Hanoi: Vietnam is prioritizing the development of high-quality human resources in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) to support the country's scientific and technological progress.
According to Vietnam News Agency, The Ministry of Education and Training reports a lower proportion of university students in STEM fields compared to other countries, with only about 55 students per ten thousand people studying STEM in Vietnam. The percentage of university students in STEM fields stands at 27% to 30%, with postgraduate STEM education constituting a small proportion of the total educational scale.
To address these challenges, educational experts emphasize the need for a comprehensive investment strategy and support policies, encouraging universities to invest in STEM education.
Leading universities are renewing their training programs and attracting students to STEM fields. The University of Science and Technology, HCM City National University, for example, has restructured its programs to meet international STEM standards, emphasizing practical work and internships.
Dr. Nguyen Dac Trung from the Hanoi University of Science and Technology highlighted the ELITECH program, designed to produce researchers, engineers, and experts in core engineering and technology fields. As of 2023, the university has implemented 32 ELITECH training programs, attracting about 2,200 students annually.
Dr. Khai from the University of Transportation pointed out the need for government regulation in the higher education sector, especially in technical universities and fields crucial for the country's development. He emphasized that a rigorous plan for training high-quality human resources is essential for sustainable socioeconomic development in the 4.0 era.