Creating a strong attraction for science and technology talent.
Associate Professor Dr. Ngo Tu Thanh, from the Institute of Information Technology (Vietnam Women's Academy), believes that Decree No. 179/2026/ND-CP, issued by the Government on May 20, 2026, stipulating scholarship policies for students in basic sciences, key engineering fields, and strategic technologies, is of particular importance to higher education , science and technology, and the national human resource development strategy in the context of the current strong development of AI, semiconductors, and digital transformation.
According to Associate Professor Dr. Ngo Tu Thanh, the first notable point of the Decree is the change in the mindset regarding investment in basic science.
Previously, many fields such as Mathematics, Physics, Materials Science, and Mining Engineering struggled to attract students due to limited financial opportunities. Now, with direct government scholarship support, reaching up to 8.4 million VND per month for doctoral students and sustained over many years, a strategic signal has been sent that basic science is no longer considered a field of "low economic value," but rather the foundation of AI, semiconductors, and core technologies.
He also assessed that the Decree would create a major "boost" for the AI and semiconductor technology sectors, as the list of supported industries includes Information Technology, Computers, Electronics - Telecommunications, Materials, Mechanical Engineering, and semiconductor integrated circuits…
These are all areas at the heart of global technological competition, demonstrating that Vietnam is proactively preparing its human resources for the future "strategic technology race."
This policy will also significantly impact the career choices of high-achieving students. Prioritizing support for students who have won national and international awards, talented students, and those with outstanding academic achievements may cause many students to change their direction, boldly choosing science and engineering fields instead of focusing on economics or finance as before.
For universities, especially those in engineering and technology, the Decree opens up great opportunities to attract talented students, expand talent programs, promote research in AI, semiconductors, and strategic technologies, and foster a stronger research ecosystem.
Associate Professor Ngo Tu Thanh emphasized that the significance of the Decree goes beyond just a scholarship policy; it also represents a crucial shift from a "mass training" mindset to a "strategic investment in scientific and technological talent."
If implemented effectively, the Decree could contribute to the formation of a new generation of engineers and scientists for Vietnam in the next 10-20 years, similar to how South Korea and China have invested heavily in STEM and semiconductor industries.
Driving force for developing high-quality human resources in life sciences.
Regarding the fields of Biology and Applied Biology, Associate Professor Pham Thanh, Head of the Department of Biology, Hue University of Education, believes that Decree 179/2026/ND-CP is of particular importance as it marks the first time the State has used scholarship policies as a tool to guide the development of human resources for life sciences.
Supporting students from undergraduate to postgraduate levels will help attract talented students to foundational fields such as molecular biology, genetics, and ecology, while also fostering the development of a highly qualified young research workforce.
Regarding the field of Applied Biology, according to Associate Professor Pham Thanh, the Decree opens up opportunities to strongly promote key areas such as agricultural biotechnology, molecular marker-assisted breeding, development of medicinal plants and healthcare products from indigenous resources, as well as industrial and environmental biotechnology.
The policy not only contributes to enhancing research capacity but also promotes technology transfer and commercialization of biological products, thereby effectively exploiting Vietnam's biodiversity potential, aiming for sustainable bioeconomic development and increasing value in the agricultural-biomedical production chain.
“With its faculty, facilities, and training programs including Bachelor of Science in Biology Education, Master of Science in Biology, and Doctor of Science in Zoology, the Department of Biology, Hue University of Education, will contribute to training high-quality research human resources in the fields of Biology and Applied Biology for society, especially in the Central and Central Highlands regions,” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Thanh shared.
Source: https://giaoducthoidai.vn/thay-doi-tu-duy-dau-tu-cho-khoa-hoc-co-ban-post778935.html
Comment (0)