In the era where technology is reshaping every aspect of life, equipping students with essential digital skills has become a key priority. In Ho Chi Minh City, the ICDL Digital Student Programme has emerged as a key driver in this mission, empowering young learners with essential skills to navigate and thrive in the digital era. As the 2024 – 2025 academic year, the city celebrates the programme’s continued success and expanding reach, reaffirming its commitment to equipping students with essential digital skills for the future.  

Officially launched in 2021 under the broader city-wide initiative officially known as Decision 762, the programme established a structured approach to enhancing digital competencies across all school levels in the city. As part of this framework, ICDL certifications were officially recognised as international standards for digital skills and approved as one of the exit points for the initiative. Since its inception, the ICDL Digital Student programme has seen thousands of students enrol, reflecting strong interest from schools, parents, and learners alike.

Aligned with Vietnam’s national ICT curriculum, the program offers a wide range of tailored modules for every school level from primary to high school students. Each module equips learners with practical digital skills — from using productivity tools and understanding cybersecurity to exploring basic coding. Preparing them to engage confidently and responsibly in today’s technology-driven environment. Upon completing each module, students have the opportunity to take the ICDL certification exam, earning an internationally recognised certification that validates their digital proficiency. 

Now in its fourth year, the ICDL Digital Student Programme has become a cornerstone of Ho Chi Minh City’s digital education efforts. For the 2024 – 2025 academic year, over 120 schools are actively participating, and more than 10,000 students are expected to take ICDL certification exams—marking a continued upward trend in both school adoption and learner engagement.  

Thanks to the dedication of school leaders, teachers, and supporting organisations, the programme has delivered strong learning outcomes. Students across Ho Chi Minh City have not only achieved excellent results in ICDL certification exams but have also shown increased confidence and technical ability in applying digital tools in both academic and real-world settings, as noted by the ICT teachers.  

“Teaching Informatics based on ICDL standards has drawn high student engagement,” shared by Mr. Pham Minh Man, an Informatics teacher at Nguyen Hien Primary School. “Students gain practical skills in office software, cybersecurity, and basic coding skills they can apply right away.”  

Mr. Le Trong Tai, a primary school teacher from Chinh Nghia Primary School, also praised the programme: “Students are no longer afraid of using computers. Instead, they’re learning to use technology safely and responsibly. That peace of mind extends to parents, who now feel more confident about their children learning in digital environments.”  

From a secondary school perspective, Mr. Tran Huynh Quang Hiep from Le Van Tam Middle School remarked: “The ICDL program helps students move beyond theoretical knowledge to actual hands-on experience, especially in using everyday office applications effectively.”  

As the 2024 – 2025 academic year progresses, the ICDL Digital Student Programme continues to play a pivotal role in building digitally competent students in the city. With strong support from educators and local authorities, Ho Chi Minh City is setting a national example in integrating global digital skills standards into its mainstream education in equipping students with the digital literacy required to thrive in the future.