Vietnam Education Ministry Sets AI and Digital Competency as Mandatory for University Support Staff

The Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) in Vietnam released a draft decree that would make digital and artificial‑intelligence (AI) competence a required standard for all university support personnel, including teaching assistants, research staff and other teaching‑support roles. The proposal also defines a work regime of 40 hours per week across 44 weeks (1,760 hours) per academic year, with flexible scheduling based on institutional needs. Salary and appointment would be tied to the specific job position rather than seniority or degree alone.

In parallel, the draft decree expands administrative penalties for violations in the education sector, proposing fines of up to VND 50 million for illegal tutoring and other infractions such as unauthorized early preschool teaching or interference with examinations. Public comments are being solicited ahead of a planned September issuance.

The measures aim to professionalise university support staff, align them with the country’s digital transformation goals, and strengthen regulatory enforcement in education.