BRAIN DRAIN

Few months ago, a young Vietnamese talent named Nhat Minh - "Google boy"
answered the question of his return to Viet Nam after winning the competition
"Road to Mount Olympia" that: “Let the time tells”. A lot of people consider it as
an evasive reply. A fan of football joked back: “Yes, when Viet Nam won World
Cup”.

As a matter of fact, there exist numerous Vietnamese talents willing to reside in

and work overseas, whether they are self-sufficient or awarded scholarship. What
is more, even some individuals who are offered studying opportunities by state
institutions willing to pay back for their stay in developed countries. The most
typical example is the competition "Road to Mount Olympia" of Vietnam Nation
Television (VTV3). Before the championship of Nhat Minh, most of the winners
did not return (13/14 people). Someone regard the show as a failure and rename it
"Australian Got Talent 2.0".

For those who do not return convince that in Viet Nam, neither a good
remuneration system nor basic conditions does it have for developing at full
capacity, they can still contribute to the Nation even if they work for another
country.

Contrary to these seemingly selfish words, some international organizations or

governments of developed countries point out that the poor countries themselves
need to invest in education. They willing to offer scholarships to talented people
from these countries to return and change their homeland. Some other overseas
scholarship programs also make students pledge to return, for example Chevening.
Despite of those efforts, the movement of intellectual resources from developing
countries to developed countries makes the gap between rich and poor countries
more and more increasing and the poor countries again face more difficulty in
retain their talents.

“Brain drain” in Vietnam is also big problem. Share your views on this issue.

Suggest to discuss:

1. What is brain drain? What is the reason? Is brain drain relevant in an

increasingly globalized world?
 2. You are going to study abroad, will you come back? Or come back in
Tet holiday only? And why?

3. What are the positive and negative effects of brain drain/ human capital
flight?

4. Vietnam lacks the conditions to retain talent, and just talents themselves
can change the situation, what are solutions to “brain drain” in Vietnam.

5. What do you think of those who went away, and who returned to
dedicate to their homeland? Share your views on the responsibility or contribution
of a citizen to the Nation.