Revista Cultura Científica - web logo
Submit Your Research
  • Research Article

Cultural Human Resource Development in Vietnam: Policies, Achievements, and Solutions

Duy Thi Hai Huong1, Tran Van Tau2
1Graduate Academy of Social Sciences, Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, Vietnam
2Phu Yen University, Vietnam
DOI: https://doi.org/10.70517/revcc272511
Published: 10/09/2026
: Duy Thi Hai Huong, Tran Van Tau. Cultural Human Resource Development in Vietnam: Policies, Achievements, and Solutions. Revista Cultura Científica, 2027 Issue 25. pg. 123-138.

Abstract

Since the initiation of the comprehensive national renewal process known as Doi Moi in December 1986, Vietnam’s approach to culture and cultural human resource development has changed substantially alongside wider economic, political, and social reforms. This study examines how the orientations and policy instruments of the Communist Party and the State of Vietnam concerning cultural human resources evolved between 1986 and August 2026. It uses qualitative historical document analysis of Party congress documents, resolutions, government decisions and decrees, official statistics, institutional reports, archival materials preserved at the National Archives Center III, and relevant scholarly literature. The evidence is organized into three periods: initial institutional and ideological reform (1986–1996), expansion associated with industrialization and international integration (1996–2025), and the emerging digital-era agenda in 2026. The analysis identifies substantial expansion in training institutions, qualifications, policy support, professional recognition, and the participation of cultural personnel in heritage preservation and cultural industries. It also identifies persistent limitations involving remuneration, uneven capacity, foreign-language and digital skills, coordination between levels of government, and the retention of highly qualified personnel. The findings indicate that policy development has broadened from administrative management and subsidized provision toward talent development, cultural industries, international integration, and digital capability. However, policy documents demonstrate institutional intention rather than causal policy effects, and several available national datasets are broader than the cultural workforce. The study therefore proposes coordinated workforce planning, competency-based education, improved remuneration, stronger public–private cooperation, and systematic monitoring of policy implementation.

Keywords: Communist Party of Vietnam; cultural human resources; cultural human resource development; cultural policy; Doi Moi; digital transformation

Abstract

Since the initiation of the comprehensive national renewal process known as Doi Moi in December 1986, Vietnam’s approach to culture and cultural human resource development has changed substantially alongside wider economic, political, and social reforms. This study examines how the orientations and policy instruments of the Communist Party and the State of Vietnam concerning cultural human resources evolved between 1986 and August 2026. It uses qualitative historical document analysis of Party congress documents, resolutions, government decisions and decrees, official statistics, institutional reports, archival materials preserved at the National Archives Center III, and relevant scholarly literature. The evidence is organized into three periods: initial institutional and ideological reform (1986–1996), expansion associated with industrialization and international integration (1996–2025), and the emerging digital-era agenda in 2026. The analysis identifies substantial expansion in training institutions, qualifications, policy support, professional recognition, and the participation of cultural personnel in heritage preservation and cultural industries. It also identifies persistent limitations involving remuneration, uneven capacity, foreign-language and digital skills, coordination between levels of government, and the retention of highly qualified personnel. The findings indicate that policy development has broadened from administrative management and subsidized provision toward talent development, cultural industries, international integration, and digital capability. However, policy documents demonstrate institutional intention rather than causal policy effects, and several available national datasets are broader than the cultural workforce. The study therefore proposes coordinated workforce planning, competency-based education, improved remuneration, stronger public–private cooperation, and systematic monitoring of policy implementation.

Keywords: Communist Party of Vietnam; cultural human resources; cultural human resource development; cultural policy; Doi Moi; digital transformation

References

  1. Trong, N. P. (2024). Building and developing an advanced Vietnamese culture rich in national identity. National Political Publishing House of Truth.

  2. Central Commission for Propaganda and Education, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, & Central Theoretical Council. (2023). 80 years of the Outline on Vietnamese Culture (1943–2023): Origins and driving forces for development [in Vietnamese]. National Political Publishing House of Truth. https://www.nxbctqg.org.vn/80-nam-de-cuong-ve-van-hoa-viet-nam-1943-2023-khoi-nguon-va-dong-luc-phat-trien-22.html

  3. Bac, N. D. (2022). Developing Vietnamese culture and people: The spiritual foundation and endogenous resource for national development [in Vietnamese]. National Political Publishing House of Truth.

  4. Duc, P. D. (Ed.). (2009). Developing Vietnamese culture in the current period of Doi Moi [in Vietnamese]. National Political Publishing House.

  5. Huynh, D. T., Phu, P. H., Nghia, L. H., Hien, V. V., & Thong, N. V. (Eds.). (2015). Thirty years of Doi Moi and development in Vietnam [in Vietnamese]. National Political Publishing House.

  6. Mao, N. N. (Ed.), Dung, L. T., & Van, N. T. H. (2017). History of Vietnam: From 1986 to 2000 (Vol. 15) [in Vietnamese]. Social Sciences Publishing House.

