Hanoi, Vietnam – – A rising generation of Vietnamese academics is increasingly choosing to pursue advanced research and teaching positions after completing doctoral studies abroad, defying traditional career paths that often lead to lucrative corporate roles. This trend is exemplified by Vu Hai Anh, a former logistics and supply chain management student at the Hanoi University of Science and Technology, who has returned to Vietnam to become a lecturer within the university’s talent development program.
Anh’s decision to prioritize academia over a job offer from a large corporation underscores a shift in priorities among Vietnam’s Gen Z graduates. Rather than immediately seeking high salaries, these individuals are demonstrating a commitment to research and contributing to the development of Vietnam’s higher education system. Anh’s path began with a strong academic record and a dedication to research, initially sparked by the mentorship of Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Xuan Hoa.
“Initially, I was just a student passionate about research, and never thought I would stand at the lecture hall. My philosophy is very simple: whatever you do, you must finish it and do it as well as possible,” Anh stated, highlighting a pragmatic approach to career development.
The turning point came during her undergraduate studies, where Dr. Hoa not only inspired her research but also helped her formulate a clear career plan. Through in-depth study and rigorous academic discussions, Anh realized that teaching and research were the avenues where she could best utilize her potential.
This realization led Anh to forgo a promising corporate career after graduating in , opting instead to pursue a master’s degree and a research-focused career. During her master’s program at the Hanoi University of Science and Technology, she participated in research projects at both the university and ministerial levels, completing one university research project and publishing six articles in international scientific journals. A six-month academic exchange program in Germany further broadened her research perspective, exposing her to international research environments and cutting-edge ideas.
In early , when Hanoi University of Science and Technology initiated a program to recruit lecturers, Anh applied and was successful. “The decision to become a lecturer meant embracing a longer-term path, requiring more patience and discipline than immediately entering the workforce. But so far, I have never regretted this choice,” she said.
Central to Anh’s academic journey was the pursuit of a doctoral degree. Leveraging a strong research portfolio developed during her master’s studies, she secured a full scholarship to pursue a PhD in chemistry at the National University of Singapore (NUS), a leading institution in Asia.
“The results I achieved during my master’s studies were crucial evidence of my research capabilities when applying to a leading university like NUS,” Anh explained. The competitive nature of the scholarship highlights the increasing recognition of Vietnamese students on the international academic stage.
The initial period at NUS presented challenges. The fast-paced environment, demanding schedule, and tight deadlines often required all-night work sessions. A change in environment, culture, and lifestyle also led to a temporary weight loss of 5 kg. However, Anh views this rigorous environment as essential for fostering discipline, meticulousness, and a relentless pursuit of detail among doctoral candidates.
Her research experience in Singapore fundamentally altered her approach to knowledge transfer. “After returning to Vietnam, I hope to apply two core values: problem-oriented teaching methods, interdisciplinary research thinking, and digital skills,” she stated.
Anh intends to move beyond simply delivering theoretical knowledge, instead focusing on enabling students to solve real-world problems and understand the practical applications of their learning. She also emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the integration of technological tools, artificial intelligence, and advanced software into the curriculum.
As a Gen Z lecturer, Anh believes her relative proximity in age to her students provides a significant advantage, allowing her to better understand their perspectives and challenges. While sometimes mistaken for a student herself, she views this as a “privilege” that helps bridge the gap between teacher and learner.
However, she acknowledges that gaining practical teaching experience and navigating complex pedagogical situations will require ongoing development. Her immediate priority is completing her doctoral program with high-quality research outcomes and establishing a network connecting leading international laboratories and experts with the Hanoi University of Science and Technology.
“Immediately after finishing the program, I will return to the university to fully dedicate myself to teaching. I want to contribute to creating a dynamic and inclusive academic environment so that students of the polytechnic college can confidently step into the world,” she affirmed.
This trend is mirrored by other Vietnamese students pursuing advanced degrees abroad. , Ngo Phuong Trang, a computing science graduate from the Hanoi University of Natural Sciences, received a full scholarship to pursue a doctorate in digital technology in finance at NUS, including a monthly stipend of 3,000 SGD for four years. Similarly, Vu Thi Thanh Nhan, born in , earned a full PhD scholarship in chemistry from NUS, motivated by her father’s struggles with Parkinson’s disease and a desire to contribute to pharmaceutical research. These examples demonstrate a growing commitment among Vietnamese students to pursue advanced education and contribute to national development through research and teaching.
