Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan commended the "Top Ten Young Vietnamese" at an awards ceremony in Hanoi.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan congratulated the winners (Photo by Quang Thang)

He said the winners were a bright example for the young generation to follow. He hoped that they would continue developing their creativity and determination for contributing to national development.

The most prestigious award organised annually by the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Central Committee honours the most excellent examples in all fields in the cause of constructing and protecting the country.

The ceremony for the Top 10 Vietnamese successful young people in 2009 was held at the Hanoi Friendship Cultural Palace on March 25.

There were 15 nominees this year who were picked out of 78 candidates from various provinces and cities. They were young people who have succeeded in studying, working, and creating. The programme has honoured 140 excellent individuals in 14 years.

Vu Thi Huong became one this year's winners. She is a running athlete who won 4 gold medals in domestic contests, 2 silver medals in Asian contests, and 2 gold medals at the 25th SEAGames.

Dang Hong Anh, born in 1980, was the winner in the economics field. He is chairman of Sacomeral Properties Joint Stock Company. He established his company with a charter capital of VND11 billion ($572,395) and after 6 years, it is now worth VND1 trillion ($52 million). His total asset worth is VND6.8 trillion ($354 million).

In addition to Hong Anh, Vang Seo Pin, born in 1988 from Nung ethnic group was the second place winner in the economics field. He is a secretary of the youth union from Muong 2 Village, Bach Bich Commune, Yen Minh District, Ha Giang Province. He had an investment of only VND63 million ($3,278) for raising pigs, after one year, he earned VND114 million ($5,932). Now his charter capital is VND200 million ($10,400).

In the education field, Vu Minh Chau, born in 1991, got the prize. She won gold medals at the International Chemistry Olympics for 2 consecutive years.

In addition, Bui The Duy, the youngest associate professor, Head of Information & Technology Faculty, Technology College of Hanoi National University was a winner. He won some reputable prizes, such as Young Scientist from Hanoi National University in 2008 and the IT golden globe in 2007.

Tran Ngoc Toan, born in 1980, was among the 10 winners. He is a vice-leader of the Drug criminal investigation police team for the Police Department of Than Uyen District, Lai Chau. He has uncovered 157 drug related cases from 2007 to 2009 and arrested 254 criminals.

“Speed queen” Vu Thi Huong was one of winners in 2009

Dang Hong Anh was a winner in the economics field (Photo by Quang Thang)

Vu Minh Chau, youngest winner this year (Photo by Quang Thang)

Tran Ngoc Toan discovered 157 drug related cases (Photo by Quang Thang)