Speaking at a ceremony in Hanoi to start the Institute’s new academic year, NA Chairman Trong urged the Institute to keep improving the lecturers and trainers’ qualifications and overhaul its training methods and curriculum. He said a combination of theory and practice on topics such as the economy, national defence, security and foreign affairs is needed. 

He also called on the Institute to enhance its capacity for scientific research so it can advise the Party and State in their efforts to map out guidelines and policies on national defence and security. 

To reach these targets, NA Chairman Trong said that it is necessary to pay more attention to modern technologies and equipment for teaching, attract more specialists to oversee training courses and bring into full play the strength and experience of the training staff, trainees and service personnel. 

What is needed are people who have a steady political awareness, are faithful to the Party, State and the people, to learn and follow the moral example set by late President Ho Chi Minh, he said. 

The Director of the National Defence Academy, Lieutenant-General Nguyen Nhu Hoat, said that in the 2009-2010 academic year, his institute will continue to improve the quality of their training, research and development and cooperate internationally in the training of senior military officers, so the institute equals others in the region and the world.