Vietnamese universities open door to world’s best minds in sci-tech

The Vietnam National University (VNU) - Ho Chi Minh City is bringing the world’s brightest scientific minds to Vietnam.

At the Centre for Innovative Materials and Architectures (Photo: VNA)
At the Centre for Innovative Materials and Architectures (Photo: VNA)

HCM City (VNA) – In a bold step toward advancing sci-tech, many of Vietnam’s leading universities are rolling out innovative policies to lure top global talent.

At the forefront of this movement is the Vietnam National University (VNU) - Ho Chi Minh City, which is bringing the world’s brightest scientific minds to Vietnam.

VNU - HCM City Director Asso. Prof Vu Hai Quan has identified four critical factors that will make Vietnam an attractive destination for exceptional young scientists and industry leaders, namely spaces for creative autonomy, professional growth opportunities, and the promise of a stable life, complete with secure housing and educational prospects for their families.

To bring this vision to life, the VNU - HCM City already kicked off the VNU350 Programme in February, aiming to attract 350 top-tier young scientists and industry experts by 2030.

This programme offers a structured pathway for exceptional young scientists to thrive, starting with a scientific research project (type C) that provides funding of up to 200 million VND (8,000 USD) in the first two years. Progressing to the third year, they will move to a type B project, with a budget of 1 billion VND, followed by substantial laboratory investment support of 10 billion VND in the fourth year. By the fifth year, they will be guided through the process of applying for the title of Associate Professor at the state level.

For leading industry experts, the programme offers a type B research project with a funding limit of 1 billion VND during the initial two years, followed by laboratory investments up to 30 billion VND in subsequent years.

al.jpg
A lab at the VNU-HCM City (Photo: VNA)

Additionally, they will receive assistance in forming robust research groups and spearheading projects at various levels.Through three recruitment rounds, the VNU - HCM City has welcomed 27 outstanding talents, including seven graduates from universities ranked among the top 100 globally.

Quan is hopeful about the impact of the Politburo's Resolution No. 57, saying that it will further accelerate advancements in sci-tech, innovation, and national digital transformation, effectively break down all barriers and nurture an environment where the best minds can flourish.

In another strategic move, VNU-HCM City is developing a Visiting Professor Programme to invite Vietnamese professors from leading global universities and tech corporations. These esteemed academics will spend around 10 days in Vietnam, sharing their knowledge by teaching graduate students, mentoring faculty members, and collaborating on research projects. The programme also extends a warm welcome to those who wish to return and contribute to the homeland./.

VNA

See more

Illustrative photo (Photo: Ampshireflag)

Promoting cooperation aligned with ASEAN digital priorities

The sixth ASEAN Digital Senior Officials’ Meeting (ADGSOM) and related meetings took place from January 12 to 14 in Hanoi. Delegations exchanged views and reviewed progress in priority cooperation areas, focusing on enhancing coordination and harmonisation of digital policies across ASEAN.

The Au Lac AI Alliance officially announces the inaugural Au Lac Grand Prize on January 12. (Photo: VNA)

Au Lac Grand Prize launched to honour Vietnamese-made AI

The competition is open to all Vietnamese citizens, regardless of age, place of residence or professional background, provided the submitted product or solution is legally protected intellectual property developed and owned by Vietnamese individuals or entities and used in compliance with the law.

An expert speaks at the International Conference on Semiconductors (ICOS) 2026 (Photo: VNA)

ICOS 2026 highlights pathways for Vietnam’s semiconductor development

This was the first international, specialised semiconductor conference held in central Vietnam and the first time the country hosted a large-scale academic forum dedicated exclusively to this sector. Organised in line with international standards, it featured plenary sessions, technical presentations and industry forums, reflecting major research trends shaping the semiconductor sector.

Resolution No.57: People should be put at centre of AI governance

Resolution No.57: People should be put at centre of AI governance

Assessing the role of AI, Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung emphasised that it is an “intellectual infrastructure.” More than an applied technology, AI is increasingly becoming a form of national infrastructure, comparable to electricity, telecommunications or the Internet.

In Vietnam, 5G technology infrastructure has begun to be widely deployed by domestic network operators (Photo: VNA)

5G technology expansion expected to boost Vietnam’s digital economy

The Ministry of Science and Technology reported that by 2025, 5G had been commercialised nationwide, covering more than 90% of the population. Viettel alone has deployed 30,000 5G base stations, achieving 90% outdoor coverage and 70% indoor coverage, exceeding its commitments to the Government.

At a display of UAVs (Photo: VNA)

HCM City pilots UAVs for delivery services

HCM City aims to promote UAV use in urban delivery - a promising field contributing to smart logistics and postal services for e-commerce, smart cities and high-tech public services, while fostering UAVs as a strategic technology sector underpinning the innovation ecosystem.

Viettel's virtual assistant for searching administrative units helps shorten time and simplify searches for people. (Photo: Viettel)

Viettel’s virtual assistant among Top 10 technology products

The accolade recognises the mastery of core technologies by the Viettel Artificial Intelligence and Data Services Centre (Viettel AI), while reaffirming the group’s capacity to successfully deploy “Make in Vietnam” artificial intelligence solutions in international markets.

Workers are operating a robotic wafer conveyor assembly line in the semiconductor industry. (Illustrative image. Photo VNA)

Innovation – Driver for new development phase

The draft action programme of the Party Central Committee to implement the Resolution of the 14th National Party Congress identifies the shift to a new growth model, economic restructuring, and accelerated industrialisation and modernisation, with science, technology, innovation and digital transformation as the core engines, as key tasks.

Participants at the 5th ASEAN Digital Ministers Meeting (ADGMIN) in Thailand. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi to host 6th ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting in January

Held annually on a rotating basis among ASEAN member states, the meeting plays a key role in shaping strategic orientations, formulating policies and promoting digital cooperation within ASEAN, while strengthening collaboration with partners and international organisations amid rapid digital and digital-economy transformation globally.