Vietnam’s workforce needs to elevate quality, quantity of R&D centers

Dr. Chu Thanh Tuan, associate program manager of undergraduate business programs at RMIT Vietnam underscores the need for the country to acquire higher calibre human resources for R&D centers, as it is pivotal for fostering scientific and technological development and bolstering the competitive advantages of the economy.

Decisions by multinationals such as Samsung, Apple, Marvell, Nvidia, and others to establish research and development (R&D) centers in Vietnam signal a remarkable shift in the global business development strategies of prominent tech giants.

This trend brings opportunities for economic growth, the uplift of labour skills, and access to cutting-edge technologies, while also posing challenges that need to be effectively managed.

Vietnam is transforming itself into the world’s technology factory, hosting a multitude of large-scale factories operated by renowned companies Samsung, LG, Intel, Foxconn, Xiaomi, among others. Notably, Samsung is making a substantial investment of $220 million in an R&D centre located in Hanoi, providing direct employment to 2,000 engineers.

However, according to Qualcomm and Panasonic leaders, one of the significant challenges encountered by these companies when establishing R&D centres in Vietnam is the difficulty in recruiting technology engineers, particularly those with expertise in information technology and a profound understanding of IoT, AI, and blockchain. This challenge is attributed to several factors.

There is a limitation in the quality of Vietnam's human resources. Overall, the workforce quality in Vietnam is still low compared other developed countries. Many Vietnamese students possess good academic qualifications, but they often lack practical experience and essential soft skills required to flourish in an R&D environment.

Insufficient opportunities for education and training could be observed. Despite several universities and research institutions focusing on science and technology, Vietnam still falls short in producing high-quality personnel for R&D centers. Many training programs are not updated to align with global development trends, resulting in graduates not meeting the requirements of employers.

There are ineffective talent attraction policies in Vietnam. The existing strategies lack incentives to attract local and international talent towards R&D centers.

To tackle these challenges, a multifaceted approach is indispensable.

First and foremost, it is essential to innovate education and training programs, placing a strong emphasis on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) areas. Enhancing education in STEM from pre-school to university level is crucial. This involves updating the curriculum to align with industry needs, incorporating real-world experience and practical training, and fostering critical thinking and innovation. We should prioritize comprehensive development, equipping students with specialised knowledge, practical and soft skills compatible with the R&D environment.

Secondly, it is imperative to establish collaborations between academia, universities, and the technology industry, coupled with significant investments in research infrastructure. Forging close partnerships between educational institutions and technology companies ensures that the skills taught align with the current needs of R&D centers.

Internship programs, expert-sharing lectures, and joint research projects can provide students with in-depth experiences and insights into the real world. Additionally, enhancing research facilities at universities and public institutions is crucial, offering access to advanced research tools and technology to prepare students and researchers for the high standards of global R&D centers.

Thirdly, government policies and incentives for talent attraction are significant. The government can play a vital role by providing incentives for R&D investments, creating favourable policies for technology start-ups, and investing in technology parks and incubators.

Policies that facilitate collaboration between foreign and local companies can also be beneficial. The government can also implement attractive policies to lure talent, such as financial support, housing, and insurance, to engage local and international professionals.

Finally, we should accelerate international exposure and collaboration, focusing on emerging technologies. It is vital to foster partnerships with international universities and research institutions, which can bring valuable exposure. Exchange programs, joint research initiatives, and conferences can also facilitate knowledge and best practices sharing.

Moreover, acquiring advanced education and expertise in emerging fields such as blockchain, AI, biotechnology, and renewable energy can position Vietnam as a destination for world-leading corporations in these sectors.

Enhancing the quality and quantity of Vietnam's workforce for better engagement in R&D centers demands collective efforts from the government, businesses, and the people. By prioritizing the advancement of education, infrastructure, and collaboration with leading global corporations and developed countries, Vietnam can evolve into a vibrant destination for R&D and innovation on the regional and global stage.