The invitees will sign a 5-year contract to work for VNUHCMC, or a 1-year contract which can be extended. In the immediate time, the school plans to invite 50 professors in 2025 and 2026.

Associate Professor Dr Vu Hai Quan, Director of VNUHCMC, said those invited to be visiting professors must be currently working at universities or research institutes. They must have at least 10 years of teaching or research experience and a doctorate, or currently be professors or assistant professors at reputable institutions.

As for individuals working for international corporations or organizations, they must have at least 10 years of practical experience, holding important roles such as technical experts, managers, or research and development team leaders, with experience in managing or participating in major projects, especially projects involving innovation or technology application.

Quan said VNUHCMC prioritizes visiting professors in the fields of Biotechnology, Biomedical, Semiconductor Chips, AI, Digital Transformation, Material Technology, New Energy, New Logistics, International Finance, Climate Change and Sustainable Development, and Vietnamese History and Culture.

Open working environment, competitive regime

Visiting professors need to work directly at VNUHCMC and can work from a distance. They will be appointed by the Director of VNUHCM, supported with legal procedures, visas, immigration procedures, travel expenses, and accommodation expenses during their working time. They will receive competitive remuneration based on teaching hours, co-directed research, and other activities. 

VNUHCM will also support research programs through co-directors or members participating in projects. They will have access to facilities, laboratories, and other resource systems for teaching and research.

The university hopes the 100 visiting professors will cooperate with it in teaching, innovative scientific research, domestic and international cooperation, and community service. 

They will contribute ideas to build and improve talent training programs at the university level, with focus on priority areas; offer training in modern teaching methods, combining technology and practice, improving the learning quality for students; teach specialized subjects and provide short-term courses; and advise and guide graduate students.

In terms of research and innovation, visiting professors will co-lead interdisciplinary research programs and projects addressing urgent challenges in Vietnam and the region. In domestic and international cooperation, and community service, visiting professors will help develop a cooperative network of universities, research institutes, and global technology companies.

Quan reported that VNUHCMC this February will establish a selection board. The body will receive and evaluate applications in March and April, with appointments decided in May.

The appointment of visiting professors at the national university is part of the VNU350 program. Previously, this program attracted dozens of PhD holders back to the country with many incentives. 

Young scientists, in the first two years, will be granted a C-class scientific research project (with funding of VND200 million); in the third year, a B-class project (up to VND1 billion); in the fourth year, given support to invest in laboratory facilities for scientific research, with maximum funding of VND10 billion; and in the fifth year, support and guidance for the procedures of applying and getting recognition as a state-level Associate Professor.

Leading scientists, in the first two years, will receive a B-class scientific research project (VND1 billion). In subsequent years, they will be supported in investment in laboratory facilities for scientific research, with maximum funding of VND30 billion. They also will get support to set up strong research teams, and register to lead research projects at different levels. In addition to these benefits, they will receive salaries and bonuses according to regulations.

Other universities, including private ones, are also willing to spend billions of dong to attract talents.

Saigon International University has the SIU Prize to honor outstanding doctoral theses successfully defended within five years. This prize, worth VND10 billion, is given once for every two years, to five doctoral theses in computer science and health each.

At the HCM City University of Natural Sciences, the Le Van Thoi Award is given to students with excellent graduation theses, excellent master's theses and excellent doctoral theses. 

The HCM City University of Industry and Trade promises financial support of VND75 million for those who have a doctorate degree, VND100 million for associate professors, and VND150 million for professors.

Le Huyen