Vietnam endorses strategy for nurturing technologically advanced workforce
Vietnam Unveils National Plan for High-Quality High-Tech Human Resources Development
HÀ NỘI — Deputy Prime Minister Lê Thanh Long has approved a sweeping national plan aimed at developing high-quality human resources for Vietnam's high-tech sector from 2025 to 2035, with a vision extending to 2045.
The ambitious scheme, outlined in Decision No. 1002/QĐ-TTg dated May 24, 2025, targets bolstering Vietnam's capacity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The ultimate goal is to foster a workforce capable of driving innovation and participating in advanced research in strategic high-tech industries.
By the year 2030, the plan seeks to significantly increase the number of students pursuing advanced STEM degrees, with a particular emphasis on core sciences, digital technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and biotechnology. At least 35 percent of students at each education level are expected to study STEM subjects.
The scheme also prioritizes linking education with robust research groups in core sciences and key technologies to support national high-tech and strategic technology initiatives.
Between 2030 and 2035, Vietnam intends to produce 100,000 information and communication technology (ICT) graduates per year, with 15 percent at the postgraduate level. For AI, the target is 15,000 graduates, including 20 percent with advanced degrees.
As part of the plan, at least 50 high-performing research teams in STEM are to be established, including 30 in strategic technologies. The country also aims to improve its global standing in STEM-related scientific publications.
By 2045, Vietnam envisions its highly skilled STEM workforce as a core national asset, enhancing its competitiveness in high-tech investment, particularly in strategic sectors. The objective is for its higher education institutions to rank among Asia's leaders in STEM education and research, especially in digital technology, AI, and biotechnology.
To achieve these ambitious goals, the government has outlined six key measures. These include enhancing investment policies for STEM education, providing financial support for STEM students, and developing and implementing policies to attract and retain talented lecturers.
The Ministry of Education and Training will develop standards for talent programs, set criteria for selecting institutions, allocate training quotas, and guide investment in laboratories and talent-oriented curricula.
The Ministry of Science and Technology will coordinate research and development tasks aligned with strategic technology goals and doctoral STEM training, while the Ministry of Finance will work with relevant bodies to review and allocate state budget resources in line with public investment regulations.
The scheme also encourages collaboration between industry and academia, such as the "GELEX Connect" project, which aims to access and nurture young talent early in their education journey.
The comprehensive national plan represents a strategic commitment by Vietnam to developing human capital as the foundation for high-tech sector growth and sustainable economic development. By strengthening the STEM pipeline, enhancing research and development capabilities, and fostering strong partnerships between government, academia, and industry, Vietnam is positioning itself for global competitiveness in the technology-driven future.
The Eastern International University (EIU) is one of the facilities training high-quality human resources in Bình Dương southern province. - VNA/VNS Photo Hồng Đạt
- The national plan for human resources development in Vietnam's high-tech sector emphasizes the need for a workforce capable of driving innovation and participating in advanced research, focusing on core sciences, digital technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and biotechnology.
- To reach its goals, the government plans to establish at least 50 high-performing research teams in STEM, including 30 in strategic technologies, and improve its global standing in STEM-related scientific publications.
- The Ministry of Education and Training will guide investment in laboratories and talent-oriented curricula, while the Ministry of Science and Technology coordinates research and development tasks aligned with strategic technology goals and doctoral STEM training.
- Vietnam aims to produce 100,000 information and communication technology (ICT) graduates per year by 2035, with 15 percent at the postgraduate level, and 15,000 AI graduates, including 20 percent with advanced degrees.
- The comprehensive national plan serves as a strategic commitment by Vietnam to developing human capital as the foundation for high-tech sector growth and sustainable economic development, positioning itself for global competitiveness in the technology-driven future.
