HCM CITY (VNS) — A competition kicked off on Monday to help elementary-school students refine their critical-thinking skills.

The competition, whose subject is "Who is more sharp-witted?", was organised by the Ministry of Education and Training in collaboration with the Central Team Council and FrieslandCampina and will end on December 16.

There will be a total of 68 prizes worth VND217 million (US$10,432), and three rounds at the school, regional and national levels. The highest prize for the winner is VND50 million ($2,403).

In May, the Education Research Institute conducted surveys in Ha Noi and HCM City that found that more than 80 per cent of elementary-school pupils lacked practical skills, and were not skilled in analysing and solving problems.-VNS