements: The head of the unit shall prepare the application for commendation and submit it to the Standing Committee of the Competition and Commendation Council of the Ministry of Science and Technology immediately after the individual or group achieves such outstanding results;

11. Time for announcing the results of assessment and commendation:

a) For cases meeting the conditions and criteria for commendation as prescribed, the Cadre and Civil Servant Affairs Department shall implement the procedures to propose the Minister for consideration and decision on commendation or to report to the competent authority for commendation and notify the proposing unit within 25 days from the date of receiving all required documents;

b) For cases not meeting the conditions and criteria, within 10 days from the date of receiving all required documents for commendation, the Cadre and Civil Servant Affairs Department shall notify the proposing unit;

Article 10. Documents and Procedures for Proposing Consideration and Bestowing Commendation Titles Within the Authority of the Minister of Science and Technology and Heads of Units with Legal Entity Status Under the Ministry of Science and Technology

1. Units with legal entity status under the Ministry of Science and Technology shall prepare documents to propose the competent authority for consideration and decision on bestowing the titles "Outstanding Competitor of the Ministry of Science and Technology", "Outstanding Competitor at the Grassroots Level", "Advanced Worker", "Flag of Competition of the Ministry of Science and Technology", "Outstanding Working Group", and "Advanced Working Group".

2. The advisory units for competition and commendation work of units with legal entity status under the Ministry of Science and Technology shall compile and assess the documents, report to the Competition and Commendation Council at the grassroots level; propose the head of the unit to bestow the titles "Outstanding Competitor at the Grassroots Level", "Advanced Worker", and "Advanced Working Group" according to the provisions of Clause 1, Article 80 of the Law on Competition and Commendation, and propose the Minister for consideration and bestow the commendation titles within the Minister's authority as stipulated in Clause 2, Article 79 of the Law on Competition and Commendation.

3. The Cadre and Civil Servant Affairs Department shall assess the documents, report to the Competition and Commendation Council of the Ministry of Science and Technology, propose the Minister for consideration and bestow the titles "Outstanding Competitor at the Grassroots Level", "Advanced Worker", and "Advanced Working Group" for individuals and groups under units without legal entity status directly under the Ministry (Departments and equivalent units).

4. Based on the results of assessing the titles "Outstanding Competitor of the Ministry of Science and Technology", "Flag of Competition of the Ministry of Science and Technology", and "Outstanding Working Group" of units, enterprises, and competition and emulation clusters directly under the Ministry, the Cadre and Civil Servant Affairs Department shall assess, compile, report to the Competition and Commendation Council of the Ministry of Science and Technology for the Minister's consideration and decision.

5. Documents and procedures for proposing consideration and bestowing the title "Flag of Competition of the Ministry of Science and Technology" for leading groups in competition and emulation movements initiated by the Minister of Science and Technology, which have been implemented for three years or more when concluding the movement, shall be carried out according to specific guidelines for each competition and emulation movement.

6. The components of the documents shall be implemented in accordance with the provisions of Clause 8, Article 9 of this Circular (consistent with the proposed commendation titles and forms of commendation).

Article 11. Documents and procedures for proposing to award Commendation Certificates by the Ministry of Science and Technology

1. For outstanding and sudden achievements and thematic competitions:

The commendation of outstanding and sudden achievements and thematic commendations must be timely, meeting the leadership's requirements regarding time and based on the principle that achievements are recognized as soon as they are attained, specifically:

a) Departments, units, and enterprises base their commendations on the results and achievements of individuals or groups, or guiding documents summarizing the competition movements or thematic competitions, submit proposals to the responsible leadership of the Ministry for approval; prepare commendation proposal documents to send to the Standing Committee of the Ministry of Science and Technology's Competition and Commendation Council;

b) The Cadre and Civil Servant Department reviews the documents; reports and seeks opinions from the Standing Committee or the Competition and Commendation Council of the Ministry of Science and Technology; compiles opinions to present to the Minister for consideration and decision;

c) Contents of the documents: As stipulated in points a, b, and c of Clause 8, Article 9 of this Circular and other related documents (if applicable).

