Dan Tri Newspaper announced the launch of the Vietnamese Talent Awards at Ho Chi Minh University of Science on June 10.

Dan Tri deputy Editor-in-chief Pham Tuan Anh said, "We want this event to act as a launch pad for young people, or to inspire already talented people. Our goal is to create condition where we can see new inventions be developed in the interest of society."

Dan Tri deputy Editor-in-chief Pham Tuan Anh speaking at the launching ceremony

The Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group VNPT have continued to sponsor the competition.

VNPT representative Nghiem Phu Hoan said the latest awards would help boost start-up businesses. Young entrepreneurs can talk about their projects and call for investment. VNPT would select and provide suitable investment plans for each project.

VNPT representative Nghiem Phu Hoan

Another highlight this year is the award for products that have positive impact on traffic safety. "Given the huge number of road accidents every year, the organisers have worked with the National Traffic Safety Committee to introduce a new award. We’ve invited experts from the committee to join the judging for this award," Anh said.

The award was initiated in 2004 and the first event was held in November 2005.

Vietnamese living and working overseas have also participated in the awards, with entrants aged from 8 to 79.