Prioritizing investment in developing basic science majors
In order to attract candidates to apply for basic science majors, in recent times, higher education institutions have proposed many solutions to attract candidates to study.
For example, Hanoi National University has just issued a Decision to assign tasks and provide an additional VND 18.35 billion for the University of Natural Sciences to implement projects to increase funding to support training, scientific research, talent development and the development of basic science majors (6 majors) at the school in the 2025 - 2026 school year.
According to this decision, the University of Natural Sciences was assigned by Hanoi National University to preside over the implementation of tasks to support training, scientific research and talent development, according to the principle of prioritizing direct expenditures for learners (students, postgraduate trainees), scientists (lecturers, researchers), limiting expenditures for administrative activities...
For the first time, the unit has implemented a comprehensive scholarship policy exclusively for students studying basic science. The support package includes 100% tuition exemption for 4 school years; arranging accommodation at a dormitory; supporting a minimum living allowance of VND2 million/month in the first year (the following years will continue to be supported if maintaining excellent academic performance or higher).
The policy is applied at the University of Natural Sciences and the University of Social Sciences and Humanities for a total of 18 basic science majors, from Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology to Literature, History, Linguistics, Humanities... Each major is allocated a minimum of 5 scholarships per course.
Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Viet Ha - Head of the Department of Corporate Public Relations - Head of the University of Mining and Geology affirmed that the more society develops, the more basic human resources are needed in the field of science. However, many students, because of the majority, tend to choose trendy majors.
"Semi-conducting techniques cannot be without semiconductor materials. The University of Mining and Geology has majors in mineral exploitation, filming and processing, which may be related to the supply of semiconductor materials. Or electronic devices, there is no shortage of materials from the University of Mining and Mining Geology" - Mr. Ha analyzed.
To attract students, this school offers many solutions, including communication work, career guidance, tuition support policies and even ensuring outputs for students. "Many businesses go to universities to find engineers such as Geophysical and Mechanical Engineering, Oil and Gas, Geology, Mining, Mineral Exploitation, Geophysics... Graduates are guaranteed to be fully recruited by businesses, with an employment rate of up to 98%" - Mr. Ha further analyzed.
Attracting women to participate in STEM industries
Not only basic science, STEM is also the key for countries to develop, improve labor productivity and compete nationwide.
In the Human Resources Training Project for High-Tech Development for the 2025-2035 period and orientation to 2045, Vietnam sets a specific goal of rapidly increasing the scale of high-level training in the STEM sector by 2030, especially in basic science and fields related to digital technology, artificial intelligence and biotechnology. The rate of STEM students reaches 35% at each training level, of which at least 2.5% are in basic science and 18% are in digital technology-related fields.
However, according to Prof. Dr. Mai Thanh Phong - Principal of the University of Technology (Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City) - the rate of students participating in STEM fields in Vietnam is low, but the rate of female participants is even lower, in terms of society, this is not a good thing.
At the University of Technology, Vietnam National University, the rate of female students enrolled and enrolled in the school is increasing, which is a good sign, but this number is still modest.
Currently, the proportion of women is about 20%. That is, each year the University of Science and Technology enrolls about 5,000 students, there are about 1,000 female students - Prof. Dr. Mai Thanh Phong shared.
To promote students in general and encourage women to participate more in the STEM field, according to Prof. Dr. Mai Thanh Phong, it is necessary to first raise awareness so that students have a correct view of the industry and profession regardless of gender. After that, there should be mechanisms and policies to encourage students to participate in this field.
Prof. Dr. Mai Thanh Phong agreed with the Government's proposal on loans for students, trainees, and biomedical researchers in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and toan at 5 million VND/month. "When there is a policy to support good learners, job opportunities and good career development, it will contribute to increasing the rate of women participating in this field" - Prof. Dr. Mai Thanh Phong suggested.
