Most overseas Vietnamese interested in working in Vietnam: survey

Fourteen percent said they are looking to move back immediately and another 40 percent want to return within the next three years, said the survey by career advisory firm Robert Walters released recently.

It polled 500 ethnic Vietnamese living abroad last August. Nearly two thirds of them are under 35, and a majority of them work in technology, finance, sales, or marketing.

A majority (63 percent) cited family reasons, like taking care of aging parents or getting married, as the main driving force.

An emotional connection with Vietnamese culture and a desire to contribute to the country were two other common reasons cited for the relocation.

But nearly half pointed to career-related issues as an obstacle.

Vicky Truong, international candidate manager at Robert Walters Vietnam, said this was possibly due to lack of information, such as whether their skills and knowledge could be transferred or would be appreciated in Vietnam and if appropriate salaries and jobs were available.

Fear of reverse culture shock, culture and management were the biggest factors in searching for jobs in Vietnam, followed by salary and overall package.

Vietnamese companies should invest in promoting their brand and culture to attract more overseas Vietnamese talent, Truong added.