Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City Expands Faculty with Global Scholars

VNU-HCM Strengthens Academic Excellence with International PhD Talent Acquisition

Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM) has made a significant stride towards enhancing its research capabilities and international academic reputation by recruiting 21 PhD holders from globally recognised institutions. This initiative forms part of its 2025 academic talent attraction programme, which seeks to integrate world-class expertise into Vietnam’s higher education landscape. In the first intake of the year, the university received 51 applications. Of these, 44 met the eligibility criteria, and following a rigorous screening and interview process, 22 candidates were selected. Notably, 21 of the successful applicants obtained their doctoral degrees from overseas universities. These new appointments have been allocated across VNU-HCM’s member institutions: 11 joined the University of Technology, seven the University of Science, three the University of Economics and Law, and one the University of Health Sciences.

These appointments are embedded within the VNU350 programme, a structured, multi-year support scheme for early-career researchers. In the first two years, recruits receive a Category C research grant of approximately USD 7,850, which increases to a Category B grant of up to USD 39,200 in the third year. In the fourth year, participants become eligible for laboratory investment funding of around USD 392,000, and by the fifth year, they are supported in navigating national procedures for associate professorship recognition.

Simultaneously, VNU-HCM has expanded its recruitment efforts to attract senior scientists under a parallel initiative aimed at promoting high-impact research. Under this scheme, senior researchers receive Category B research funding of up to USD 39,200 during the first two years. In the following years, they may access laboratory investment support of up to USD 1.18 million. Moreover, they are expected to lead strong research teams and major projects, while also receiving salaries and performance-based bonuses as per national regulations.

The newly appointed academics bring a wealth of international experience and scholarly achievement. Many hold PhDs from prestigious universities, including the National University of Singapore, Seoul National University, Yonsei University in South Korea, the University of Texas at Austin in the United States, RWTH Aachen University in Germany, Sorbonne Paris Nord University in France, and Keio University in Japan. Notably, six of the 21 PhD holders graduated from institutions ranked among the top 100 in the QS World University Rankings 2025. Several have also demonstrated prolific research productivity, with one academic having authored as many as 72 international journal articles. Among the distinguished recruits is Dr Truong Vinh Lan, who earned his PhD from the National University of Singapore (ranked 8th globally) and has published 28 international journal papers. He has joined the University of Technology. Similarly, Dr Nguyen Thi Truc Ly, a graduate of Seoul National University (ranked 31st), has contributed 13 international publications and is now affiliated with the University of Health Sciences.

Other notable appointments include Dr Vo Dat Nguyen from Yonsei University (ranked 56th), with 24 publications, now at the University of Technology; Dr Nguyen Dinh Thi from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (ranked 59th), with 10 papers, currently at the University of Science; Dr Truong Trung Kien, a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin (ranked 66th), who has authored 36 papers and joined the University of Science; and Dr Nguyen Thi Quynh Chi from the University of Western Australia (ranked 77th), with 28 publications, now serving at the University of Economics and Law.

In addition, VNU-HCM has welcomed several other accomplished researchers. Among them is Dr Ho Hoang Phuoc, who holds doctorates from RWTH Aachen University in Germany and the University of Bologna in Italy, and has published an impressive 72 international journal articles. He is now with the University of Technology. Dr Mai Thanh Tam, a graduate of the Kyoto Institute of Technology in Japan, has authored 37 publications and is affiliated with the University of Science. Meanwhile, Dr Vo Truong Giang, from the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, with 29 published papers, has also joined the University of Technology. Altogether, this recruitment drive exemplifies VNU-HCM’s strategic commitment to advancing its academic standing and research excellence through the integration of globally trained scholars into Vietnam’s academic ecosystem.

Editor’s Note:

The recent recruitment initiative by Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM) signals more than just an academic upgrade, it reflects a visionary commitment to reversing brain drain and fostering a thriving, globally connected research environment. At a time when many institutions in developing countries struggle to retain top talent, VNU-HCM’s bold move to attract internationally trained scholars back home is both ambitious and necessary. These scholars bring with them not only expertise but global perspectives, collaborative networks, and the ability to raise research standards in ways that can ripple through the entire Vietnamese higher education system. However, success will depend on more than just initial appointments and impressive CVs. The university must continue to nurture these researchers with the promised infrastructure, long-term funding, and academic freedom that world-class scholarship demands. 

Skoobuzz firmly believes that implemented sincerely and sustained with integrity, this effort could set a benchmark for institutions across Southeast Asia. VNU-HCM is not merely filling vacancies, it is reshaping the intellectual future of Vietnam.