Ho Chi Minh City to implement English as a second language in schools

The Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee has approved a strategic plan to establish English as a second language in schools from 2026 to 2035, with a long-term vision extending to 2045. The initiative aims to create an English-speaking ecosystem by integrating the language into teaching, educational activities, communication, and professional management.

The implementation will follow three distinct stages. The first stage, spanning 2026 to 2030, focuses on building a foundation. This includes surveying the English proficiency of all staff, reviewing curricula, and conducting pilot programs in the 2026-2027 academic year. By the 2027-2028 school year, the city aims to have 20% to 30% of management and teaching staff undergo English training, with 30% of institutions developing English-speaking environments.

By 2035, the city targets 100% of managers and teachers meeting English competency standards, 100% of institutions completing training for teaching subjects in English, and approximately 50% of general education institutions offering integrated curricula based on learner demand. For preschool children, the city plans to pilot English integration through digital platforms and play-based learning.