Students conduct experiments with robotic arms at the Industrial University of HCM City. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — HCM City has proposed subsidising the salaries of highly skilled workers in semiconductors, artificial intelligence and digital technology, as Việt Nam's commercial hub seeks to strengthen its talent pool in strategic industries.

The municipal People's Committee is seeking public feedback on a draft resolution that would support companies developing key digital technology products, semiconductor chips and AI systems by covering part of their labour and training costs. 

City authorities said the proposal is intended to implement the Politburo's Resolution 57 on science, technology, innovation and digital transformation while addressing growing demand for highly skilled workers in strategic sectors.

Under the proposal, eligible businesses would receive funding equivalent to 50 per cent of the actual salary paid to highly skilled personnel, capped at VNĐ60 million (US$2,300) per person per month for up to 36 months. Support would be limited to five employees per project and would apply equally to Vietnamese and foreign experts.

The draft would apply to companies and organisations that pay taxes in HCM City and serve as investors or lead entities for qualifying projects. Eligible workers would include Vietnamese citizens, overseas Vietnamese and foreign nationals who meet the criteria set out in Government regulations.

To qualify, projects must be implemented in the city, fall within the Government's list of key digital technology products and services, and include detailed plans for implementation, commercialisation and workforce development.

The draft also proposes reimbursing 50 per cent of the cost of training and professional development programmes, up to VNĐ150 million per person per course, for programmes leading to internationally, regionally or foreign-recognised certifications. The reimbursement would be made after participants complete the course.

This proposal comes as HCM City steps up efforts to develop a skilled workforce through programmes to attract experts and expand internationally recognised training for workers in strategic technology sectors.

Municipal authorities said the city's 2020-25 strategy focused on establishing a framework for training workers to international standards. 

The strategy included expanding undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in eight priority sectors, developing a shared digital university model, strengthening collaboration among educational institutions, expanding open educational resources and integrating artificial intelligence into teaching. — BIZHUB/VNS