Students of Trần Khai Nguyên High School in HCM City arrive for the opening ceremony of the 2026–27 academic year on September 5. — Photo baotintuc.vn

HCM CITY — More than 2.6 million students across HCM City officially began the 2026–27 academic year on Saturday as schools held opening ceremonies, marking the start of a new school year with a strong emphasis on educational quality, digital transformation and character development.

At the opening ceremony of Trần Khai Nguyên High School in An Đông Ward, Politburo member and Secretary of the HCM City Party Committee Trần Lưu Quang, together with Chairman of the municipal People's Committee Nguyễn Văn Được, attended the event and extended congratulations to teachers and students.

Speaking at the ceremony, Được stressed that education must take the lead as the city enters a new stage of development.

He said the city aims to build an outstanding, modern and internationally integrated education system that makes effective use of science, technology, digital transformation and artificial intelligence, while remaining deeply human-centred and placing learners at the heart of educational reform.

The city, he said, will continue investing in educational infrastructure, improving teaching quality, promoting digital transformation and expanding the application of modern teaching methods, foreign languages and advanced technologies in schools.

At the same time, he underscored that technology can only support teaching and cannot replace the role of educators.

"Technology helps teachers deliver knowledge, but it can never replace their compassion, sense of responsibility and moral example," he said, calling on teachers to continue nurturing not only students' academic achievements but also their character, resilience, compassion and aspirations to contribute to society.

Addressing students, Được encouraged them to cherish the traditions of their schools, appreciate the dedication of teachers and the sacrifices of their parents, and uphold the long-standing principle of Tiên học lễ, hậu học văn (Learn manners before knowledge).

He urged students to set clear goals, embrace new knowledge, master technology and foster creativity while maintaining integrity, kindness and a strong sense of responsibility towards the community.

"The city does not only expect high scores from students. More importantly, it hopes they will become capable, kind and responsible citizens with aspirations to contribute to the development of the city and the nation," he said.

During the ceremony, Trần Khai Nguyên High School was awarded the Second-class Labour Order in recognition of its achievements in education.

The school has recorded strong academic results in recent years, including a 100 per cent upper secondary graduation rate and numerous awards in city-level academic, scientific and sports competitions, reflecting its growing reputation as one of the city's quality public high schools. — VNS