Professional Ethics at Vietnam
Professional ethics in Vietnam are governed by a comprehensive legal and institutional framework that spans public service, education, business, and the judiciary. This framework emphasizes integrity, accountability, and transparency, aiming to foster a culture of ethical conduct across various sectors.
🏛️ Public Service Ethics
Anti-Corruption Law (2018)
Vietnam's Anti-Corruption Law (Law No. 36/2018/QH14) establishes a robust framework for ethical conduct among public officials: (Law 36/2018/QH14 on anti corruption)
Code of Conduct for Office Holders: Public officials are required to adhere to a code of conduct that includes maintaining integrity, avoiding conflicts of interest, and refraining from harassment or misuse of information .
Asset Declarations: Officials must declare their assets and income, ensuring transparency and accountability .
Prohibition of Corrupt Practices: The law prohibits officials from engaging in bribery, embezzlement, and other corrupt activities, with strict penalties for violations.
📚 Education Sector Ethics
Regulation on Teachers' Professional Ethics (2008)
Issued by the Ministry of Education and Training, this regulation outlines the ethical standards for educators: (Vietnam: 11 things that teachers must not do to preserve and uphold the ethical traditions of educators)
Commitment to Profession: Teachers are expected to demonstrate dedication, protect their honor, and foster a supportive environment for students and colleagues . (Vietnam: 11 things that teachers must not do to preserve and uphold the ethical traditions of educators)
Equity in Education: Teachers must assess students impartially, combat corruption and extravagance, and promote a culture of thrift . (Vietnam: 11 things that teachers must not do to preserve and uphold the ethical traditions of educators)
Continuous Professional Development: Educators are encouraged to engage in self-criticism and regularly enhance their knowledge and skills to meet rising educational demands . (Vietnam: 11 things that teachers must not do to preserve and uphold the ethical traditions of educators)
Code of Conduct in Educational Institutions (2019)
This circular provides guidelines for behavior within educational settings: (Decision 16/2008/QĐ-BGDDT promulgating the regulation the teaching professionals moral standards)
Respectful Interaction: Members of educational institutions should use proper language, show respect, and cooperate with each other . (Guidelines on general code of conduct in vocational education institutions in Vietnam in Hanoi, Vietnam)
Prevention of Negative Behavior: The code aims to prevent and address issues such as school violence, ensuring a safe and healthy environment for all members . (06/2019/TT-BGDDT in Vietnam, Circular 06/2019/TT-BGDDT code of conduct in preschool education institutions in Vietnam)
⚖️ Judicial Ethics
Code of Professional Ethics and Conduct for Judges (2018)
The Supreme People's Court of Vietnam established a code to uphold the integrity of the judiciary:
Impartiality and Objectivity: Judges must perform their duties impartially, basing decisions on evidence and the law . (Code of Professional Ethics and Conduct for Judges announced | Vietnam+ (VietnamPlus))
Integrity: Judges are prohibited from using their position for personal gain and must declare their personal income as required by law . (Code of Professional Ethics and Conduct for Judges announced | Vietnam+ (VietnamPlus))
Professional Conduct: The code emphasizes the importance of politeness, patience, and kindness in all judicial activities . (Code of Professional Ethics and Conduct for Judges announced | Vietnam+ (VietnamPlus))
💼 Business Ethics
Anti-Corruption Measures in the Private Sector
The Anti-Corruption Law extends to businesses and organizations in the non-state sector: (Anti-Corruption Law, Law No. 36/2018/QH14)
Code of Conduct and Internal Controls: Businesses are encouraged to establish codes of conduct and internal controls to prevent conflicts of interest and deter corrupt practices . (Anti-Corruption Law, Law No. 36/2018/QH14)
Transparency and Accountability: Public companies and credit institutions must ensure transparency in their operations and hold leaders accountable for ethical conduct . (Anti-Corruption Law, Law No. 36/2018/QH14)
📰 Recent Developments
Vietnam's commitment to professional ethics is reflected in recent high-profile cases:
Truong My Lan Case: A prominent businesswoman was sentenced to death for embezzling $12.5 billion through fraudulent activities, highlighting the government's zero-tolerance approach to corruption . (Vietnam Paints Billionaire's Death Sentence as a Victory for Clean Governance. It's Not)
"Blazing Furnace" Campaign: This anti-corruption initiative has led to the prosecution of several business leaders, including a beverage tycoon sentenced to prison for defrauding investors, underscoring the enforcement of ethical standards in the private sector . (Drinks tycoon jailed for fraud in Vietnam's 'blazing furnace' campaign)
In summary, Vietnam has established a robust framework for professional ethics across various sectors, emphasizing integrity, accountability, and transparency. While challenges remain, the country's commitment to ethical conduct is evident in its legal provisions and recent enforcement actions.
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