Read the following passage about IT professionals and mark the letter A, B, C, D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of...

Read the following passage about IT professionals and mark the letter A, B, C, D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 23 to 30.

The notion that IT professionals over 35 are past their prime and lack innovation is an unfounded stereotype, frequently used by Vietnamese businesses as a pretext to cut costs. Many seasoned engineers possess profound technical acumen, honed through years of experience, allowing them to navigate complex systems with efficiency and expertise.

While local companies dismiss them, international firms recognize their value, offering competitive compensation and rewarding proficiency in problem-solving. The primary obstacle preventing Vietnamese IT specialists from advancing abroad is language proficiency rather than technical competence, which remains on par with global industry standards.

A prevalent expectation within Vietnam’s IT sector dictates that those surpassing the age of 35 must transition into managerial roles to maintain job security, creating a paradox that depletes the workforce of adept technical experts. Mastery of programming, systems architecture, or cybersecurity does not inherently equate to managerial aptitude, yet businesses continue to enforce this rigid career trajectory. The result is a misallocation of talent, where individuals who excel in specialized domains are pressured into leadership positions ill-suited to their capabilities. This misplaced expectation ultimately erodes productivity, forcing many experienced engineers to either accept a managerial role they do not desire or face potential unemployment.

The pervasive displacement of senior employees transcends the IT sector, permeating various industries, primarily driven by an abundance of younger workers and an inadequacy of highly specialized roles. Vietnamese corporations, rather than fostering long-term expertise, prioritize cost-cutting strategies that favor an expendable workforce with lower salaries. Over time, Vietnam’s job market will mirror these international trends, forcing companies to acknowledge the necessity of experienced professionals and implement policies that promote longevity in employment. The misconception that technological agility belongs exclusively to younger generations disregards the adaptability and continuous learning exhibited by many veteran engineers. As the workforce matures and economic conditions evolve, businesses will be compelled to recognize the merit of sustaining a balanced talent pool rather than discarding those with institutional knowledge. A paradigm shift is inevitable, wherein proficiency and expertise will outweigh arbitrary age restrictions, ultimately benefiting both employees and the broader economy.

(Adapted from VnExpress)

Question 23: Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a challenge for IT professionals over 35?

A. Language barriers hindering opportunities in foreign markets
B. Stereotypes leading to job insecurity in Vietnam’s IT field
C. Higher salaries making them targets for cost-cutting measures
D. Limited adaptability to new technological advancements globally