Human Resources Development of Vietnam Manufacturing Industry Support from Japanese Organizations and Firms

Abstract

Human resources development is an important goal for national sustainable development. Vietnam has a huge potential labor force and attracts significant foreign direct investment due to the comparative labor cost for manufacturing industry. However, Vietnam`s workforce lacks skilled labor which can contribute to the human resource development of the country. This research presents the current situation of the vocational and training education of Vietnam and discusses how to upgrade the technical know-how for Vietnamese engineers through technical assistance from Japanese organizations and firms. This paper argues that the human resource development of Vietnam cannot boost the workforce’s skills without considering cooperation with foreign organisations and firms (Japanese in this case). The paper also raises the issue of universityindustry linkages which require comprehensive strategic cooperation between theory-based education and technical training, all of which contributes to the quality and adaptability of the labour force. This is a qualitative study based on interviews with Japanese organizations, Japanese firms, Vietnamese vocational schools and academics in Thailand in terms of enhancing technical skills for human resources in themanufacturing industry. Keywords: human resources development; technical transfer; manufacturing industry; Japanese firms