AI impact on Vietnamese labor market

Data from the General Statistics Office and the International Labour Organization (ILO) indicate that the Vietnamese workforce faces significant disruption from artificial intelligence. Initial reports highlighted that female workers are particularly vulnerable, with approximately 9.6% of female jobs at risk of being altered by AI—nearly triple the 3.5% risk faced by men. This vulnerability is linked to the concentration of women in administrative, clerical, data entry, and customer service roles.

By 2026, estimates from the ILO suggest that approximately 11.5 million workers in Vietnam—roughly one-fifth of the total workforce—will occupy roles where certain tasks could be impacted by generative AI. In these projections, the gender disparity remains evident, with a 24.1% impact rate for women compared to 17.8% for men. This trend aligns with broader ILO research across 84 countries, noting that female-dominated sectors are nearly twice as likely to be impacted due to higher concentrations in clerical and business support roles.

As the technology integrates into professional workflows, employer priorities are shifting. A ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey for the third quarter of 2026 reveals that 83% of employers in Vietnam are willing to offer higher salaries to candidates demonstrating AI literacy, a figure that rises to 88% in southern Vietnam. Experts note that AI is becoming a fundamental component of professional competency, with employers focusing on how effectively and responsibly workers can integrate these tools to drive innovation.

Dr. Vo Thi Hong Diem of RMIT University Vietnam emphasizes the importance of upskilling workers for higher-value tasks and ensuring women are represented in the design and management of emerging technologies.