A neglected field of study amidst a labor shortage and student indifference.

(Dan Tri Newspaper) - A field of study that plays a key role in "hot" sectors such as medicine, high-tech agriculture, and the green economy is facing a paradox: the demand for human resources is high, but students are not very interested.

At the recent 3rd International Biotechnology Conference, themed "Research and Applications in Biotechnology," experts pointed out the barriers and solutions to unlocking the potential of the biotechnology industry.

The industry is "thirsty" for high-quality human resources.

Professor Nguyen Minh Ha, Rector of Ho Chi Minh City Open University, stated that the development of biotechnology is not only a scientific strategy but also an important socio -economic goal of the nation.

In Vietnam, in recent years, biotechnology applications have not only brought enormous economic benefits but also profound humanitarian value in protecting and caring for human health, contributing to environmental protection, ensuring sustainable economic development, and benefiting the global community, culture, and society.

Professor Dr. Nguyen Minh Ha - Rector of Ho Chi Minh City Open University, speaking at the conference (Photo: Huyen Nguyen).

Professor Ha emphasized that the workshop is an important forum for scientists , lecturers, researchers, and students to exchange experiences and share research results, thereby promoting interdisciplinary cooperation and the application of innovation to serve the community.

Assessing the current state and strong development potential of the industry, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Bao Chau, Head of the Biotechnology Department, said that in the context of strong digital transformation, green economy and sustainable development becoming the dominant trend, therefore, the demand for high-quality human resources in the field of biotechnology is increasing rapidly.

This field of study plays a core role not only in medicine (vaccine development, diagnostic biological products, advanced therapies) but also has a widespread presence in high-tech agriculture , the food industry, environmental protection, and new materials technology.

"Many businesses, industrial parks, and research centers are 'thirsty' for human resources with strong expertise, good practical skills, and especially innovative and creative thinking. Therefore, job opportunities for graduates in this field are abundant."

"The core issue is how to train students to be equipped with solid theoretical knowledge alongside practical experience, meeting the increasingly high demands of the labor market," Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Bao Chau emphasized.

Paradox: Great potential, difficult enrollment.

However, a worrying fact has been highlighted: the biotechnology industry is currently facing significant difficulties in student recruitment.

According to Associate Professor Dr. Ngoc Chau, one of the underlying reasons is the misconception among many students and parents that this is a purely research-oriented field of study, making it difficult to find employment or only suitable for working in laboratories.

Furthermore, communication efforts regarding the practical applications and immense potential of the industry in daily life have not been sufficiently convincing.

Scientists attending the workshop learn about research in the field of biotechnology (Photo: Huyen Nguyen).

To address this situation, representatives from Ho Chi Minh City Open University stated that the university is implementing a comprehensive set of solutions, focusing on promoting career guidance communication from an early age in high schools, helping students gain a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of the biotechnology industry.

At the same time, the school is strengthening its connections with businesses to build a "job-oriented" training model right from the moment students begin their studies. Participation in the accreditation of training programs according to the standards of the Ministry of Education and Training, expanding international student exchange programs, and organizing scientific seminars are increasingly being prioritized.

The delegates at the workshop also emphasized a practical and interdisciplinary strategy, combining biotechnology with business, data, environment, and more.

At the same time, students are given maximum opportunities to participate in practical courses, projects, and internships at businesses, research institutes, high-tech farms, etc.

The workshop attracted enthusiastic participation from nearly 200 speakers, experts, lecturers, and learners from various domestic and international institutions (Photo: Huyen Nguyen).

The papers presented at the conference highlighted the central role of biotechnology in addressing practical challenges in many fields, harnessing the immense potential of abundant biological resources, and combining them with advanced technologies.

The strong intersection between various scientific disciplines such as biology, chemistry, medicine, agriculture, computer science, and food technology is also given special attention.

The 3rd International Biotechnology Conference attracted nearly 200 speakers, experts, lecturers, and students from educational institutions in many countries around the world, including Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, India, Japan, South Korea, and China.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/giao-duc/nganh-hoc-bi-lang-quen-giua-con-khat-nhan-luc-va-su-tho-o-cua-hoc-sinh-20250508183247528.htm