2. For commendations on the occasion of celebrating the founding day or traditional day of departments, units, and enterprises:

a) Heads of departments, units, and enterprises under the Ministry propose and submit to the Minister for consideration and commendation of outstanding individuals and groups who have made significant contributions to the department, unit, enterprise, and the development of the Ministry of Science and Technology and the science and technology sector;

The advisory body responsible for organizing competitions and commendations in departments, units, and enterprises has the responsibility to advise the heads of these entities; coordinate with the Standing Committee of the Competition and Commendation Council of the Ministry of Science and Technology to report and seek approval from the responsible leadership of the Ministry regarding commendations for individuals and groups (regarding the subjects and quantity); prepare commendation proposal documents to send to the Standing Committee of the Competition and Commendation Council of the Ministry of Science and Technology.

b) The Cadre and Civil Servant Department compiles and reviews the documents; reports and seeks opinions from the Standing Committee or the Competition and Commendation Council of the Ministry of Science and Technology; compiles opinions to present to the Minister for consideration and decision.

c) Contents of the documents: As stipulated in points a, b, and c of Clause 8, Article 9 of this Circular and other related documents (if applicable).

3. For annual merit awards:

a) Based on the assessment and classification of quality and completion of tasks by individuals and groups; based on the assessment and recognition of the impact range and effectiveness of application of innovations or scientific and technological tasks, the heads of departments, units, and enterprises under the Ministry organize meetings to assess and confer commendation titles and forms for individuals and groups within their management authority; prepare commendation proposal documents to send to the Standing Committee of the Competition and Commendation Council of the Ministry of Science and Technology;

b) The Cadre and Civil Servant Department compiles and reviews the commendation documents; proposes to convene the Competition and Commendation Council of the Ministry of Science and Technology to evaluate and commend;

c) Based on the evaluation results of the Competition and Commendation Council of the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Cadre and Civil Servant Department compiles and reports to the Minister for consideration and decision;

d) Contents of the documents according to Clause 8, Article 9 of this Circular (consistent with the proposed commendation titles and forms);

4. Commendations for individuals and groups outside the Ministry:

a) Heads of departments and units with advisory functions in areas under the management of the Ministry of Science and Technology are responsible for proposing and compiling commendation proposal documents for achievements related to their management areas, seek approval from the responsible leadership of the Ministry, and send the commendation proposal documents to the Standing Committee of the Competition and Commendation Council of the Ministry of Science and Technology;

b) The Cadre and Civil Servant Department implements seeking opinions from relevant ministries, agencies, and organizations (if necessary); seeks opinions from the Standing Committee or the Competition and Commendation Council of the Ministry; compiles opinions to present to the Minister for consideration and decision.

c) Contents of the documents: As stipulated in points a, b, and c of Clause 8, Article 9 of this Circular and other related documents (if applicable).

The proposal for commendation must include the following information: The unit's opinion on achievements within its advisory functions; the content of the achievements proposed for commendation; the source of funds for commendation for individuals and groups receiving commendation (if applicable); documents seeking opinions from relevant agencies and units under the Ministry of Science and Technology (if applicable).

5. Other commendations identified by the Minister:

a) Heads of departments and units with advisory functions in areas under the management of the Ministry of Science and Technology are responsible for preparing commendation proposal documents, report to the responsible leadership of the Ministry for comments on the policy, proposed list of commendations, and send the commendation proposal documents to the Standing Committee of the Competition and Commendation Council of the Ministry of Science and Technology;

b) The Cadre and Civil Servant Department reviews the documents; seeks opinions from the Standing Committee of the Competition and Commendation Council of the Ministry of Science and Technology; compiles and presents to the Minister for consideration and decision;

c) Contents of the documents: As stipulated in points a, b, and c of Clause 8, Article 9 of this Circular and other related documents (if applicable).

