Vietnam emerging as a new global data center hub & the challenge of high-quality human resources
Vietnam has great potential to become a global data center
Opportunities and challenges
International companies are looking to Vietnam to build data centers, attracting high-quality data science professionals (USDC Technology) (TechBullion). The demand for data analysis and artificial intelligence is increasing in Vietnam, with many job opportunities such as business analyst, data engineer, artificial intelligence specialist, and financial risk analyst.
The Vietnamese government encourages investment in technology infrastructure and international data centers to create advantageous conditions for technology enterprises. In addition, in the context of a rapidly developing digital economy, statistical techniques to analyze economic indicators such as GDP, inflation, and policy planning play such a crucial role.
The fields of statistics and data science require learners to have a solid foundation in basic mathematics. Vietnam has an advantage in developing these fields because Vietnamese people highly value mathematics, and students often have a strong mathematical background. However, Vietnam is currently facing a shortage of data analysis experts. Many banks even have to make a huge investment on hiring experts across the globe.
Professor Minh-Ngoc Tran, Lecturer in Discipline of Business Analytics at the Sydney Business School, University of Sydney, Australia.
Enhancing education in statistical science and data analysis in Vietnam through international collaboration
To address the aforementioned shortage of skilled personnel, Professor Tran Minh Ngoc, from the Discipline of Business Analytics at the Sydney Business School, believes that international collaboration is an effective solution. International cooperation helps Vietnamese researchers quickly access the latest research trends, have the opportunity to carry out numerous projects, and access real data. Businesses also have the opportunity to collaborate and apply advanced knowledge from leading researchers in Vietnam and Australia. International cooperation also promotes education and training, creating a high-quality workforce in the field of data analysis for Vietnam, thereby enhancing the country's competitiveness in the global data economy.
Professor Minh-Ngoc Tran, one of the core members of Sydney Vietnam Academic Network (SVAN), envisions Vietnam becoming a research hub for statistics and data science in Southeast Asia and globally. He has actively collaborated with Vietnamese institutions such as the Vietnam Institute for Advanced Study in Mathematics (VIASM) in Hanoi and the International University under the Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City. He has organized numerous scientific events in Vietnam, notably the annual Summer School series on Mathematical Statistics and Machine Learning, attracting leading global experts, lecturers, and researchers from universities across the country. He also personally delivers lectures organized by the Vietnam Applied Statistics Network and the Vietnam Institute for Advanced Study in Mathematics.
Leverage from the establishment of the University of Sydney Vietnam Institute (SVI)
To promote valuable activities and research, the University of Sydney has established a non-profit social enterprise - the Sydney Vietnam Institute (SVI). The Institute will work closely with academic organizations and researchers to develop and implement research projects that have a profound impact, improving the quality of life for people in Vietnam and the region. The establishment of the Institute marks a significant milestone in advancing scientific research capabilities and innovation in Vietnam. The Institute is one of the first foreign-invested social enterprises operating in the field of science and technology.
Prof. Tran Minh Ngoc, Prof. Nguyen Thu Anh - Institute Director of the University of Sydney Vietnam Institute and A/Prof. Pham Cao Hung, Director of Space, Health and Safety, School of Civil Engineering, University of Sydney at the launch of the University of Sydney Vietnam Institute last June.
The University of Sydney Vietnam Institute was launched in June 2024, marking a new step forward in education and research cooperation between Vietnam and Australia. The Institute has established its head office in Ho Chi Minh City, followed by offices in Hanoi, and Can Tho. The vision of the Sydney Vietnam Institute is to create a network of multidisciplinary researchers to develop innovative and effective solutions, improving the lives of people, society, and the environment.
Additionally, it aims to implement Net Zero initiatives to create profound impacts, fostering prosperity for both countries.
With its vision and role, the Institute will continue to uphold past successes and promote the development of new projects in the fields of Statistics and Data Science. With the contribution of Professor Tran Minh Ngoc, the direction in the near future will focus on data analysis in healthcare and business in Vietnam. This collaboration promises a future with significant advancements in education, research, and technology, while positioning Vietnam as a leader in the global data economy.