Expert discussion at the Multi-stake Holder Forum (MSF) 2021. — Photo courtesy of the organisers

The Fourth Industrial Revolution is both creating opportunities and posing challenges to developed countries and countries entering the 4.0 revolution, including Viet Nam, from a perspective of readiness, ability integration and adaptation of the workforce.

To prepare the national workforce for the coming digital economy, multilateral cooperation initiatives that keep up with the requirements of the corporate environment, as well as in society generally, are needed.

This information was released at the Multi-stake Holder Forum (MSF) 2021 with the theme “Partnership in preparing a future-ready workforce for an inclusive digital economy in Viet Nam”, held in Ha Noi on Thursday. The forum was jointly organised by the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and the Viet Nam General Confederation of Labour and Samsung, under the technical co-operation of Viet Nam Business Council for Sustainable Development and Institute for Development and Community Health (LIGHT).

Pham Tan Cong, the VCCI’s chairman said: “The inclusive digital economy enables all employees and businesses to contribute to the growth process and enjoy the results of that growth. This is completely in line with the sustainable development goals set by the Vietnamese Government, most recently the National Action Plan to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in response to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.”

Cong said that as a national organisation representing employers in Viet Nam, VCCI always worked closely with the stakeholders in developing and promoting harmonious and progressive labour relations at enterprises, as well as solving the problem of a skilled workforce that meets the requirements of businesses and the economy. This included training skills for vulnerable groups such as women and young people.

This was also achieved through co-organising stakeholders including VCCI, Samsung Vietnam and the Viet Nam General Confederation of Labour for this year's Multi-Stakeholder Forum 2021. The aim was to build harmonious labour relations in the inclusive digital economy, bringing both economic and human values.

Ngo Duy Hieu, Vice President of the Viet Nam General Confederation of Labour said: "The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented difficulties for the majority of employees and the business community. Resonating with the enormous challenges from the Industrial Revolution 4.0, it has set unprecedented and extremely difficult demands for every single employee in the present and future. Only quickly changing mindsets, catching up on awareness, improving self-efficacy, and finding the fastest approach will help employees have firm foothold in their work and be proactive in life and not be left behind. As a representative organisation of employees in Viet Nam, the Viet Nam Trade Union wishes and believes that all stakeholders will work together in good faith. This will help to define a common vision and come up with effective solutions to improve the adaptability of employees amid rapidly changing socio-economic conditions while industrial relations 4.0 is getting clearer.”