Article 12. Documents and Procedures for Proposing to Award Commendation Certificates

1. Agencies, units, and enterprises establish documents to submit to competent authorities for commendation awards.

2. The advisory units responsible for competition and reward work of agencies, units with legal personality, and enterprises under the Ministry shall be responsible for compiling, examining the documents, reporting to the Competition and Reward Council at the grassroots level; submitting to the Heads of agencies, units, and enterprises authorized to award Commendation Certificates as stipulated in Clause 1 of Article 80 of the Law on Competition and Rewards.

3. Quantity and components of documents:

a) Quantity: One set of paper documents (original) and electronic files (pdf, word files) of the commendation proposal documents;

b) Components of documents:

- Proposal letter for awarding Commendation Certificates;

- Assessment record for commendation (if any);

- Report on achievements of the proposed commendation recipient.

Article 13. Recognition of Task Completion Levels of Individuals and Groups within Management Authority

The recognition of task completion levels of individuals and groups within management authority is implemented according to current regulations of the Party, state laws, and provisions of the Minister of Science and Technology regarding the evaluation and classification of quality for groups and civil servants, officials, and employees of the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Chapter III

STANDARDS, OBJECTS, DOCUMENTS, AND PROCEDURES FOR AWARDING THE MEMORIAL MEDAL "FOR THE CAUSE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY"

Article 14. Principles for Awarding the Memorial Medal "For the Cause of Science and Technology"

1. The Memorial Medal "For the Cause of Science and Technology" (hereinafter referred to as the Memorial Medal) is a form of reward of the Ministry of Science and Technology to present to individuals who have contributed to the construction and development of the science and technology sector.

2. Each individual can only be considered for the Memorial Medal once, without posthumous awards. In special cases, the decision is made by the Minister of Science and Technology.

3. The Memorial Medal will not be awarded to individuals during the period when the competent authority is considering disciplinary action or conducting investigations, audits, inspections when there are signs of violations, or complaints and accusations are reported by the press and are being verified.

4. Individuals who have been disciplined may only be considered for the Memorial Medal after the disciplinary period has ended. The disciplinary period will not be counted towards the consideration for the Memorial Medal.

Article 15. Standards and Recipients for Awarding the Memorial Medal to Individuals Working in the Science and Technology Sector

1. Leaders and former leaders of the Ministry of Science and Technology.

2. Leaders of subordinate units of the Ministry, Leaders of Provincial Departments of Science and Technology directly under the Central Government are eligible for the Memorial Medal if they meet the following criteria:

a) Having held positions for a minimum of five years for heads and eight years for deputies, and performing tasks well during their tenure;

b) Individuals working in other fields who transfer to work in the field of science and technology and are appointed to positions specified in point a of Clause 2 of this Article are eligible for the Memorial Medal if they hold positions for a minimum of six years for heads and nine years for deputies, and perform tasks well during their tenure;

c) Female individuals holding positions specified in points a and b of Clause 2 of this Article have their time reduced by two years compared to the regulations;

d) Individuals who have held head positions but do not meet the time requirement for nomination according to the prescribed standards can combine their time as deputy positions to nominate for the Memorial Medal according to head positions.

3. Individuals with at least 20 years of service for men and 15 years for women, and performing tasks well, specifically:

a) Individuals currently working at units under and directly under the Ministry of Science and Technology;

b) Individuals currently working at Provincial Departments of Science and Technology;

c) Individuals currently working at units with functions of managing science and technology under Ministries, agencies equivalent to Ministries, agencies under the Government, other central agencies; specialized agencies under provincial People's Committees, centrally governed cities (excluding Provincial Departments of Science and Technology).

4. The time for awarding the Memorial Medal to individuals receiving the title of "National Model Worker" or Labor Medals and above is reduced by three years; individuals receiving Commendation Certificates from the Prime Minister are reduced by two years compared to the time specified in Clause 3 of this Article.

