The IT sector will require approximately 700,000 new personnel by 2025, while domestic training institutions can only supply around 500,000, according to the Vietnam Information Technology Market Report.

This leaves a shortfall of 200,000 skilled workers—a significant challenge given Vietnam’s digital economy development ambitions.

Statistics from the Ministry of Science and Technology indicated that Vietnam currently has 74,000 IT enterprises, employing over 1.2 million workers, with projections to reach 3 million by 2030. This growth aligns with expectations that Vietnam’s digital economy could reach a value of $74 billion. However, human resource constraints remain an obstacle, despite the IT industry's competitive salary levels.

For years, Vietnam has been regarded as an attractive destination for foreign businesses, largely due to its abundant labor force and low costs. However, as the country transitions into the digital age, this advantage is no longer sufficient. The IT industry now requires high-quality professionals equipped with specialized knowledge and the ability to adapt to emerging technologies.

Although Vietnamese universities and colleges train approximately 50,000 IT students annually, only 30% are immediately employable, with most requiring additional training to meet industry demands. The gap between education programs and business requirements has resulted in a significant disparity in workforce readiness.

According to Associate Professor Dr. Pham Manh Ha, Director of the Center for Training Cooperation and Development at Vietnam National University’s University of Education, a disconnect exists between academic curricula and the practical needs of the industry. Current training programs have not kept pace with technological advancements, leaving graduates underprepared for evolving business demands.