HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam is expected to face a shortage of 200,000 skilled information technology (IT) workers by the end of 2025, according to a report on the country’s IT labour market, raising concerns as the Government aims to rapidly develop a digital economy.

The report, released by An Bình Securities JSC, estimates that the sector will require 700,000 new workers by the end of the year, while domestic training institutions are expected to supply only around 500,000 qualified candidates. The gap highlights a critical bottleneck in Việt Nam’s digital ambitions.

Figures from the Ministry of Science and Technology show that Việt Nam currently has around 74,000 IT businesses employing more than 1.2 million people. That number is projected to reach three million by 2030, with the country’s digital economy potentially expanding to US$74 billion. However, workforce training remains a key challenge despite the sector’s relatively high salary levels.

Previously considered an attractive destination due to its abundant and low-cost labour, Việt Nam now faces the challenge of developing a highly qualified workforce. The IT industry increasingly demands professionals with strong technical knowledge and the ability to adapt to emerging technologies.

Although approximately 50,000 IT students graduate each year from universities and colleges, only around 30 per cent are deemed job-ready. Most require further training to meet industry demands. A significant gap remains between academic programmes and the practical needs of businesses.

“Current curricula remain heavily theoretical and have not kept pace with the rapid evolution of technology and market needs,” Phạm Mạnh Hà, director of the Centre for Training and Development Cooperation at the University of Education under Việt Nam National University, Hà Nội, was quoted as saying on vneconomy.vn.

He added that many companies require applicants to have at least one to two years of practical experience, while most graduates lack hands-on project exposure during their studies.

These shortcomings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive reform in training systems. According to Dr Hà, early career guidance and redesigned curricula aligned with business needs are essential to better prepare students for the labour market.

In response to the talent gap, several technology firms have taken the initiative to partner with universities by organising career counselling events, internship programmes and practical training schemes. These efforts not only provide students with exposure to real-world working environments but also enhance their skills and understanding of their future roles in tech projects.

For businesses, such collaborations also offer opportunities to identify and nurture talent that fits their long-term development strategies, especially amid fast-changing technological landscapes.

Globally, the IT industry is projected to reach US$2 trillion in value by 2028, employing nearly 100 million people. In Việt Nam, human capital is both a comparative advantage and a critical challenge.

Experts stress that to fully seize the opportunities of the digital transformation, the country’s education system must undergo substantial reform — particularly in teaching methods, training technologies and models of industry–university collaboration. — VNS