Vietnam’s IT sector faces urgent talent shortage
HANOI, VIETNAM — Vietnam‘s information technology sector is witnessing a significant surge in demand for skilled professionals.
According to a recent report by recruitment firm TopDev, this demand is driven by the rapid development of the technology market and the country’s ongoing digital transformation initiatives.
The report indicates that the average salary for developers in Vietnam ranges from $1,100 to $3,000 per month, with specialized roles such as artificial intelligence (AI) engineers and cybersecurity experts commanding even higher salaries due to their critical importance and scarcity.
IT outsourcing market on the rise
Vietnam’s IT outsourcing market is experiencing rapid expansion, with projections from tech consulting firm KMS Solutions estimating its value to reach $881.90 million by 2027. The sector is expected to grow annually at a rate of 13.31%, driven by favorable socio-economic conditions, strong technological infrastructure, skilled talent, and competitive labor costs.
Additionally, Vietnam has become a preferred partner and the second-largest collaborator in Japan’s digital transformation initiatives. It is estimated that hundreds of Vietnamese digital firms have set up offices or legal entities in Japan, employing significant workforces.
Addressing skill shortages
Despite these promising growth prospects, Vietnam’s IT industry faces a pressing challenge: a shortage of skilled professionals.
The Ministry of Information and Communications estimates that the sector will require an additional 500,000 technology workers by 2025 to meet its needs.
This shortfall underscores the urgent need for businesses to implement upskilling and reskilling programs to cultivate the necessary talent pool.
Digital transformation drives growth
Vietnam is undergoing a comprehensive wave of digital transformation across key sectors like finance, banking, and public services. These initiatives are reshaping business operations by integrating advanced technologies such as AI, cloud computing, and data analytics.
However, this transformation also highlights the need for substantial investment in technology infrastructure, particularly in areas like 5G networks, data centers, and cloud services.
Infrastructure and security challenges
To sustain its technological growth, Vietnam must address infrastructure challenges and invest in upgrading its capabilities. Additionally, network and data security issues pose significant challenges for IT businesses.
As cyberattacks become increasingly sophisticated, compliance with security standards is essential for companies aiming to participate in the global supply chain.
This necessitates not only technological improvements but also a focus on training human resources with expertise in data security.
Strategies to meet expertise demand
The demand for experienced professionals in complex fields such as cybersecurity and AI far exceeds the current supply, placing immense pressure on businesses to attract and retain talent. Companies are therefore urged to enhance their recruitment strategies and invest in internal training programs to develop their staff’s skills.
As Vietnam’s IT job market continues to grow rapidly, particularly in AI, big data, cloud computing, and cybersecurity sectors addressing these challenges will be crucial for sustaining its momentum.
