Vietnam has a population of 91 million people, and 64% are between 18 – 32 years old. These figures translate into Vietnam having entered a ‘demographic bonus’ period and substantial opportunities to drive the nation’s economic development. These young people are key contributors to the productivity and sustainable economic development of Vietnam.
This is a very good base from which potential IT workers can be developed. More and more Vietnamese students choose computer science as their major at university. This comes from a strong cultural affinity for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Vietnamese students often gain exposure to computer science and training at a young age and earn high scores in maths and science at international exams. In general, Vietnamese students are more focused, and take their schoolwork more seriously. They are less likely to be late for school, have fewer unexcused absences, and skip fewer classes. They also spend about three more hours per week studying outside of school than students in other developing countries. They continue this attitude once employed and often make time outside of work to develop their skills either in their field of work, or in subjects such as English and the arts.
Vietnamese universities are well positioned to provide professional lecturers and technicians from at home and abroad. They train thousands of students in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Network Engineering and in Information Technology Management. These students graduate with the outstanding technical knowledge, skills set and a professional work ethic. They go on to join and become integrated parts of many domestic and international IT companies in Vietnam every year.
Being a developer in a software outsourcing company is a very attractive career for most young Vietnamese, earning a relatively high salaries, although this half the wage of a Chinese developer or a tenth of one in the U.S. The common attitude of industry workers in Vietnam is not just based on salary and position though, as there is a deep passion for technology and its future advancement.
The ultimate desire is to work for a foreign company, as this is seen as the pinnacle of success and a very prestigious position. Working for a foreign company they most likely work under industry best practice conditions using modern and less rigid work methods than their local counterparts. Vietnamese people know that it is a good working environment and once within a company, they tend to want to stay and prove to be very loyal employees. International companies have a clear advantage when hiring the very best talents as the lure of landing a job with an overseas company outweighs most other considerations.
Young IT professionals gravitate to Ho Chi Minh City for the best opportunities. The city has a vibrant young adventurous feel, with noisy and colourful urban areas combined with shiny new shopping malls, luxury shops, and high-class restaurants. These contrasting images can be easily found anytime and anywhere around Vietnam’s most dynamic city, which makes it an exciting time to be part of the new tech-driven future of the southern capital.