5. Individuals working in other sectors who transfer to the science and technology sector are eligible for nomination for the Memorial Medal if they have at least 22 years of service for men and 17 years for women, including at least 10 years of service in the science and technology sector, and perform tasks well.

Article 16. Standards and subjects for awarding commemorative medals to individuals outside the sector

1. Individuals working at Party and State agencies who have contributed to leading and directing scientific and technological activities, including:

a) Heads and deputy heads of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front and political-social organizations at the central level; leaders of Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and agencies under the Government;

b) Secretaries and Deputy Secretaries of provincial Party Committees directly under the central government, heads and deputy heads of provincial-level Vietnam Fatherland Front Committees, Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons of Provincial People's Councils and People's Committees directly under the central government;

c) Heads of political-social organizations at the provincial and municipal levels directly under the central government; Directors and Deputy Directors of Departments, bureaus, and equivalent units with a tenure of at least seven years for heads and ten years for deputies, and who have performed their duties well during the specified period and are eligible for the award of the Commemorative Medal.

2. Individuals from foreign countries or overseas Vietnamese who have contributed to the construction and development of the Science and Technology sector in Vietnam.

3. Individuals who have made inventions, patents, innovations, and scientific and technological solutions recognized by competent authorities, applied in practice, and yielding positive impacts on economic and social development.

4. Other cases as decided by the Minister of Science and Technology.

Article 17. Authority to Propose for Awarding Commemorative Medals

1. Heads of agencies, units, and enterprises under the Ministry of Science and Technology propose for awarding Commemorative Medals to individuals within their management authority (including retired individuals meeting the criteria but not yet awarded).

2. The Director of the Cadre and Civil Servant Affairs Department proposes for awarding Commemorative Medals to individuals as stipulated in Clause 1, Article 15 and Clause 4, Article 16 of this Circular.

3. The Director of the International Cooperation Department proposes for awarding Commemorative Medals to foreign individuals as stipulated in Clause 2, Article 16 of this Circular.

4. Directors of Science and Technology Departments of provinces and centrally-administered cities propose for awarding Commemorative Medals to individuals within their Science and Technology Departments, other local individuals, and those specified in Clause 3, Article 16 of this Circular.

5. Ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, agencies under the Government, and other central state agencies propose for awarding Commemorative Medals to individuals within their management authority.

Article 18. Procedures and Documents for Proposing for Awarding Commemorative Medals

1. Procedures for proposing for awarding commemorative medals:

a) Agencies and units prepare the proposal dossier for awarding Commemorative Medals and submit it to the Ministry of Science and Technology;

The dossier includes one set of paper copies (original) and electronic files (pdf, word) of the dossier, except for documents containing state secrets. The award dossier will only be accepted when the Ministry of Science and Technology receives both the paper dossier and electronic files in accordance with regulations;

b) The Cadre and Civil Servant Affairs Department reviews the dossier; seeks opinions from relevant agencies and units (if necessary);

c) Within fifteen days from the date of receiving the complete dossier, the Cadre and Civil Servant Affairs Department submits it to the Minister for consideration and decision on awarding.

2. Contents of the application documents:

a) A report proposing for awarding the Commemorative Medal;

b) A report on the work process of the individual proposed for awarding the Commemorative Medal, implemented according to the model prescribed in Model 1.6 of Appendix I issued together with this Circular;

c) Minutes of the commendation review.

Chapter IV

PROCEDURES FOR ISSUING REPLACEMENTS AND REISSUING AWARDS; PROCEDURES FOR REVOKING DECISIONS ON AWARDING HONORS AND REWARDS

Article 19. Procedures for exchanging and reissuing award items

1. Individuals and groups wishing to exchange or reissue award items shall submit a letter to the Ministry of Science and Technology.

a) A request letter for exchange or reissue from a group or an individual's application for exchange or reissue when the award item is damaged, no longer usable, and lost due to objective reasons such as natural disasters, floods, fires, or printing errors (in accordance with Model No. 2.1 and 2.2 in Appendix II issued together with this Circular);

b) The award item proposed for exchange (for cases requesting an exchange).

