Vietnam exam question on “Steve Jobs Vietnam” sparks fairness debate

The 2026 National High School Graduation exam in Vietnam included a writing prompt asking students to answer the question “How can we have ‘Steve Jobs Vietnam’?” The item quickly became a focal point of public discussion, with concerns that it could disadvantage students in remote or under‑resourced regions who may be less familiar with the cited technology figures. Education experts such as Prof. Lê Anh Vinh argued that the question risks creating inequality, while the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) defended its design, stating it was intended as a differentiation item and that the phrase “Steve Jobs Vietnam” is a metaphor. MOET official Nguyễn Ngọc Hà explained, “Nội dung này đặt trong phần phân hóa học sinh. Yếu tố vùng miền đã được tính tới và đây là câu hỏi mang tính phân loại,” and noted that the question’s weight was reduced from four points in 2025 to two points in 2026. The ministry also said grading will follow a rubric to ensure objectivity and fairness, and that external data is permissible in the new curriculum. The controversy has generated extensive media coverage and prompted the MOET to reiterate its commitment to equitable assessment across the country.