Hanoi University of Science and Technology and The Asia Foundation Incubate Cybersecurity Human Resources for Vietnamese Enterprises

This morning (April 16), Hanoi University of Science and Technology officially announced the implementation of the project "Cybersecurity Human Resources Incubator Program in Vietnam's Digital Economy," funded by The Asia Foundation (TAF).

The project is implemented under the management of the Ministry of Education and Training, from April 2026 to the end of March 2027.

The Connection Point Between the "Research Axis" and the "Application Axis"

In the context of profound global digital transformation, cybersecurity is increasingly becoming an important pillar ensuring the sustainable development of the digital economy. In Vietnam, the small and micro-enterprise sector - which accounts for the majority of the business structure - is facing many cybersecurity risks due to limited resources and security capabilities. At the same time, the labor market also records a significant shortage of high-quality human resources in the fields of cybersecurity and digital risk management.

The project is implemented to build and operate the "Cyber Clinic" model at Hanoi University of Science and Technology, aiming to connect training with practice, creating an environment for learners to both be equipped with professional knowledge and directly participate in business support activities.

Speaking at the opening of the ceremony, Assoc. Prof. Huynh Dang Chinh - Vice President of Hanoi University of Science and Technology - expressed his expectations for the project as a starting step to lay the foundation for the sustainable development of Vietnamese enterprises as well as the digital economy in the coming time.
  To achieve that goal, Assoc. Prof. Huynh Dang Chinh emphasized the need to focus on three main axes: Small and medium enterprises; Digital transformation platforms; and Human resources in the field of cybersecurity.

These three axes do not exist in isolation but are linked together through 3 metrics: The technological readiness level of the enterprise, production and commercialization capabilities, along with the companionship of investors and the Government.

"Hanoi University of Science and Technology commits to accompanying the program to support the implementation and gradually replicate the model. A good model is one that can self-operate, self-adjust, and develop in a balanced and sustainable manner," expressed Assoc. Prof. Huynh Dang Chinh.

In the long term, Vietnam is aiming to develop a safe digital economy. In this, universities and research institutes play a very important role, from providing human resources and developing technology to creating research results and inventions.

However, if there is only research without the participation of enterprises, it will not create practical value. In other words, there needs to be a balance between the "research axis" and the "application axis," which Assoc. Prof. Huynh Dang Chinh likened to the vertical and horizontal axes of a coordinate system.
  Hanoi University of Science and Technology believes that the Cybersecurity Human Resources Incubator Program in Vietnam's Digital Economy will bring benefits to multiple parties: Students will have the opportunity to access practical problems from enterprises; Lecturers will enhance their capacity, participating in training and consulting; Enterprises can receive and spread research results, applying them to reality.

Practical Solutions to Strengthen Cybersecurity in the Digital Economy

At the ceremony, Ms. Anthea Mulakala - Senior Director for International Development Cooperation at The Asia Foundation - evaluated the cybersecurity incubator model as a practical solution in the context that small businesses are increasingly facing many forms of scams, fraud, and cybersecurity incidents.
  This model connects universities, typically Hanoi University of Science and Technology, with the business community; while creating conditions for students to apply knowledge into practice and providing accessible cybersecurity support for small businesses and organizations in need.

"The model is part of a growing regional network, spanning 13 countries, where universities together test different models, share experiences, and build a community of practice. Through this network, efforts in Vietnam will both contribute to and benefit from regional lessons," said Ms. Anthea Mulakala.

Introducing the project, Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Thi Xuan Hoa - Vice Director of the Institute of Digital Technology and Economics - the unit directly implementing the model at Hanoi University of Science and Technology, said the program is implemented from April 2026 to March 2027 in 7 provinces and cities nationwide (Hanoi, Quang Ninh, Dien Bien, Lao Cai, Thanh Hoa, Da Nang, Can Tho).
  The project builds a cybersecurity incubator model at Hanoi University of Science and Technology according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), along with a basic technical system. Simultaneously, it develops a training program on cybersecurity and risk management, with the participation of experts, and trains the teaching staff.

About 80-100 students will be selected and trained in practical skills to support enterprises in digital transformation. The project also provides consulting and enhances cybersecurity capacity for 200-300 small, micro-enterprises, and business households.

In addition, the program selects 10 outstanding candidates for career development, shares the model at seminars, and builds a monitoring and evaluation framework to spread the model to the community.