Brief biography of Party General Secretary and State President To Lam

On April 7, 2026, at the first session of the 16th National Assembly, he was elected President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

  • General Secretary To Lam: The People’s Public Security Forces must create a foundation for double-digit growth
  • Party General Secretary To Lam attends meeting between leaders of Public Security Ministry and Hung Yen province

The 16th National Assembly (NA) elected General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee To Lam, a deputy to the 16th legislature, as State President for the 2026–2031 term at its first session on April 7.

The Vietnam News Agency (VNA) respectfully introduces a brief biography of comrade To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Brief biography of Party General Secretary and State President To Lam -0
President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam To Lam at the swearing-in ceremony. Photo: VNA

Full name: To Lam

Date of birth: July 10, 1957, Ethnicity: Kinh

Native place: Nghia Tru commune, Hung Yen province

Date of Party admission: August 22, 1981

Political theory level: Advanced

Professional expertise: Law – Security

Academic title and degree: Professor of Security Science, PhD in Law.

Positions:

- General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee in the 13th and 14th tenures

- Member of the Party Central Committee's Political Bureau in the 12th, 13th and 14th tenures

- Member of the Party Central Committee in the 11th, 12th, 13th and 14th tenures.

- President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Chairman of the Council for National Defence and Security (2024)

- Secretary of the Central Military Commission (since August 2024)

- Head of the Central Steering Committee for Prevention and Control of Corruption, Wastefulness and Negative Phenomena

- Deputy to the National Assembly in the 14th, 15th and 16th tenures

Summary of career

1974-1979: Student at the People’s Security University (now the People’s Security Academy).

1979 -2010: Officer of the Ministry of Public Security.

2010-2016: Deputy Minister of Public Security.

2016-2024: Secretary of the Central Public Security Party Committee and Minister of Public Security.

January 2019: Promoted to the rank of General of the People's Public Security.

May 2024 – October 2024: President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

August 3, 2024: Elected by the Party Central Committee as General Secretary of the 13th Party Central Committee.

January 22, 2026: At the 14th National Party Congress, elected as a member of the 14th Party Central Committee for the 2026–2031 term.

January 23, 2026: At its first session, the 14th Party Central Committee unanimously agreed to re-elect comrade To Lam, General Secretary of the 13th Party Central Committee, to continue serving as General Secretary of the 14th Party Central Committee.

April 7, 2026: At the first session of the 16th National Assembly, elected as President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

VNA

Other News

Vietnam needs more modern, creative working class: Top leader

Vietnam needs more modern, creative working class: Top leader

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam urged the Vietnam Trade Union to reform more rapidly, deeply and substantively. It must work together with the State, enterprises and training facilities to improve workers’ professional qualifications, digital skills and adaptability.

Grand opening of 14th Vietnam Trade Union Congress for 2026–2031 term

Grand opening of 14th Vietnam Trade Union Congress for 2026–2031 term

VGCL President Nguyen Anh Tuan said achievements obtained over the past ternure reflect the close guidance of the Party, effective coordination among State agencies, local authorities, the Vietnam Fatherland Front and socio-political organisations, support from employers and, above all, the dedication and innovation demonstrated by trade union officials, members and workers across the country.

Prime Minister chairs Government's regular meeting for May

Prime Minister chairs Government's regular meeting for May

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung emphasised the need to further improve institutions and policy frameworks, develop digital infrastructure and data resources, and create the necessary conditions for science, technology, innovation and digital transformation to become new drivers of economic growth.

Official hails progress in Vietnam – RoK defence cooperation

Official hails progress in Vietnam – RoK defence cooperation

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang said that alongside the robust growth of relations between the two countries, defence cooperation has continued to develop extensively and intensively, becoming increasingly practical and effective.

Vietnam's First Lady visits disadvantaged children in Philippines

Vietnam's First Lady visits disadvantaged children in Philippines

Ngo Phuong Ly, spouse of Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, expressed her emotion at seeing the children’s optimism despite difficult circumstances, noting that both Vietnam and the Philippines place children at the centre of their development policies, from education, health care to child protection.

Top leader of Vietnam pays state visit to Philippines

Top leader of Vietnam pays state visit to Philippines

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam and his spouse are paying state visit to the Philippines from May 31 to June 1 at the invitation of President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. and his spouse.