Vietnam Youth Union proposes overseas scholar network and digital reforms

At the 13th National Congress of the Vietnam Youth Union (Đoàn), senior academics and student leaders presented a series of proposals aimed at strengthening the contribution of young Vietnamese scholars abroad and modernising the Union’s activities.

Professor Trần Lê Hưng, based in France, highlighted that around six million Vietnamese live overseas, many of them in advanced research positions. He called for a “Cầu nối nghiên cứu” (Research Bridge) programme that would publish domestic research topics and technology‑transfer needs, matching them with overseas scientists for short‑term collaborations, joint supervision of graduate students, visiting lectures and clear procedural and financial arrangements.

Officials from Vietnam National University, Hanoi and other university unions suggested digital‑era reforms: building on‑campus “skill‑practice spaces”, introducing a “task‑ordering” system that connects ministries, enterprises and local authorities with youth to address issues such as digital transformation, cultural heritage and environmental protection, a “one youth, one digital skill” agenda, and a requirement for each Union unit to produce a knowledge product. They also proposed a mentorship scheme linking universities with disadvantaged high schools to narrow educational gaps.