Politburo Resolution No. 23-NQ/TW has created opportunities for overseas Vietnamese to contribute directly to national development through their expertise, experience and international networks, Associate Professor Nguyen Quoc Hung of the Academy of Mathematics and Systems Science under the Chinese Academy of Sciences said.
In an interview with Vietnam News Agency correspondents in Beijing about Resolution No. 23-NQ/TW on overseas Vietnamese affairs, Hung said repeated remarks by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam about engaging overseas intellectuals and talented Vietnamese during foreign visits showed the leadership's attention to the issue.
Together with Politburo Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation and national digital transformation, the resolution creates an opportunity to connect overseas expertise with Vietnam's specific development needs.
Hung said scientists needed favourable working conditions, opportunities to advance research and train younger generations, and a stable family life if they were considering a long-term return home.
Drawing on his experience at the Academy of Mathematics and Systems Science, Hung said attracting researchers required more than competitive salaries. A strong professional environment, talented colleagues, opportunities to mentor young scientists and sufficient research time were also important. He proposed four measures to strengthen engagement with overseas Vietnamese specialists.
First, Vietnam should expand flexible forms of contribution without requiring professionals to relocate permanently. Overseas researchers could serve as visiting professors, co-supervise doctoral students, establish joint research groups or deliver specialised courses in Vietnam. Appropriate contracts and funding mechanisms would help sustain such cooperation. The programmes of the Vietnam Institute for Advanced Study in Mathematics could serve as a model for other disciplines.
Second, the country should ensure stable, multi-year research funding while granting scientists professional autonomy alongside accountability. Researchers should be able to build teams, select research directions and manage allocated budgets, while simplified administrative procedures would allow them to focus on their work. Evaluation should reflect the characteristics of each discipline, prioritise research quality and long-term contributions, and involve respected domestic and international experts.
Third, greater investment in young researchers is essential. Doctoral scholarships and postdoctoral salaries should allow researchers to pursue their work with confidence. Opportunities to collaborate with leading domestic and international research groups would also strengthen Vietnam's scientific capacity and lay the foundation for lasting partnerships with overseas Vietnamese intellectuals.
Fourth, cooperation should extend beyond academia to Vietnamese experts working at major technology corporations and research and development institutions. In fields such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors and biotechnology, they could provide consultancy, train local professionals and participate in joint projects with Vietnamese universities, research institutes and businesses.
For those returning to work in Vietnam permanently, Hung stressed the need for competitive remuneration commensurate with their expertise and responsibilities, alongside favourable working conditions that would enable them to maximise their potential.
Sources: VietnamPlus / Vietnam News Agency
