Scientific research key to Vietnam’s high-quality human resource training
With increased investment in both human resources and infrastructure, particularly laboratories, research activities at universities have seen significant progress in recent years.
A lecturer from the faculty of electronic technology at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry provides guidance to students during a study and research session at the university's IoT and AI laboratory. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) 🎐– Scientific research within higher education institutions plays a pivotal role not only in enhancing the quality of teaching but also in generating new knowledge that contributes to the sustainable development of the nation.
With increased investment in both human resources and infrastructure, particularly laboratories, research activities at universities have seen significant progress in recent years.
Launched in February last year, the Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM)’s programme on attracting, retaining, and developing outstanding young scientists and leading researchers has to date drawn 23 scientists to work across its universities, institutes, and research centres. Notably, seven of these are PhD holders from top 100 global universities.
Building on this success, in February this year, the VNU-HCM announced its visiting professorship programme, which sets an ambitious target of appointing 100 visiting professors by 2030. These will be world-leading scientists and experts, with priority given to fields such as biotechnology, biomedical sciences, semiconductor technology, artificial intelligence, new energy, and advanced logistics.
In tandem with these initiatives, the scientific community has expressed high expectations for Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW, issued by the Politburo on December 22, 2024, and outlining a strategic breakthrough in the development of science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation. The document is anticipated to create a fresh impetus for research activities.
Since its establishment in 2013, the biotechnology laboratory at the International University under the VNU-HCM has received an investment of approximately 40 billion VND (1.54 million USD). The laboratory currently focuses on pioneering research in global reprogramming techniques and the conservation of endangered animal genetic resources.
Associate Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Thuan, Dean of the Faculty of Biotechnology at the International University, shared that the lab is presently staffed by four PhD holders, 12 master's students, and regularly hosts between 40-60 undergraduate students undertaking final-year research projects.
“We are heartened by the positive signals from Resolution 57. These breakthroughs will strongly boost scientific research activities across universities,” Thuan remarked.
Before officially becoming a designated academic discipline in 2024, microchip training had already been implemented for over two decades at the University of Technology under VNU-HCM. Its laboratory for microchips and high-frequency systems, established in 2013, has been instrumental in designing high-frequency microchips. Through various research projects and collaborations, the lab has successfully transferred dozens of chip designs to major domestic and international partners.
Dr Huynh Phu Minh Cuong, Deputy Dean of the University of Technology’s Faculty of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, expressed his optimism about the new resolution, which he said has resolved many bottlenecks, from granting autonomy to research groups in managing funding, to recognising the inherent risks of large-scale research projects. These changes empower scientists to take bold steps and contribute more significantly to the advancement of national science and technology, he noted./.
Notably, the institutional framework for science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation has been continuously improved; digital infrastructure has grown rapidly; the digital economy has made significant strides; digital data systems are being developed, connected, and utilised more effectively. The national innovation system and startup ecosystem are gradually taking shape and proving effective. Several Vietnamese enterprises have gradually mastered core and foundational technologies, and the country’s international rankings continue to improve.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on February 23 urged Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM) to take the lead in training and research, striving to enter Asia's top 100 higher education institutions by 2030.
Party General Secretary To Lam has emphasised the need for more efforts to place Vietnam among the top three Southeast Asian countries for digital technology research and development by 2030, and form at least five major digital technology enterprises capable of competing internationally.
Vietnamese businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), must embrace digital and AI transformations to remain competitive and achieve sustainable growth, experts said.
Under the European Union (EU)’s global initiative on Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence (CoE), Vietnam has implemented numerous projects aimed at strengthening national capacity in detecting, preventing, and preparing for CBRN-related threats.
The course aims to promote knowledge exchange between scientific and educational schools from different countries, while deepening participants’ expertise in modern technology and technical education. It comprises two main specialisations of electronics-automation and nuclear technology.
ANTARA and VNA can design global-scale cooperation programmes or joint media campaigns, demonstrating the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Indonesia, as well as the cooperation between the two national news agencies.
As Vietnam’s digital transformation accelerates, both the frequency and severity of cyberattacks are growing. The National Cybersecurity Association (NCA) reported that in 2024 alone, there were some 659,000 separate cybersecurity incidents, impacting around 46.15% of government agencies and businesses.
A key highlight will be the technology cluster pavilion, showcasing top enterprises selected for their innovation, market potential, and practical applications. These firms will display flagship products and solutions, supported by government policies to strengthen the tech sector.
Since 2022, more than 500 Vietnamese startups have engaged in Google’s Startup Academy, Google for Startups Accelerator, and Google Startup Masterclass. Nearly 100 of these firms received support to develop and improve their products, benefiting more than 300,000 customers and creating over 300 new jobs through successful fundraising and team expansion amidst Vietnam’s competitive economy.
Over the past three decades, Binh Duong has cemented its status as one of Vietnam’s most dynamic industrial hubs, building a robust foundation in manufacturing, exports, and investment. The province now has 30 operational industrial parks spanning over 13,000 hectares, with an occupancy rate exceeding 90%.
The diplomat emphasised that Vietnam places the highest priority on the development of science, technology, and innovation, viewing them as critical drivers for the country’s advancement in the new development era.
The PM revealed Vietnam’s plan to develop nuclear power in the near future, and called on the Swedish side to assist Vietnam in developing and refining legal and policy frameworks for the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes; training and developing human resources; ensuring nuclear safety; and conducting training and drills to improve incident management capabilities.
More than an art showcase, the second “Technology with heart” contest seeks to inspire innovation and spotlight the humanistic values that technology can bring into daily life, expected to contribute to a sustainable digital future.
The average speed of the national mobile broadband network remained stable, with download speeds reaching 76.86 Mbps and upload speeds reaching 26.98 Mbps.
Under the MoU, AMD will support several key initiatives spearheaded by HCM City’s authorities, including piloting policies, co-hosting innovation events, and evaluating the investment environment within the Saigon Hi-Tech Park.
The centre is a joint initiative between Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology, with PTIT and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) serving as co-leads, and global telecommunications giant Nokia as founding industry partner.
The new centre, staffed by a team of scientists, researchers, and AI specialists working in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, forms part of Qualcomm’s global AI research group.
As a flagship initiative of the community project “Digital Literacy for All”, the programme forms part of a national scheme to equip 20 million young people with digital business skills.
The organisers hope the competition will help shape a generation of exceptional engineers who will make significant contributions to Vietnam’s scientific and technological progress in this era of transformation.
In the digital age and amidst the Fourth Industrial Revolution, IP plays an increasingly critical role, not only in safeguarding inventions but also in reducing copyright infringement and curbing piracy.
