Vietnam’s Vision for Cultivating Talent to Propel National Growth

The 2021-2030 Socio-Economic Development Strategy identifies human resources as a key factor for sustainable economic growth. This emphasis is not just local but resonates globally, as nations like Japan, South Korea, the US, and those in Europe actively seek high-quality human resources.

The increasing demand for skilled individuals in innovation and high-tech industries is noteworthy, both domestically and internationally. Particularly, fields such as semiconductors, AI, biotechnology, and renewable energy are struggling with talent shortages.

For example, the semiconductor sector alone is projected to need approximately one million workers by 2030, yet the current global workforce falls short. Developed nations are also grappling with aging populations, further intensifying labor shortages. This sector specifically seeks young, agile, and highly trained engineers.

Vietnam’s youthful demographic, particularly as it reaches a demographic peak, positions it well for training skilled professionals, thus opening doors for engagement in both domestic and international innovation initiatives.

Vietnamese youth exhibit a keen interest in STEM, technology, and mathematics, equipping them to tackle the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and invigorate innovation within their companies and organizations.

In recent years, many talented Vietnamese engineers and researchers have successfully ventured abroad for education and entrepreneurship, achieving notable accomplishments.

Take Dr. Loi Nguyen, for example, who transitioned from a researcher to a business leader, culminating in a billion-dollar acquisition of his firm by Marvell, a top-tier company in chip design. Other notable Vietnamese professionals include Le Viet Quoc at Google, Hung Tran from GotIT, and Thuc Vu with VietAI.

These cases highlight the richness of Vietnamese talent, showcasing our capability to thrive in emerging sectors, particularly in semiconductors and AI. The challenge now is to harness this potential effectively.

It is encouraging to see young Vietnamese professionals, whether they be engineers or students, pursue education abroad and secure roles with leading global tech firms. This benefits both themselves and Vietnam as a whole.

Utilizing their overseas experiences in advanced industries allows them to engage with cutting-edge technologies. Collaborating with these global companies stands to offer substantial advantages to Vietnam, outweighing their immediate return after graduation.

While abroad, they forge connections with international colleagues and businesses, which can yield long-lasting benefits for Vietnam. This illustrates that contributing to the nation does not always necessitate a physical return, especially in the digital era where remote work is feasible.

Despite ongoing challenges regarding human resource shortages, young professionals overseas should not be viewed as a ‘brain drain.’ Instead, this movement is a crucial element in cultivating a workforce that will eventually return and contribute significantly to Vietnam’s research and development landscape.

The contributions made by overseas Vietnamese to local communities are both inevitable and beneficial.

This trend mirrors that found in countries such as South Korea, Japan, and China, where individuals who have studied and worked abroad return to play a significant role in their country’s growth.

In Vietnam, this development is gaining momentum, which positions the country advantageously. We are entering a period where input from overseas Vietnamese experts is crucial.

Since 2018, Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung has designated overseas Vietnamese professionals and business leaders as a driving force for economic advancement.

These talented individuals are essential for ushering Vietnam into the new age that General Secretary and President To Lam envisions. They will vitalize efforts to harness and reintroduce technology to Vietnam, fostering development.

Consequently, the Ministry of Planning and Investment has launched the Vietnam Innovation Network, which currently boasts around 100,000 members. Over the last five years, the National Innovation Center has established 10 networks across 22 nations and regions, playing a key role in shaping Vietnam’s future.

During a recent visit to the United States, General Secretary To Lam interacted with members of this network and expressed admiration for the substantial achievements of many Vietnamese individuals in cutting-edge domains, thus affirming the potential and readiness to support young Vietnamese in their global pursuits.

As numerous policies set forth by the Party and government are formalized through various regulations and resolutions, the primary challenge lies in effective implementation that successfully attracts …
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Efforts to integrate overseas talent into Vietnam are still facing challenges.

Conversations with members of the Vietnam Innovation Network abroad reveal that while the country is eager for their involvement, hurdles remain that hinder their full engagement and utilization of skills. This represents a lost opportunity for development.

Improvements in work conditions and social benefits are anticipated soon, which could draw more skilled professionals back to Vietnam.

Vietnamese talent is enthusiastic about contributing to the country. They seek basic living standards to work effectively but do not ask for excessive perks.

There is a pressing call for the government to establish more welcoming policies that promote innovation. Suggested measures include tax breaks, reductions in personal income tax, and revisions to work permit regulations.

Many talented Vietnamese returning to government jobs possess skills but often lack the necessary certifications or degrees mandated by local laws, which were not required in their overseas positions.

Highly skilled professionals, even those with director or managerial experience abroad, might find themselves starting in lower roles upon returning, which can diminish their potential contributions.

It would be beneficial for certain government and non-state organizations to consider more adaptable criteria for appointing these individuals to leadership roles, allowing them to maximize their contributions.

Insights from the Vietnam Innovation Network indicate a strong need for collaboration in creating advanced technologies and innovations that will enhance Vietnam’s innovation landscape.

A key challenge is the absence of clearly defined problems to address. There is a general call for support from overseas Vietnamese experts, yet specific needs are often not communicated.

The government must articulate clear issues and challenges for experts, scientists, and members of the Vietnam Innovation Network to engage with, enabling meaningful contributions to pressing national matters.

Local businesses, organizations, and universities must also identify specific challenges to tackle collectively. It is vital that these issues are presented in ways that recognize the efforts of experts and provide fair compensation for their work, ensuring mutual benefits.

A comprehensive vision in this area is currently lacking, which complicates scientists’ participation in government-funded research projects.

In simple terms, there are excessive regulations and cumbersome procedures surrounding scientific research, which need to be streamlined to harness the expertise of Vietnamese professionals abroad effectively.

Thank you!

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