Young Vietnamese Embrace Village Leadership, Bringing Digital Skills to Grassroots Governance

A new wave of young Vietnamese, primarily in their 20s, are stepping into leadership roles at the village level, bringing digital skills and fresh perspectives to grassroots governance. This trend signifies a shift in how public service is perceived and undertaken by the younger generation. Phan Thi Thuy Tien, 26, exemplifies this movement. After graduating from Quy Nhon University in 2022 and working briefly, she decided to pursue a village leadership position, seeing it as a potential career opportunity. She now serves as the interim head of a village in Son Cam Ha Commune, Da Nang, managing nearly 390 households with 1,800 residents. This role provides her with insights into local government operations and allows her to build relationships with residents and officials, while her modest monthly income of VND5 million (US$197) offers financial stability. Pham Viet Hau, chairman of the Son Cam Ha Commune People's Committee, notes that integrating young people into these roles addresses a critical administrative need for technological adaptability. This trend is visible in other areas as well; in Hai Phong's Cam Giang Commune, two out of nine village heads are Gen Z members, with the youngest born in 2002. Social media platforms have also seen a surge in young individuals sharing their campaign manifestos for village leadership, showcasing ambitious plans and visions for local development. Nguyen Van Sang, a 20-year-old student, is among those preparing for future nominations, using his academic achievements to build credibility. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi To Quyen from the Academy of Journalism and Communication highlights that the role of village head has evolved into a "crucial link in community management." Modern leadership demands organizational capacity, management skills, and digital literacy—areas where younger generations often excel. She suggests that with adequate compensation and social recognition, village leadership could become a viable career path for youth. However, challenges remain. Nguyen Hai Tan, chief of office at the Cam Giang Commune People's Council and People's Committee, points out that a lack of practical experience and community engagement skills are significant hurdles for young officials, who may struggle with traditional conflict resolution tasks previously handled by seasoned elders. Tien acknowledges her drawbacks, including unfamiliarity with the recently expanded territory and its residents, especially given she moved to her husband's hometown only three years ago. She is actively working to overcome these by visiting homes, attending meetings, and utilizing social media to foster community engagement. She has also set up social media groups for the village and plans community events. Pham Luong Phuong Nguyen, 26, who leads a village Fatherland Front Working Committee in Lam Dong Province, is aspiring to become a village head. Having returned to her hometown at 23, she has already risen to deputy secretary of the commune Youth Union. She has implemented initiatives like social media groups and community sports events to bridge generational and ethnic divides within her community, particularly among the Co Ho ethnic population. Dr. Quyen emphasizes that retaining young talent requires structural support, including fair incomes, social respect, and clear career advancement opportunities. When young adults perceive local leadership as a long-term calling with growth potential, they are more likely to commit to it. Source: VnExpress International