  7. Manh, D. N. (2020). The cultural development of Vietnam: Updating policy for 2020. Journal of Urban Culture Research, 21, 54–66. https://doi.org/10.58837/CHULA.JUCR.21.1.5

  8. Tran, T. (2024). Cultural policy on the move: Between the paradigmatic and the pragmatic. International Journal of Cultural Policy, 30(5), 567–582. https://doi.org/10.1080/10286632.2023.2241875

  9. Tu, T. L. (2022). Cultural capital and the development of cultural industries in Vietnam. Russian Journal of Vietnamese Studies, 6(2), 68–81. https://doi.org/10.54631/VS.2022.62-109179

  10. Nguyen, H. N. (2025). The impact of digital transformation on human resource management: Survey evidence in Vietnam. VMOST Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 67(2), 77–85. https://doi.org/10.31276/VMOSTJOSSH.2024.0028

  11. Huynh, T. T. S., Pham, M., & Luc, H.-N. (2025). Leveraging digital human resource management to optimize organizational performance in Vietnam. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 12, Article 802. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-025-05113-2

  12. Bowen, G. A. (2009). Document analysis as a qualitative research method. Qualitative Research Journal, 9(2), 27–40. https://doi.org/10.3316/QRJ0902027

  13. Communist Party of Vietnam. (2006). Complete collection of Party documents (Vol. 47). National Political Publishing House.

  14. Communist Party of Vietnam. (2010). Complete collection of Party documents (Vol. 48). National Political Publishing House.

  15. Communist Party of Vietnam. (2015a). Complete collection of Party documents (Vol. 52). National Political Publishing House.

  16. Communist Party of Vietnam. (2015b). Complete collection of Party documents (Vol. 55). National Political Publishing House.

  17. Communist Party of Vietnam. (2015c). Complete collection of Party documents (Vol. 57). National Political Publishing House.

  18. Communist Party of Vietnam. (2014, June 9). Resolution No. 33-NQ/TW on building and developing Vietnamese culture and people to meet the requirements of sustainable national development [in Vietnamese]. https://tulieuvankien.dangcongsan.vn/he-thong-van-ban/van-ban-cua-dang/nghi-quyet-hoi-nghi-lan-thu-chin-ban-chap-hanh-trung-uong-dang-khoa-xi-ve-xay-dung-va-phat-trien-van-hoa-con-nguoi-2500

  19. Communist Party of Vietnam. (2021). Documents of the 13th National Congress (Vol. I). National Political Publishing House of Truth.

  20. Prime Minister of Vietnam. (2010, June 24). Decision No. 958/QD-TTg approving the project on building a contingent of intellectuals in the culture, sports, and tourism sector by 2020 [in Vietnamese]. https://vietnamtourism.gov.vn/post/6975

  21. Prime Minister of Vietnam. (2011, May 30). Decision No. 808/QD-TTg approving the project on training and professional development of highly qualified officials and lecturers in cultural and artistic fields for the 2011–2020 period [in Vietnamese]. https://vanban.chinhphu.vn/default.aspx?docid=100679&pageid=27160

  22. Prime Minister of Vietnam. (2016a, July 8). Decision No. 1341/QD-TTg approving the project on training cultural and artistic talents for the 2016–2025 period, with a vision to 2030 [in Vietnamese]. https://vanban.chinhphu.vn/default.aspx?docid=185531&pageid=27160

  23. Prime Minister of Vietnam. (2016b, July 19). Decision No. 1437/QD-TTg approving the project on overseas training and professional development of cultural and artistic human resources to 2030 [in Vietnamese]. https://vanban.chinhphu.vn/default.aspx?docid=185623&pageid=27160

  24. Prime Minister of Vietnam. (2021, November 12). Decision No. 1909/QD-TTg approving the Cultural Development Strategy to 2030 [in Vietnamese]. https://vanban.chinhphu.vn/?docid=204463&pageid=27160

  25. Prime Minister of Vietnam. (2023, July 31). Decision No. 899/QD-TTg approving the National Strategy on attracting and effectively utilizing talent to 2030, with a vision to 2050 [in Vietnamese]. https://vanban.chinhphu.vn/?docid=208393&pageid=27160

  26. Government of Vietnam. (2014a, June 25). Decree No. 62/2014/ND-CP on the consideration and conferment of the titles “People’s Artisan” and “Meritorious Artisan” in the field of intangible cultural heritage [in Vietnamese]. https://vanban.chinhphu.vn/?docid=174608&pageid=27160

  27. Government of Vietnam. (2014b, September 29). Decree No. 90/2014/ND-CP on the consideration and conferment of the “Ho Chi Minh Prize” and the “State Prize” for literature and the arts [in Vietnamese]. https://chinhphu.vn/default.aspx?docid=176380&pageid=27160

  28. Prime Minister of Vietnam. (2005, April 18). Decision No. 82/2005/QD-TTg on preferential policies for students in traditional and specialized artistic disciplines [in Vietnamese]. https://chinhphu.vn/default.aspx?docid=14496&pageid=27160

