
Ho Chi Minh City is developing a project to set up an international standards research center in the area – Photo: Trang Nhan
On August 11, the Department of Science and Technology of Ho Chi Minh City held a seminar to comment on the draft “Project on the Construction of a Promotion Mechanism to Build and Develop an International Standard Research Center”.
There will be a special mechanism for remuneration and salary
The International Standards Research Center is one of the “orders” of the Politburo and government for Ho Chi Minh City. At the same time, the establishment of the center is also linked to the National Assembly’s Resolution 98 on governing a number of mechanisms and policies specific to the development of Ho Chi Minh City.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Suong – Acting Head of the Department of Scientific Management, Ho Chi Minh City Department of Science and Technology – reported on the draft. Accordingly, Ho Chi Minh City will support a number of potential public science and technology organizations in the region to develop into a center of applied research and innovation of international standards.
Ho Chi Minh City aims to establish 2 research centers by the end of 2025 reaching the international level. By 2030, there will be 5 research centers which will reach international standards.
Some of the major industries targeted by Ho Chi Minh City include artificial intelligence technology, big data technology, robotics, automation technology, advanced 3D printing technology, biotechnology, cell technology. Core technology, nanomaterial manufacturing technology, materials for the manufacture of micro-electromechanical components and smart sensors, semiconductor materials…
In addition to simplified administrative procedures, the Department of Science and Technology proposes that the Center will be able to implement Ho Chi Minh City-specific policies on salary and remuneration for partners to perform scientific and technical work. Research and development activities in priority technology areas.
Ho Chi Minh City will also prioritize public investment in facilities, laboratories and equipment for research, development and innovation activities for public science and technology organizations established by the city. Take part in the project.

A stem cell research unit in Ho Chi Minh City – Photo: Whites
An international standard research center should be interdisciplinary
Commenting on the draft, Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Thanh Mai – Vice Rector of the University of Natural Sciences (Vietnam National University in Ho Chi Minh City) – said that a strong point in the International Standards Research Center is implementation. Long-term program.
However, because of the long-term and research orientation towards practical applications, Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Thanh Mai said that there should be rules for scientists in interdisciplinary research groups.
In addition, the International Standards Research Center should also give priority to science and technology work that has links with foreign experts and businesses to enhance commercialization.
Dr. Nguyen Kim Loi, a professor at Nong Lam University, mentioned the constraints in terms of facilities that should be taken into account for the International Standards Research Center. According to Ho Chi Minh City’s Department of Science and Technology, these centers are expected to house the laboratories and equipment at Ho Chi Minh City University.
However, according to Mr. Loi, the facilities in some schools would hardly meet international standards. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the optimization of facilities and equipment resources among universities, research institutes, enterprises…
Associate Professor Dr. Tran Hoang Dung – Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade – said Ho Chi Minh City needed to clarify the “legal basis” of the International Standards Research Center. Will these centers have their own seals or will they still belong to the governing bodies, which are public science and technology units in Ho Chi Minh City or universities?
Professor Dr. Le Van Hieu – University of Natural Sciences (National University of Ho Chi Minh City) – thinks that Ho Chi Minh City should proceed step by step and that each step requires a different set of criteria to build a center is required. International Standards Research.
First, there should be criteria for strong research groups. Strong research clusters will lead to centers of excellence. The center of excellence will become a center of international standards.
Mr. Nguyen Viet Dung, director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Science and Technology, said the department will continue to receive comments from experts on the draft International Standards Research Center project, then present it to the public. It is expected to be considered by the People’s Council of Ho Chi Minh City in September 2023 before Ho Chi Minh City.
(TagstoTranslate)Science and Technology