The initiative outlines a proactive policy for recruiting and retaining international talents. The goal is to make Vietnam a leading academic and scientific destination in Asia, capable of competing regionally and globally.
A massive mobilization of talents is planned, with over 2,000 scientists and international experts to be recruited by 2035 at various levels of engagement. Thirty high-level profiles will lead temporary but strategic missions to modernize education, research, and technology transfer, especially in fundamental scientific sectors and advanced technologies.
In addition, approximately 500 experts will be recruited full-time in universities and vocational training institutions, occupying pivotal positions in priority areas for the country’s development. This recruitment will complement a network of 1,500 international scientists and researchers collaborating regularly with Vietnamese institutions.
Structural reforms aim to attract and retain researchers by improving the working environment and research infrastructure. Priorities include establishing a globally connected ecosystem supported by databases to identify and mobilize international experts, as well as enhancing innovation and technology transfer capabilities. The program also focuses on digital transformation, integrating artificial intelligence in research and teaching, and developing modern, competitive, and professional scientific environments.
Clear criteria are set to facilitate the integration of foreign experts, with concrete reforms planned. The government will review remuneration policies to offer competitive salaries, incentives, and tax benefits. Simplified recognition of foreign degrees, streamlined administrative procedures for visas, work permits, and residence permits, as well as aligning recruitment and appointment mechanisms with international standards for transparency and efficiency, will be implemented. Support measures will enhance the living conditions of researchers and their families in terms of housing, public services, and work environment.
Through this program, Vietnam asserts its international ambition to become a major hub for research and innovation in Asia. By focusing on international openness and talent circulation, the country aims to accelerate its scientific and technological advancement while strengthening its integration into global academic networks. This strategy could mark a turning point for Vietnamese higher education, positioning it as an emerging player in the global competition for scientific talents.