2. The Cadre and Civil Servant Affairs Department shall compare with the retained file, confirm, compile, and report to the Standing Committee of the Competition and Award Council of the Ministry of Science and Technology for consideration and decision on exchanging or reissuing award items for individuals and groups within 15 days from the date of receipt of the exchange or reissue request from the individual or group.

3. The exchanged or reissued award items shall be purchased and printed according to the prescribed model by the Cadre and Civil Servant Affairs Department as follows:

a) The Commendation Medal and Model Worker Medal of the Ministry of Science and Technology shall be implemented in accordance with the regulations of the Government;

b) The certificate for exchange or reissue shall be printed according to the design at the time of awarding, with the right bottom corner of the certificate pre-stamped with the seal and signature of the authority granting the award at that time; the left bottom corner of the certificate shall state "Award Decision number, day, month, year, golden book number" and "exchange certificate number, day, month, year" of the Ministry of Science and Technology. When an individual or group receives an exchanged certificate, they will also receive an exchange certificate confirmation (in accordance with Model No. 2.4 in Appendix II issued together with this Circular).

4. The Cadre and Civil Servant Affairs Department shall be responsible for liquidating or disposing of and destroying the recovered award items due to exchanges or reissues in accordance with the regulations.

Article 20. Procedures for Revoking Decisions to Bestow Competitive Titles and Awards

1. Individuals and groups committing acts as specified in Clause 2 of Article 93 of the Law on Competition and Awards shall have their decisions to bestow competitive titles and awards revoked and shall have their awarded items and monetary rewards reclaimed.

2. Based on the conclusion of the competent authority determining that the individual or group has committed violations as specified in Clause 2 of Article 93 of the Law on Competition and Awards, the unit proposing the award shall be responsible for requesting the competent authority to issue a decision revoking the decision to bestow competitive titles and awards.

3. The application dossier for revoking the decision to bestow competitive titles and awards shall include one original paper copy comprising:

a) A proposal for recovery for each competitive title and type of award for the individual or group;

b) A summary report from the unit directly proposing the award regarding the reasons for requesting the competent authority to revoke the decision to bestow competitive titles and awards (accompanied by the Award Decision).

4. The deadline for compiling and submitting to the competent authority for consideration and revocation of the decision to bestow competitive titles and awards is 15 days from the date of receiving the complete dossier as stipulated.

Article 21. Recovery of award items and prize money for commendation titles and forms of reward

1. Within fifteen days from the date of receipt of the decision to revoke the commendation decision, individuals and collectives shall be responsible for returning all awarded items and prize money received to the unit that proposed the commendation and paid the prize money to the individual or collective.

2. The unit proposing the commendation shall be responsible for urging individuals and collectives to return the awarded items within the prescribed time limit; recovered prize money shall be deposited into the state budget or the competition and reward fund in accordance with regulations.

Chapter V

ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS OF THE COMPETITION AND REWARD COUNCIL, INNOVATION COUNCIL

Article 22. Organization of the Competition and Reward Council

1. The Competition and Reward Councils at various levels under the Ministry of Science and Technology include:

a) The Competition and Reward Council of the Ministry of Science and Technology;

b) The Competition and Reward Councils at the grassroots level, including: the Competition and Reward Councils of agencies, units with legal personality and enterprises directly under the Ministry of Science and Technology;

c) The Competition and Reward Councils of subordinate units at the grassroots level (if any), including: the Competition and Reward Councils of agencies, units with legal personality and enterprises directly under the agency, unit, enterprise specified in point b, Clause 1 of this Article.

