VietNamNet Bridge – HCM City plans to attract more scientists with a new policy raising scientists' State-paid wages to VND150 million (US$7,140) per month.

Under the decision signed by Le Manh Ha, deputy chairman of the HCM City People's Committee, the city will seek more scientists to work at the Hi-Tech Park, the Agricultural Hi-Tech Park, the Institute for Computational Science and Technology and the HCM City Biotechnology Centre.

Vietnamese scientists, even those living abroad, will receive a salary of around VND150 million (US$ 7,015) per month from the State budget. Any increases or bonuses will depend on the agreement between the company and scientists, Ha said. Vietnamese scientists who live abroad and their families will be given incentives to return to Viet Nam.

The scientists will also get preferential treatment when buying houses, and receive support while searching for jobs for their spouses and searching for schools for their children.

To benefit from the plan, scientists must have at least 5 years of research experience. Ideal candidates will have exemplary references, have won national prizes in science and technology, or have lectured at prestigious domestic or international universities.

Associate Professor Le Hoai Quoc, head of the HCM City Hi-Tech Park's management board, told the Nguoi Lao Dong (Labourer) newspaper that the city was making a good move, as it would help scientific organisations search for excellent employees.

Duong Hoa Xo, director of the HCM City Biotechnology Centre, said the centre took great care in attracting and training workers, but many recruits quit soon after they were hired because the income was too low, and couldn't support them and their families.

Moreover, the scientists were given poor infrastructure, tools and laboratories with which to conduct their research.

"Preferential policies are needed to help scientists earn stable wages and then develop the city's science and technology," he said.

VNS/VNN