The development of Vietnamese education has been shaped by numerous factors, including traditional values and national identity the ideological currents of Chinese civilization, the impact of colonialism, and modern globalization trends. Among these, the system’s origins profoundly influence the trajectory of Vietnam’s educational development. This article analyzes the inception of the traditional educational system in Southern Vietnam. The findings reveal that traditional education in the region had dual origins: community-driven initiatives and state institutionalization. The synergy between grassroots efforts and governmental ideologies laid a solid foundation for the development of an educational system deeply rooted in national traditions - anchored in Confucian learning and geared toward the cultivation of knowledge for the benefit of society and the nation. An analysis of the dual origins of traditional education not only highlights the historical foundation upon which Vietnamese education was built but also offers insight into why colonial efforts to impose a new educational trajectory in this Eastern colony ultimately failed.
Pham Van Thinh (Mon,) studied this question.