Vietnam Adopted Decree for Chief Master Planners and Chief Architects

The Vietnamese government has recently issued a new decree aimed at strengthening the selection and employment of chief master planners and chief architects for national programs in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation.

Under this decree, applicants for these prestigious positions must hold qualifications relevant to their field, maintain clear personal records, demonstrate professional integrity, and show commitment to contributing to Vietnam's socio-economic development.

Priority will be given to those with advanced qualifications in program management or national and international awards in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation. System chief master planners, in particular, will oversee the design and implementation of major strategic systems and nationally significant projects.

System chief master planners are expected to manage large-scale and high-risk interdisciplinary programs, while project chief master planners will lead special national programs approved by the Prime Minister, as well as large-scale, interdisciplinary initiatives with major socio-economic impact.

Project chief architects, on the other hand, will lead projects that include science, technology, and innovation components. They must have at least five years of relevant experience and have successfully led at least one programme or project with proven results.

The decree also establishes three categories of chief architects: ministerial chief architects, provincial chief architects, and project chief architects. Ministerial chief architects will develop architectural frameworks for strategic systems within ministries and central agencies. Provincial chief architects, meanwhile, will perform the same function at the local government level.

Remuneration for system chief master planners will be negotiated based on assignment complexity and market standards, and they will receive formal recognition at the beginning and end of their tenure. Bonuses of up to five months' salary per year are available for outstanding performance by system chief master planners, while bonuses of up to three months' salary per year are available for satisfactory completion by project chief architects.

In addition to their salary, system chief master planners will enjoy housing, transportation, and working conditions at the level of senior experts, as well as healthcare, annual leave, family benefits, and post-tenure policies. They will also be able to propose budget estimates for their work and access funding for research, surveys, and international cooperation.

System chief master planners may select up to ten staff members, and they can work in a variety of fields, including science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation. The decree also provides a one-month relocation allowance for project chief architects at the start of their appointment.

Notable among the new appointments is the scientist Nguyễn Hữu Tiền, who was previously employed by the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology before working in the Nematology research group on our website.

The new decree is expected to help attract top talent to these important positions and contribute to the continued growth and development of Vietnam's science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation sectors.