  29. Government of Vietnam. (2015, February 14). Decree No. 21/2015/ND-CP on royalties and remuneration for cinematographic, fine-art, photographic, theatrical, and other performing-arts works [in Vietnamese]. https://chinhphu.vn/default.aspx?docid=179064&pageid=27160

  30. Government of Vietnam. (2026, May 22). Decree No. 182/2026/ND-CP regulating occupational preferential allowances for teachers, educational institution managers, and education support personnel in public educational institutions [in Vietnamese]. https://vanban.chinhphu.vn/?classid=1&docid=218228&pageid=27160&typegroupid=4

  31. Prime Minister of Vietnam. (2025, November 14). Decision No. 2486/QD-TTg approving the Strategy for the Development of Vietnam’s Cultural Industries to 2030, with a Vision to 2045 [in Vietnamese]. https://vanban.chinhphu.vn/?docid=215888&pageid=27160

  32. Communist Party of Vietnam. (2026a, January 7). Resolution No. 80-NQ/TW on the development of Vietnamese culture in the new era [in Vietnamese]. https://xaydungchinhsach.chinhphu.vn/nghi-quyet-so-80-nq-tw-ve-phat-trien-van-hoa-viet-nam-119260113133313565.htm

  33. Communist Party of Vietnam. (2026b). Documents of the 14th National Congress (Vol. I). National Political Publishing House of Truth.

  34. Prime Minister of Vietnam. (2026, April 4). Decision No. 611/QD-TTg approving the Project on Digital Transformation in the Cultural Sector to 2030, with a Vision to 2045. https://english.bvhttdl.gov.vn/Documentdetail.aspx?documentid=21083&sitepageid=563

  35. General Statistics Office of Vietnam. (2004). Statistical data of Vietnam in the twentieth century (Vol. 3). Statistical Publishing House.

  36. Ministry of Culture and Information. (1991a). Report on training activities of the Ministry of Culture and Information and the Department of Training in 1991 [Archival document]. National Archives Center III, Ministry of Culture and Information Collection, File No. 75.

  37. Ministry of Culture and Information. (1991b). Report of the Department of Training on the system of training institutions [Archival document]. National Archives Center III, Ministry of Culture and Information Collection, File No. 94.

  38. Ministry of Culture and Information, Department of Training. (1998). Training report for 1997–1998 [Archival document]. National Archives Center III, Ministry of Culture and Information Collection, File No. 104.

  39. General Statistics Office of Vietnam. (2021). Statistical yearbook of Vietnam 2020. Statistical Publishing House.

  40. Thinh, H. (2020, July 30). More than 40,000 artists accompanying the country’s development [in Vietnamese]. Znews. https://znews.vn/hon-40000-van-nghe-si-dong-hanh-cung-su-phat-trien-cua-dat-nuoc-post1112710.html

  41. State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese. (2024a, August 22). Opening of the Fourth Conference of Overseas Vietnamese Worldwide [in Vietnamese]. https://scov.gov.vn/cong-tac-ve-nvnonn/tin-tuc/khai-mac-hoi-nghi-nguoi-viet-nam-o-nuoc-ngoai-toan-the-gioi-lan-thu-4.html

  42. State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese. (2024b, June 27). Meeting Vietnamese scientists and intellectuals in Germany [in Vietnamese]. https://scov.gov.vn/cong-tac-ve-nvnonn/tin-tuc/gap-mat-cac-nha-khoa-hoc-va-tri-thuc-viet-nam-tai-duc.html

  43. Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. (2015, August 22). Speech by Minister Hoang Tuan Anh at the ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of the cultural sector and its second patriotic emulation congress [in Vietnamese]. https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/phat-bieu-cua-bo-truong-hoang-tuan-anh-tai-le-ky-niem-70-nam-ngay-thanh-lap-nganh-van-hoa-va-dai-hoi-thi-dua-yeu-nuoc-cua-nganh-lan-thu-ii2015-6939.htm

  44. An, A. (2026, June 22). First launch of the Vietnam Cultural Industry Awards [in Vietnamese]. Culture Newspaper. https://baovanhoa.vn/van-hoa/lan-dau-phat-dong-giai-thuong-cong-nghiep-van-hoa-viet-nam-ngon-duoc-vang-239254.html

Duy Thi Hai Huong
Graduate Academy of Social Sciences, Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, Vietnam
Tran Van Tau
Phu Yen University, Vietnam
tranvantau@pyu.edu.vn

How to cite:

Duy Thi Hai Huong, Tran Van Tau. Cultural Human Resource Development in Vietnam: Policies, Achievements, and Solutions. Revista Cultura Científica, 2027 Issue 25. pg. 123-138.

Publication History

  • Received: 21/04/2026
  • Accepted: 06/08/2026
  • Published: 10/09/2026
Copyright © 2026, Duy Thi Hai Huong, Tran Van Tau. Published by Revista Cultura Científica. This article is published as open access under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

Browse Advance Search