Socialist Republic of Vietnam

"Many countries in the region like China and the Republic of Korea have always relied on their overseas communities to develop their domestic science and technology industries. But our country seems to have missed this precious opportunity" - Dr Dang Ngoc Dinh, Union of Scientific and Technical Associations

HA NOI — Many of Viet Nam’s best and brightest are departing for higher-paid jobs in other countries, sparking concern that a brain drain could impede economic progress.

In recent years, the country has seen an increasing number of academics and scientists leave for developed countries, said Le Thanh Hoa from Viet Nam’s Bio-Technology Institute.

"Some people did not return home after being sent by the Government to study abroad and others could not find suitable jobs here," she said, citing some of the reasons for the move to other countries. Others left because they were working for foreign-invested enterprises or simply preferred working abroad, she added.

Hoa said the Government needs to create a programme offering employment priority to highly skilled employees who are trained abroad.

"Some State-run agencies should be allowed to take their recruitment programmes to universities and job centres, which would provide students with easier access to desired jobs," she said.

Hoa suggested the State should also revise its policies on salaries, allowances and preferences to encourage technical and scientific workers to stay in the country.

She made her comments at a seminar in Ha Noi last week that discussed ways to prevent the exodus of the country’s highly educated workers to other countries.

Dr Dang Ngoc Dinh of the Viet Nam Union of Scientific and Technical Associations said Viet Nam has failed to fully tap the talent and resources of overseas Vietnamese who live in the US, France, Canada, Australia and other countries.

"Many countries in the region like China and South Korea have always relied on their overseas communities to develop their domestic science and technology industries. But our country seems to have missed this precious opportunity," said Dinh.

"There are about three million overseas Vietnamese, of which 400,000 have a university and higher education. The number of overseas Vietnamese working in California’s Silicon Valley ranks third, after the Chinese and Indians," he said.

"Many overseas Vietnamese also hold high positions in foreign enterprises," Dinh said.

Seminar speakers noted salary disparities and preferential treatment policies are major factors leading to the so-called brain drain in many developing countries, including Viet Nam.

"Often students who study abroad and return home with hopes to work here have not received support from the Government in seeking a job," Dinh said.

"If they get a job, they have to work in an environment that doesn’t allow the full use of their intellectual ability."

Hoa said most developed countries, which continue to have a great need for highly skilled workers, are willing to offer very high wages and a good working environment.

Some participants pointed out that educated people play a leading role in sustainable development, and that other competitive advantages, such as cheap labour and natural and capital resources, become less important compared to information and knowledge.

"In other words, creative intellect becomes the cornerstone of a society’s prosperity," a participant said.

Professor Dang Huu, head of the Communist Party’s IT Steering Committee said the country "must not wait until industrialisation is complete before turning to pursue the knowledge economy."

It was noted at the seminar that Viet Nam’s economic progress depended on acquiring the latest technology, modernising agricultural production, and developing a knowledge-based economy.

Viet Nam still relies heavily on agricultural commodities, with more than two-thirds of its labour force living in rural areas. — VNS