Vietnam Targets 2,000 Global Scientists in Talent Push

Ambitious recruitment drive signals Vietnam’s bid to become a Southeast Asia innovation hub by 2035

Vietnam is stepping up its competition in the global race for talent, unveiling plans to recruit more than 2,000 scientists and experts from overseas by 2035—a move that signals the country’s deeper ambitions to transition from a manufacturing powerhouse into a knowledge-driven economy.

The initiative comes as Southeast Asia emerges as a critical battleground for high-skilled labor, with countries vying to capture value in advanced technologies, artificial intelligence, and semiconductor supply chains. For Vietnam, long known as a top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in manufacturing, the shift toward attracting global scientific talent marks a strategic pivot toward innovation-led growth.

Under the program, Vietnam aims to attract at least 30 world-class experts capable of leading breakthrough projects in education, research, and technology transfer—particularly in strategic sectors such as AI, space technology, and advanced engineering. An additional 500 specialists are expected to take on full-time roles in universities and vocational institutions, while 1,500 more will collaborate through flexible, hybrid engagement models, reflecting a global shift toward distributed research ecosystems.

To make the country more competitive, policymakers are proposing sweeping reforms aligned with international standards, including tax incentives, globally recognized academic titles, and performance-based compensation. Administrative bottlenecks—often cited by foreign professionals as a barrier—are also set to be streamlined, with faster visa, work permit, and residency processes, alongside improved living conditions and support systems for expatriate families.

Vietnam’s broader objective is clear: to elevate its education and research ecosystem to regional and global standards by 2035. This includes building modern research infrastructure, accelerating digital transformation, and integrating artificial intelligence across industries. The government is also investing in creating a global talent database and strengthening institutional autonomy, allowing universities and research centers greater flexibility in attracting and retaining top-tier talent.

The move reflects a growing recognition that the next phase of economic growth in Vietnam—and across Southeast Asia—will be defined less by labor cost advantages and more by intellectual capital. The key question now is whether Vietnam can compete with established innovation hubs like Singapore or emerging challengers such as Malaysia and Indonesia in attracting—and retaining—the world’s best minds.

As global talent becomes increasingly mobile, Vietnam’s success may hinge not just on incentives, but on its ability to offer something more compelling: a dynamic innovation ecosystem where ideas can scale, and where the next generation of breakthroughs is not just imported—but created.