HCMC needs special mechanisms to attract talent

The draft introduces new incentives, but experts say stronger mechanisms are needed to attract top talent and address long-standing urban challenges.

Over a decade ago, the organisation recruited three foreign experts with monthly salaries of up to 5,700 US dollars. However, following a 2018 resolution, on-site recruitment became more difficult, leading to remote collaboration from 2019 to 2022.

Dr Trinh Xuan Thang, Director of Research & Development Centre at Saigon Hi-Tech Park, said: "We need to establish a mechanism that sets salary levels that are acceptable to people. Secondly, it must ensure stability to foster trust, especially when dealing with international partners.

The draft sets a maximum salary of about US$9,800, plus allowances and performance-based bonuses. It targets three groups: contracted experts, new recruits, and selected existing city staff.

Nguyen Thanh Hien, Deputy Head of the Management Board of the Agricultural Hi-Tech Park in Ho Chi Minh City, added: "The recruitment mechanisms and processes, as well as contract signing and task-based assignments, have become more flexible compared to previous approaches. Beyond existing recruitment and incentive policies, I hope this new draft resolution will genuinely attract experts, particularly foreign specialists".

However, experts argue that the city needs a flexible, market-based salary framework, focused investment in key sectors, and greater autonomy for experts, alongside an internationally oriented working environment.

Dr Nguyen Thi Phuong, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Public Administration, said: Beyond the role of leadership in facilitating conditions, it is essential to cultivate a healthy, collaborative work culture where individuals feel secure and motivated to dedicate themselves to their work.

Ho Chi Minh City aims to attract top talent to tackle challenges such as traffic congestion, flooding, pollution and stalled urban projects, with the goal of joining the world’s top 100 cities.