Vietnam stands at a crossroads in the global race for artificial intelligence (AI) dominance. As breakthroughs from tech giants like China’s DeepSeek and the US-based OpenAI redefine industries and create lucrative job opportunities, Vietnam faces a stark challenge: cultivating a workforce of international-standard AI talent. With a shortage of qualified instructors and a pressing need to prioritise quality over quantity in technical education, the country is turning to a multi-faceted strategy to bridge this gap. Among the most promising developments is the return of distinguished Vietnamese scholars from abroad, a move that signals Hanoi’s determination to build a competitive edge in the tech landscape.
A Global Race and Vietnam’s Talent Deficit
The rapid pace of AI innovation has transformed the global economy, opening doors to high-income careers and redefining what it means to be a technological leader. Recent advancements, such as cutting-edge models from DeepSeek and OpenAI’s Deep Research, underscore the critical role of talent pools nurtured through decades of strategic training. For Vietnam, a nation with burgeoning tech aspirations, the message is clear: degrees alone are no longer enough. Employers now demand practical expertise, and the country’s universities—many of which have introduced AI programmes in recent years—must shift their focus from boosting enrollment numbers to delivering educational excellence.
Yet, a significant obstacle looms large. Vietnam struggles with a shortage of qualified AI instructors capable of training the next generation of innovators. Without experienced mentors, even the most ambitious curricula risk falling short. Industry experts warn that without urgent reform, Vietnam could lag behind regional peers like Singapore and Malaysia, which have invested heavily in tech education and talent retention. 
A Three-Pronged Strategy for Transformation
Recognising the scale of the challenge, Vietnam is pursuing a comprehensive approach to bolster its AI ecosystem. The strategy, which combines domestic reform with international collaboration, rests on three key pillars.
1. Vietnam Must Bring Home Global Talent
One of the most visible signs of Vietnam’s commitment is the return of accomplished scholars from prestigious institutions abroad. Leading this wave is Dr Cấn Trần Thành Trung, formerly of the California Institute of Technology in the United States, who recently joined Hồ Chí Minh City University of Science. Alongside him are other luminaries, including Dr Trần Minh Tuấn from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dr Lê Trung Hoàng from Singapore’s School of Computing and Information Systems, and Dr Lê Văn Vẻ from the Republic of Korea’s University of Science and Technology. Their return is not merely symbolic; it represents a transfer of cutting-edge knowledge and global networks that could reshape Vietnam’s academic landscape. These scholars bring with them insights into AI research and pedagogy honed at some of the world’s leading institutions. Their presence at Vietnamese universities is expected to elevate the quality of instruction and inspire a new generation of students. However, attracting such talent requires more than patriotic appeals—it demands competitive salaries, research funding, and institutional support, areas where Vietnam must continue to invest if it hopes to sustain this momentum.
2. Policy of Nurturing Future Leaders Abroad
The second pillar of Vietnam’s strategy focuses on building a pipeline of talent through international exposure. By offering scholarships to exceptional students for study at world-leading AI institutions, the government aims to create a cohort of future innovators equipped with global perspectives. This approach, while resource-intensive, could yield long-term benefits by fostering expertise that aligns with international standards. Upon their return, these graduates are expected to contribute not only as practitioners but also as educators and policymakers, further strengthening Vietnam’s AI ecosystem. However, this initiative is not without risks. There is always the possibility that scholarship recipients may choose to remain abroad, drawn by lucrative opportunities in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or Singapore. To mitigate this, Vietnam must create an environment that incentivises returnees, offering career prospects and research opportunities that rival those overseas.
3. Attract International Expertise Through Competitive Offerings
The third component of Vietnam’s plan is perhaps the most ambitious: positioning the country as a destination for both Vietnamese diaspora and foreign tech experts. By creating a welcoming environment for international talent—through streamlined visa processes, collaborative research initiatives, and partnerships with global tech firms—Vietnam hopes to build a diverse and dynamic AI community. This approach could also foster cross-cultural innovation, giving Vietnam a unique edge in a field often dominated by homogenous talent pools. Yet, attracting foreign experts is easier said than done. Vietnam must compete with established tech hubs that offer superior infrastructure and higher compensation. If this strategy is to succeed, the government will need to prioritise investment in research facilities and foster partnerships with industry leaders to make Vietnam an attractive place to work and innovate.
Challenges and Conditional Impacts
While Vietnam’s three-pronged strategy offers a promising roadmap, its success is far from guaranteed. Several challenges loom on the horizon, each requiring careful navigation.
First, the return of scholars like Dr Cấn Trần Thành Trung, while inspiring, is only a starting point. Retaining such talent—and ensuring they have the resources to thrive—will be critical. If funding or institutional support falls short, Vietnam risks losing these experts to other countries or private sector roles abroad. Similarly, the scholarship programme for students must be paired with robust incentives to ensure returnees contribute to the domestic ecosystem rather than seeking opportunities elsewhere.
Second, the broader issue of educational reform cannot be overlooked. Shifting the focus from quantity to quality in AI programmes will require systemic changes, including updated curricula, industry partnerships, and teacher training. Without these, even the best talent recruitment efforts may struggle to produce meaningful results.
Conditionally, if Vietnam can address these challenges, the economic and social impacts could be transformative. A robust AI talent pool may attract foreign investment from tech giants, boosting sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, and finance where AI applications are increasingly critical. Estimates suggest that a successful AI strategy could contribute significantly to GDP growth, though such projections remain unconfirmed and depend on sustained policy commitment. On the flip side, if efforts falter, Vietnam risks falling further behind regional competitors, potentially stunting its ambitions to become a tech-driven economy.
Vietnam’s Place in the Global Tech Landscape
Vietnam’s AI push must also be understood within a broader regional and global context. Countries like Singapore and Malaysia have long prioritised tech education, with Singapore positioning itself as a hub for AI research through initiatives like the Smart Nation programme. Meanwhile, China’s aggressive investment in AI—evidenced by companies like DeepSeek—has set a high benchmark for innovation in the region. For Vietnam, the stakes are high. AI is not just a technological frontier but a geopolitical one, with nations vying for influence through digital innovation. Success in building a competitive AI workforce could elevate Vietnam’s standing, potentially positioning it as a regional leader in tech. However, this will require not only domestic reform but also strategic alliances with global partners, including universities, tech firms, and international organisations.
Can Vietnam Sustain Its Commitment
Vietnam’s journey to becoming an AI powerhouse is just beginning, but the steps taken today—recruiting global talent, investing in future leaders, and attracting international expertise—lay a critical foundation. The return of scholars like Dr Cấn Trần Thành Trung is a powerful signal of intent, but it must be matched by sustained investment and policy innovation. For now, the country stands at a pivotal moment. If Hanoi can navigate the challenges of talent retention, educational reform, and global competition, it may well carve out a significant role in the AI-driven future. While the path ahead is uncertain, one thing is clear: Vietnam’s ambitions are no longer just aspirations—they are a national imperative.
