Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh presented the KOVA Awards to winners in the main categories of Tectonics, Good Life, Prospects, and Fortitude Scholarships for disadvantaged students.
The Tectonics awards were granted to Binh Dan Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City for their research project on using endoscopic surgery to remove part of the kidney in the treatment of small kidney tumors.
In the Good Life category, KOVA Awards were presented to five individuals for their good deeds and inspirational actions in support of the community. They include Nguyen Ngoc Dieu, who established a rehabilitation facility to provide free treatment for children with cerebral palsy in Vinh Long province, and Tran Thi Ngoc Nu, a lawyer in Ho Chi Minh City who has protected the rights of disadvantaged and abused children and women for many years, among others.
The Prospects awards were granted to eight students who have made significant contributions to scientific research work.
In addition, 132 Fortitude Scholarships were presented to disadvantaged students from 56 universities across the country.
Speaking at the ceremony, former Vice President Nguyen Thi Doan, Chairwoman of the annual KOVA Awards Committee said that the awards honour the ideals and research works that bring about practical benefits to the community and the country, adding that the awards will expand to cover more subjects to encourage people from all walks of life to contribute their initiatives and intelligence to the country.