Professor Luong Vinh An's sharing with The Paper has caused controversy in recent days, as it goes against the tradition of students just graduating trying to find a stable job.

Can you explain clearly the advice to recent graduates who have the means to "depend" on their parents for a few years?

The phrase "freeloading" I mentioned does not mean enjoying life, living negatively and indulgently. Before looking for a job, young people should spend 2-3 years discovering themselves, understanding the diversity of the world, building a life perspective to have a solid foundation for future development.

Most young people skip this stage and will not understand the diversity and complexity of society. Although it is stable now, it will lack competitiveness and development in the future. I hope young people will soon realize that job opportunities are only a small part of the social system.

There are still many unexplored areas in the world. You should proactively seek opportunities in potential areas for development. To prepare for self-discovery or experiences, you will need financial support from your family, so I mention the phrase "dependent".

For me, this is an investment for the future. This process helps you have a new perspective on life, which is not only important for individuals but also meaningful for the development of society.

What condition do you mean by "conditional"?

"Living off" should be based on the family's financial capacity, awareness of future plans and maturity of each person. If the family needs income to cover living expenses, you should go to work to support.

Young people's freedom to explore themselves is not only important for individuals but also meaningful for the development of society, can you explain clearly?

China's development has two trends: Urbanization and the formation of the middle class.

Firstly, urbanization is taking place strongly, showing that people's spiritual needs are increasing. Currently, in rural areas there are many material and immaterial cultural resources that have not been exploited and developed. If there is an opportunity to come here, I believe that young people will discover new things.

Second, the formation of the middle class, when living standards are improved, in addition to food and clothing, people also tend to have spiritual needs for culture, art and experience... This requires changes in thinking, life values ​​and working methods of the young generation.

Society is changing rapidly, young people should explore the world to create new values. If you focus on finding a job right after graduation, you will miss opportunities. I hope your knowledge and creativity will not be wasted. Exploiting your personal potential will contribute to the development of the country.

This view goes against tradition, what do you think?

The concept of studying, finding a job, growing up to be independent and taking care of parents is a pre-determined "product". The future is an era of creativity with high mobility, human needs are no longer stereotyped.

Therefore, you must develop yourself to meet the changes of society. Living in a transitional period, you need to set sail to explore the unknown, exploit your creativity and perfect your worldview.

What do you think about "freeloading" as an excuse to avoid work and delay social integration?

I say that young people should "depend" on their parents for 2-3 years, not reject job opportunities to wander around and explore. I want to emphasize that young people need to improve themselves, not rush into temporary decisions or follow social conventions to enter a new environment when they lack life experience, soft skills and knowledge.

In addition to knowledge and skills training, spiritual maturity is even more important. For a young person, I consider talent, expertise and will to be essential.

Everyone has talent, but lack of opportunity to discover it. In today's era, young people should not miss the opportunity to discover their own talent. We are only happy when we live true to our talent. Any profession requires expertise, logical thinking, observation and skill training are required.

Regarding will, the process of discovery helps us realize that there are many things that are difficult to overcome. However, when faced with our own choices, we need to be steadfast.

If after 2-3 years of self-discovery, young people do not get the expected results, what do you think should be done so that this process is not meaningless?

Even if you spend 2-3 years exploring the world without any results, different experiences will help you see the colors of life, which is also worth it.

Youngest female associate professor in Vietnam: Graduated from US university, studied for master's degree in UK Before returning to work at the Banking Academy, the youngest new associate professor in Vietnam in 2024 graduated from university in the US and studied for master's degree in UK.