Regional Leader in Ambition and Sustainability: Vietnam Emerges as Front-runner According to Recent Study in APAC Region
The Reeracoen × Rakuten Insight APAC Workforce Whitepaper 2025 reveals that Vietnamese workers lead the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region in career ambition, commitment to sustainability, and openness to international mobility, with significant implications for employers in Vietnam.
Key findings include:
- Vietnam ranks #1 in career ambition across APAC, reflecting a dynamic workforce eager to advance, particularly in sectors such as technology, logistics, clean energy, e-commerce, fintech, and education. Roles related to digital transformation, green jobs, and AI are in especially high demand, signaling the future direction of Vietnam's labor market.
- Sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) are major priorities for Vietnamese workers, with 82% of respondents considering a company’s CSR initiatives when choosing where to work—higher than any other APAC market surveyed. This highlights a values-driven workforce aligned with Vietnam's national Green Growth Strategy and Digital Transformation Roadmap.
- There is strong readiness and willingness among Vietnamese professionals to pursue international career opportunities, reflecting a global career outlook and mobility mindset that positions Vietnam as a key talent hub within the APAC region.
However, a significant gap exists in skills development, as 65% of surveyed workers prioritize skills growth but only 18% feel their current employer leads in this area. Employers must address this leadership gap in learning and development to retain and motivate ambitious talent.
Implications for employers in Vietnam:
- To attract and retain top Vietnamese talent, employers must embed sustainability and CSR deeply into company culture and operations. This aligns with both employee expectations and national development goals.
- Organizations should strategically invest in reskilling and upskilling programs, particularly in digital and green sectors, to address talent shortages and meet workers’ career development needs.
- Given the high openness to international mobility, employers might consider developing global career pathways and cross-border opportunities to compete effectively for ambitious professionals.
- Embracing technology-driven sectors and future-facing job roles will be crucial for businesses to stay relevant and leverage Vietnam's energetic and forward-looking workforce.
It's important to note that while Vietnam is experiencing robust economic growth, rising foreign direct investment, and growing demand for digitally skilled and globally aware professionals, many employers remain focused on short-term productivity, cautious hiring, and cost containment. The talent base in Vietnam, composed mainly of Gen Z and millennial professionals, is more globally minded and socially conscious than ever before. Additionally, 32% of Vietnamese workers expect salary increases of more than 10% this year.
The report, available for more information at https://www.reeracoen.com.vn/ and on social media, emphasizes the importance of sustainable practices and skill development in the labour market of Vietnam. It underscores the need for employers to evolve towards purpose-led cultures, skill development leadership, and global mobility support to fully capitalize on this transformative talent pool.
- In the dynamic and forward-thinking Vietnamese workforce, professionals not only show a significant interest in sectors like technology, education, and e-commerce but also prioritize education and self-development by seeking roles related to digital transformation, green jobs, and AI.
- Despite the strong willingness of Vietnamese workers to pursue sports careers, it's crucial for employers to address the gap in skills development, as many professionals prioritize skills growth but feel their current employers lag behind in this area, potentially impacting employee motivation and retention.
