In the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution reshaping the global economy, the Vietnamese government has identified science & technology, innovation, and digital transformation as the core pillars for the nation's breakthrough development. With the profound understanding that people—especially leading experts and scientists—are the decisive factor, a series of special and superior policies are being robustly developed and implemented to attract and retain talent.
This is not just a routine policy but a strategic move, demonstrating Vietnam's determination to create an ecosystem attractive enough to compete on the global map for high-quality human resources.
Outstanding Preferential Policies: More Than Just a Salary
The focus of these new policies is to break down traditional barriers and create a truly competitive work and compensation environment worthy of top talent. Two of the most notable highlights are:
1. The "Beyond-the-Frame" Salary Mechanism
This is considered the most groundbreaking solution. Instead of being limited by the rigid state-mandated salary scale, this mechanism allows agencies, research institutes, and universities to pay outstanding experts and scientists based on:
Competency and Performance: Salaries are negotiated to correspond with qualifications, experience, and concrete contributions, and can be many times higher than the traditional salary framework.
International Market Standards: Compensation is benchmarked against equivalent positions in the region and around the world, ensuring competitiveness to attract both overseas Vietnamese talent and international experts.
The "beyond-the-frame" salary mechanism sends a powerful message: Vietnam is willing to pay a premium for intellectual capital and values the contributions of scientists as its most precious assets.
2. Housing Support Policy for Stability
The Vietnamese concept of "an cư lạc nghiệp" (settling down to focus on one's career) is a significant psychological factor. Understanding this, the government has introduced specific housing support policies to help experts and their families resolve one of the biggest concerns when relocating. Forms of support include:
Providing public housing: Allocating fully-furnished, state-owned residences.
Financial assistance: Offering preferential loans or subsidies to help experts rent or purchase commercial housing.
This policy not only provides material value but also demonstrates the state's comprehensive care, helping scientists feel secure and dedicated to long-term contribution.
Strategic Goal: Breakthroughs in Innovation and Digital Transformation
Attracting talent is not an end in itself but a means to achieve two larger strategic objectives:
Driving Innovation: Top experts will form the nucleus of strong research teams, lead ambitious R&D projects, create core technologies, develop high-value "Made in Vietnam" products, and foster a dynamic startup ecosystem.
Leading National Digital Transformation: This process requires human resources with deep expertise in new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Cybersecurity. Attracting the "chief architects" in this field will help Vietnam successfully build a digital government, digital economy, and digital society effectively and sustainably.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Although the policies reflect a sound vision, the greatest challenge lies in implementation. For these policies to truly come to life, decisive action is needed from ministries, sectors, and localities to:
Streamline administrative procedures: Ensure the recruitment, approval, and application of benefits are fast and transparent, avoiding bureaucratic hurdles.
Build a professional work environment: Beyond salary and housing, creating an environment of academic freedom, equipped with modern facilities, and closely connected to the international scientific community is vital for retaining talent.
Synchronize other policies: Policies on personal income tax, education for children, and employment opportunities for spouses also need to be considered to create a comprehensive benefits package.
The global race for talent is increasingly fierce. With these strong and strategic policy moves, Vietnam 🇻🇳 is affirming its determination to rise, turning science and technology into the true engine for a prosperous and powerful future.
