HCM City takes lead in preparing workforce for quantum computing era

HCM City takes lead in preparing workforce for quantum computing era

As a leading centre for science, technology, and innovation, HCM City is taking proactive steps to build capacity for the quantum computing era, with a strong focus on developing talent to seize arising technological opportunities.

A key laboratory of the Việt Nam National University-HCM City. — VNA/VNS Photo

As a leading centre for science, technology, and innovation, HCM City is taking proactive steps to build capacity for the quantum computing era, with a strong focus on developing talent to seize arising technological opportunities.

Quantum technology and cybersecurity have been designated among 10 national strategic technology pillars.

To turn that into reality, local authorities and leading academic institutions are working together to tackle the shortage of skilled workers, build research networks, and prepare the city's digital infrastructure for the transition to post-quantum security.

Experts agree that the greatest obstacle to the development of quantum technology is not hardware, but human resources.

Because quantum science sits at the intersection of physics, mathematics, and computer science, the city is pursuing a comprehensive, multi-tiered training strategy rather than focusing solely on producing elite specialists.

Professor Đỗ Phúc of the University of Information Technology, Việt Nam National University-HCM City, proposed a four-tier training model:

Tier 1 (Awareness): Build a basic understanding of quantum technology among leaders, managers, and IT students so they can recognise both its opportunities and systemic risks.

Tier 2 (Application): Train engineers to use existing quantum tools and understand post-quantum cryptography.

Tier 3 (Education): Develop a strong cohort of lecturers capable of integrating quantum modules into university curriculums.

Tier 4 (Specialisation): Cultivate elite research groups and centres of excellence to tackle highly complex, specialised problems.

Concurring with the approach, Associate Professor Đinh Trung Hòa, head of training at Việt Nam Quantum Computing (VNQuantum), said preparing for the quantum era must begin with people.

"Many advanced nations did not begin with massive laboratory investments. Instead, they started by raising public awareness, training educators, and gradually embedding quantum concepts into the education system."

To build a long-term talent pipeline, he recommended introducing quantum education through high school STEM clubs and summer camps, followed by introductory university modules, professional certificates, postgraduate research, and, ultimately, a city-level quantum hub.

Rather than confining quantum science to research laboratories, the city aims to apply quantum computing to pressing urban challenges.

Dr Trần Nguyên Lân, head of QuantumLab at the University of Science, Việt Nam National University–HCM City, said quantum computing could optimise logistics, traffic management, financial systems, and urban data management.

However, translating real-world problems into quantum models would require specialist expertise that is in short supply, he said.

"The city should focus on fostering a quantum mindset among technical personnel.

"It is vital to train engineers who can translate urban and logistics challenges into quantum optimisation models, ensuring the city is ready to harness the technology when quantum computing matures."

A key laboratory of the Việt Nam National University-HCM City. — VNA/VNS Photo

The Việt Nam National University-HCM City has made quantum technology one of its core strategic priorities, alongside AI, semiconductors, and cybersecurity.

Professor Nguyễn Thị Thanh Mai, its chancellor, said attracting global talent would be crucial to accelerating the transition.

"A crucial approach is attracting high-level brainpower from around the world, particularly overseas Vietnamese experts and scientists who have studied and worked at major global technology hubs."

To strengthen the domestic talent pipeline, the university introduced a quantum computing specialisation within its bachelor of physics programme at the University of Science for the 2025 intake, she said.

It planned to launch a dedicated quantum technology degree at the University of Science and a quantum engineering degree at the University of Technology by 2027.

At the postgraduate level, programmes would focus on practical applications in simulation, algorithms, post-quantum cryptography, machine learning, and systems optimization, she said.

By expanding its high-performance computing infrastructure and strengthening collaboration across universities, the institution aimed to become the hub linking academia and industry, laying the foundations for a sustainable quantum technology ecosystem in southern Việt Nam, she added. 

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