2. The Competition and Reward Council of the Ministry of Science and Technology:

a) The Competition and Reward Council of the Ministry of Science and Technology is established by the Minister of Science and Technology, responsible for advising and consulting the Minister on competition and reward work;

b) The membership of the Competition and Reward Council of the Ministry of Science and Technology includes: the Chairman of the Council is the Minister; two Vice Chairmen of the Council: the Deputy Minister in charge of competition and reward affairs is the First Vice Chairman and the Director of the Cadre and Civil Servant Department is the Permanent Vice Chairman of the Council; the members of the Council are considered and decided by the Minister;

c) The Standing Body of the Competition and Reward Council of the Ministry of Science and Technology includes the Chairman, the Vice Chairmen, and the Secretary of the Council;

d) The Cadre and Civil Servant Department is the Standing Body of the Council; one Deputy Director of the Cadre and Civil Servant Department serves as a member兼任秘书。

3. The Competition and Reward Council at the grassroots level:

a) The Competition and Reward Council at the grassroots level is established by the head of the agency, unit with legal personality, and enterprise directly under the Ministry, responsible for advising and consulting on competition and reward work within their management scope;

b) The membership of the Council includes: the Chairman of the Council is the head of the unit; two Vice Chairmen of the Council: the deputy in charge of competition and reward work is the First Vice Chairman; the head of the unit in charge of competition and reward work is the Permanent Vice Chairman, and the members of the Council are considered and decided by the head of the unit; the advisory body implementing competition and reward work is the Standing Body of the Council; the person in charge of competition and reward work is a member兼任秘书。

4. The Competition and Reward Council of subordinate units at the grassroots level (if any):

a) The Competition and Reward Council of subordinate units at the grassroots level is established by the head of the agency, unit with legal personality, and enterprise directly under the unit specified in point a, Clause 3 of this Article, responsible for advising and consulting on competition and reward work within their management scope;

b) The membership of the Council includes: the Chairman of the Council is the head of the agency, unit, enterprise; the number of Vice Chairmen of the Council, members of the Council; the composition of the Secretary of the Council is decided by the head of the agency, unit, enterprise.

b) The membership of the Council includes: the Chairman of the Council being the Head of the agency, unit, or enterprise; the number of Vice Chairmen and members of the Council; the Secretary of the Council is determined by the Head of the agency, unit, or enterprise.

Article 23. Activities of the Commendation and Award Council

1. The Council operates on a collective basis with individual responsibility; it organizes regular meetings every six months or as required for commendation and award work.

2. The Council convenes when at least two-thirds of its total members are present.

3. At each meeting of the Council, if a member is absent, they must appoint another person to attend the meeting in writing to ensure continuity and decision-making authority regarding matters related to their area of responsibility; the opinion of the substitute attendee is considered the opinion of the Council member. The substitute attendee is responsible for the opinions expressed during the discussion session and the decisions of the Council; they can vote on commendation and awards and participate in the resolution of discussion contents; report back to the Council member on the content and results of the meeting.

4. The evaluation and award process is conducted through voting or ballot. Balloting is implemented for cases where awards are being considered for commendation titles, national-level award forms, the Science and Technology Ministry's Competition Flag, Science and Technology Ministry's Model Worker, grassroots Model Worker, and other cases as decided by the Chairperson of the Council.

In cases where individuals or groups meet the percentage of votes but exceed the award ratio, the results are taken from highest to lowest; in the final case, if there is a tie in the number of votes, the result of the Chairperson's ballot will be taken.

5. Depending on the content of the meeting, the Chairperson may decide to invite additional heads of units relevant to the meeting. Invited representatives can express their opinions but do not have the right to vote.

6. Council members operate on a concurrent basis.

7. In cases where the Council does not convene a meeting, the Council's Standing Office is responsible for sending documents and materials, soliciting the opinions of each Council member or the Standing Office; compiling and reporting to the Chairperson for consideration and decision.

