Vietnamese PhD Couple Resolves to Leave the U.S., Returning Home Driven by the Spirit of “Contribution”

On December 22, 2024, the Politburo issued Resolution No. 57 on breakthroughs in science and technology, innovation, and national digital transformation. Subsequently, on July 2, 2025, the Office of the Party Central Committee announced the conclusions of General Secretary To Lam, Head of the Central Steering Committee, emphasizing the urgent need to establish special incentive mechanisms to attract at least 100 top experts to return to Vietnam this year.

Against this backdrop, the story of Dr. Cao Anh Tuan and Dr. Bui Thanh Duyen, who returned from Silicon Valley to found Genetica, has become a quintessential example. Genetica is a company specializing in AI-driven genetic decoding, with the ambition of bringing personalized medicine to every Vietnamese citizen. This decision was not merely personal but involved an entire system, including personnel, equipment, and the full operational shift from San Francisco.

According to Dr. Bui Thanh Duyen, returning meant leaving the company’s main hub in the U.S., which significantly impacted the predominantly American workforce, most of whom were unwilling to relocate to Vietnam. Thus, this decision was carefully deliberated before being executed.

“It wasn’t just a decision for our family, but for our employees, the company, and our careers,” Dr. Duyen shared. Upon their return, they faced new challenges, particularly in recruiting high-level talent. Yet, driven by the spirit of “contribution,” the couple chose to take the risk.

Dr. Duyen recalled a memorable encounter with former Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung in San Francisco. During a discussion with the startup community, he posed a profound question: “Have you considered the word ‘contribution’?”

Though initially not a priority, this idea resonated deeply, becoming a driving force for the couple to consider returning to Vietnam instead of Singapore, their previous plan. Dr. Cao Anh Tuan began frequently traveling between San Francisco and Vietnam to assess domestic potential and explore high-level recruitment opportunities, gradually transitioning the company to Vietnam.

From a strategic perspective, Dr. Tuan emphasized that this is the era of artificial intelligence (AI). While countries previously lagged behind the U.S. by 5-10 years, AI has significantly narrowed this gap. Innovations emerging in the U.S. can now be replicated in Vietnam within weeks. This presents an opportunity for Vietnam to “leapfrog” in AI, particularly in applications.

“In the vast field of AI, everyone talks about data and algorithms. Let the U.S. and Europe focus on large research models. We should concentrate on developing applications,” Dr. Tuan stated, advocating for Vietnam to leverage its skilled engineering workforce and rapid development pace to become a global leader in AI applications.

Additionally, Dr. Tuan highlighted the importance of connecting Vietnam’s intellectual network. He referenced the 2018 event where former Minister Nguyen Chi Dung invited 100 scientists to return. Many did, contributing significantly. Examples include cybersecurity engineer Duong Ngoc Thai, who founded Calif in Vietnam; Nguyen Huu Phuoc Nguyen with Select Motor, advancing electric vehicle battery technology; Bui Hai Hung, who elevated Vietnamese AI globally with VinAI; and Steven Truong, who left Microsoft to establish VinBrain, now part of NVIDIA. These research centers have attracted collaborations from giants like Qualcomm and NVIDIA, embodying the spirit of “contribution.”

According to Dr. Tuan, the key to connectivity is having a “compelling problem” that attracts talent to collaborate, fostering collective strength.

On a familial level, Dr. Bui Thanh Duyen acknowledged that since returning, she has seen the positive values of Vietnam’s education system. She praised both public and private schools, particularly their emphasis on instilling patriotism in children from a young age. She recounted scenes of students singing the national anthem and waving flags during significant events like September 2nd or the A80 ceremony. These experiences foster national pride in children and gratitude in parents.

The story of Drs. Cao Anh Tuan and Bui Thanh Duyen is not just about an intellectual family’s return but also reflects the power of the nation’s call, especially as Vietnam aims to attract at least 100 top experts for strategic missions.

Beyond numbers, it embodies the belief that Vietnam can become a fertile ground for global intellect, contributing to a prosperous and happy nation. The image of intellectuals leaving Silicon Valley to sow scientific seeds in their homeland sends a powerful message to the youth: success need not be sought afar but can begin right at home.