AI-driven job displacement is a concern for many, but re-skilling can serve as an effective shield. By continually updating skills, workers can stay competitive in the ever-evolving job market.
Vietnam's AI-Driven Transformation: Preparing for the Future
Vietnam has made significant strides in artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, ranking 6th globally according to the Worldwide Independent Network of Market Research (WIN) in July 2025 [1]. This rapid advancement is reshaping the Vietnamese job market, with AI set to automate routine tasks, create new high-skill jobs, and transform skill requirements by 2030 [1][3][4].
Automation and Emerging Roles
Routine jobs in manufacturing and back-office operations are most vulnerable to automation by AI [1]. Conversely, new positions will emerge in AI-driven sectors such as advanced manufacturing, software engineering, and specialized roles like aquaculture-data technicians who manage AI systems to optimize environmental conditions and production in fisheries [1].
The Need for AI and Digital Expertise
Vietnam faces a shortage of AI and digital talent, with only about 300 AI experts currently available [1]. To bridge this gap, the government and private sector are partnering with organisations like Google to expand AI education and training [1]. The World Economic Forum notes that 44% of today’s workforce skills will become obsolete within five years, highlighting the urgent need for competencies in data science, AI, and coding [2].
Human-Centered Skills
As AI technologies become more prevalent, critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, and analysis are becoming essential to complement AI technologies and remain competitive in the labor market [2]. Localization and language skills also remain crucial, especially as AI and edtech expand [2].
AI Adoption Across Sectors
Businesses in Vietnam are rapidly moving toward digital labor, with 95% of leaders planning to use AI systems soon, indicating widespread AI-driven transformation across industries [3]. The financial services and capital markets sector is driving demand for specialized technical capabilities due to rapid digital transformation [5].
Upskilling and Reskilling
Employers worldwide project that by 2030, only 41 per cent of their workforce will not require additional training [6]. In Vietnam, 29 per cent of employees will need to be upskilled to meet the demands of their current roles, and 19 per cent will need to be reskilled and redeployed into new positions [5]. Most businesses (86 per cent) are eager to invest in workforce training, recognizing the benefits of enhanced productivity, stronger business competitiveness, and improved talent retention [5].
The Future of Work in Vietnam
By 2030, Vietnam’s labor market will experience a shift from routine jobs to AI-augmented high-skill roles. Both technical and soft skills will be essential to thrive amid rapid AI-driven transformation. The government and businesses are actively investing in skills and infrastructure to support this transition.
References:
[1] https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/09/vietnam-ai-adoption-infrastructure-talent/ [2] https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/09/vietnam-job-market-ai-skills-future-of-work/ [3] https://www.zdnet.com/article/vietnam-is-racing-to-the-top-of-the-ai-world/ [4] https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/09/vietnam-artificial-intelligence-ai-jobs-skills-talent/ [5] https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/09/vietnam-ai-talent-future-of-work/ [6] https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/09/future-of-work-upskilling-reskilling-ai/
- To ensure career development and personal growth in the AI-driven future, one must focus on learning critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, and analysis, as these skills will be essential to complement AI technologies and stay competitive in Vietnam's labor market.
- In the pursuit of education and self-development, Vietnam is investing heavily in AI and digital expertise to bridge the talent gap, as the advances in technology are reshaping the job market and requiring competencies in data science, AI, and coding.