8. The Council may use the seal of the agency or unit.

9. The Science and Technology Ministry's Commendation and Award Council is subject to the guidance, supervision, and inspection of the Central Commendation and Award Council regarding commendation and award work. Grassroots Commendation and Award Councils cooperate with each other in implementing tasks related to commendation and award work and are jointly subject to the guidance, supervision, and inspection of the Science and Technology Ministry's Commendation and Award Council.

10. The Standing Office of the Science and Technology Ministry's Commendation and Award Council handles emergent issues during periods when the Council is not convening meetings and reports to the Council at the next meeting.

11. The Minister of the Science and Technology Ministry promulgates the Regulation on the organization and operation of the Science and Technology Ministry's Commendation and Award Council.

Article 24. The Initiative Council

1. The Initiative Council includes:

a) The Science and Technology Ministry's Initiative Council;

b) The grassroots Initiative Council, including: the initiative councils of agencies, organizations, and units with legal personality and enterprises under the Science and Technology Ministry;

c) The sub-grassroots Initiative Council (if any).

2. The Minister of the Science and Technology Ministry decides to establish the Science and Technology Ministry's Initiative Council and specifies its composition and activities. The Initiative Council assists the Minister of the Science and Technology Ministry in recognizing the effectiveness and impact range of initiatives to serve as a basis for awarding commendation titles and award forms.

3. The grassroots Initiative Council:

a) The head of the agency, unit with legal personality, and enterprise under the Ministry decides to establish the Initiative Council and specifies its composition and activities. The Initiative Council recognizes the effectiveness and impact range of grassroots initiatives to serve as a basis for awarding commendation titles and award forms;

b) For units under the Ministry without legal personality (Departments and equivalent): Unit leaders and party representatives consider and agree to propose the Science and Technology Ministry's Initiative Council to recognize grassroots initiatives.

4. The establishment of the Initiative Council at agencies, units with legal personality, and enterprises under the units, enterprises specified in point b Clause 1 of this Article is decided by the unit head; they are responsible for reviewing and evaluating the effectiveness of initiatives to serve as a basis for recommending awards.

5. The time for examining and recognizing the effectiveness and impact range of initiatives to serve as a basis for awarding commendation titles and award forms is decided by the Minister, the head of the agency, unit, and enterprise; it should be consistent with the commendation plan.

CVI

ORGANIZATION IMPLEMENTATION

Article 25. Effective Date

1. This Circular takes effect from the date of issuance.

2. Circular No. 22/2023/TT-BKHCN dated November 29, 2023, issued by the Minister of the Science and Technology Ministry detailing and guiding specific provisions of the Law on Commendation and Awards in the field of science and technology, and Circular No. 17/2024/TT-BTTTT dated December 30, 2024, issued by the Minister of the Ministry of Information and Communications detailing the implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Commendation and Awards in the information and communications sector, shall be abolished from the date this Circular takes effect.

3. In cases where the legal normative documents cited in this Circular are amended, supplemented, or replaced, the new regulations shall apply.

Article 26. Transitional Provisions

Proposals for commendations submitted to the Science and Technology Ministry and the Ministry of Information and Communications before the effective date of this Circular (based on the date of receipt of the document at the Ministry's Office) shall continue to be processed according to Circular No. 22/2023/TT-BKHCN dated November 29, 2023, issued by the Minister of the Science and Technology Ministry detailing and guiding specific provisions of the Law on Commendation and Awards in the field of science and technology, and Circular No. 17/2024/TT-BTTTT dated December 30, 2024, issued by the Minister of the Ministry of Information and Communications detailing the implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Commendation and Awards in the information and communications sector.

Article 27. Implementation Organization

1. Heads of agencies, units, and enterprises under and affiliated with the Science and Technology Ministry and relevant agencies, organizations, and individuals are responsible for implementing this Circular.

2. During the implementation process, if there are any difficulties, the relevant agencies, units, enterprises, and individuals are requested to promptly reflect them to the Ministry of Science and Technology for consolidation, review, amendment, and supplementation as appropriate./.