On behalf of the Organizing Committee of the 39th International Physics Olympiad 2008 in Vietnam, I warmly welcome students, leaders, observers, and distinguished guests from 82 countries and territories all over the world to this competition!

This competition is a great opportunity for young people, not only to demonstrate their abilities in Physics, but also to exchange knowledge and to enhance international relationship in education.
It is a great honour and pleasure for Vietnam to host this significant international event.  The IPhO 2008 Organizing Committee, especially its Vietnamese physicists, has worked hard to create the most favourable conditions for this competition. With the careful preparation of the Organizing Committee and the warm hospitality of the Vietnamese people, we hope that you will all have an enjoyable time and beautiful memories of our country.

I would like to extend best wishes to teachers and distinguished guests, and hope that all contestants will achieve their best performance in this competition.
Finally, I wish you every success with the 39th International Physics Olympiad!                   

                                                                   Prof. Dr. Sc. Banh Tien Long
                                                                    Standing Vice Minister of
                                                                      Education and Training