BACKVietnam is fast emerging as a leading destination for global outsourcing, fueled by strong economic growth and a clear digital transformation strategy. Its digital economy is projected to reach $45 billion by 2025 and $200 billion by 2030.
At the core of this growth is a young, tech-savvy workforce and a nationwide commitment to upskilling in areas like AI, cybersecurity, and advanced software development. Strategic government programs, such as the National Digital Transformation Roadmap, are building a deep talent pool that’s catching the attention of global tech giants like NVIDIA, Meta, and Google.
For international businesses, especially in Australia and the US, Vietnam offers more than just cost-effective outsourcing. It provides access to technically capable teams that can scale with evolving digital demands. This shift positions Vietnam not as a low-cost alternative, but as a strategic, long-term partner in digital delivery.
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National policies driving digital transformation and skills development
Over the past decade, Vietnam has implemented major reforms to align its workforce with 21st-century digital demands, transformations that power its rise as an ideal outsourcing destination for global companies.
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Educational reform: Resolution 29-NQ/TW (2013)
Vietnam’s Resolution 29-NQ/TW, introduced in 2013, laid the foundation for a modern, globally competitive workforce – one increasingly aligned with the needs of international outsourcing. By focusing on learner-centred education, digital integration, teacher upskilling, and international collaboration, the reform is helping shape a new generation of professionals equipped for global delivery.
For businesses building offshore teams in Vietnam, this means access to talent trained in critical thinking, digital tools, and English-language communication, key capabilities for long-term, integrated outsourcing partnerships. The policy shift has not only raised the quality of graduates but also improved consistency across the talent pipeline, supporting the formation of scalable, dedicated teams to plug into global workflows.
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National digital transformation program (2020-2025, vision 2030)
Vietnam’s National Digital Transformation Program is a cornerstone of its strategy to become a leading digital economy in Asia. With goals to digitise 90% of government operations, expand 5G nationwide, and grow the digital economy to 30% of GDP by 2030, the country is laying down the infrastructure needed for high-performance, tech-enabled industries.
Crucially, the program aims to train 1 million digital professionals, strengthening workforce capabilities in high technologies. For global businesses, this unlocks access to a well-equipped talent pool and the digital infrastructure to support experienced outsourced teams, enabling confident scaling and consistently high-impact delivery.
Education reforms fueling Vietnam’s outsourcing-ready workforce
Vietnam’s digital strategy is taking shape in classrooms, with education reforms focused on practical skills in STEM and technology. The result is a workforce for global collaboration, making Vietnam an ideal location to build high-skilled offshore teams that deliver long-term value.
1. Strong STEM and digital skill development
Vietnam is steadily strengthening its STEM education through national investment in quality teaching, modern assessments, and early exposure to coding, robotics, and applied science. Students consistently perform above the OECD average in international benchmarks such as PISA, particularly in math and science, reflecting both depth and consistency in foundational skills.
Since 2017, reforms have expanded STEM across all education levels, with schools encouraged to integrate digital learning and practical problem-solving into the core curriculum. Industry-academic collaboration is also growing, helping students apply skills in real-world contexts before graduation.
For global businesses building offshore teams, it opens up a steady pipeline of talent in software, AI, and engineering, contributing real value from day one.
2. Technology integration across learning environments
Vietnam’s National Digital Transformation Strategy is being actively executed in classrooms nationwide. Under policies like Decision 131/QĐ-TTg (2022), schools are adopting digital tools for administration, instruction, and assessment, with a goal to digitise 80% of learning content and equip over 50% of teachers and students with digital platforms by 2025.
Recent updates under Decision 1705/QĐ‑TTg (2024) prioritise the integration of large-scale data systems and AI in education. The strategy encourages developing virtual schools and shared learning platforms, while funding pilots in AI and big-data applications for smarter instruction and adaptive learning.
The impact on the outsourcing industry? Vietnamese graduates are emerging with strong digital fluency and remote collaboration skills, well-equipped to integrate into offshore teams in finance, retail, and eCommerce with speed, reliability, and minimal ramp-up time.
Major global investment validates Vietnam’s offshore talent potential
Vietnam’s rise as an outsourcing hub is backed by major global investment in the country, clear proof of confidence in its skilled workforce, digital maturity, and stable operating environment. For businesses, it means offshore teams in Vietnam come with real capability, infrastructure, and long-term reliability built in.
1. UOB expands with new tech-forward headquarters
In April 2025, Singaporean bank UOB announced an additional VND 2 trillion ($77 million) in fresh capital for its Vietnam operations, alongside a plan to build a new tech-enabled headquarters for employees in Ho Chi Minh City’s financial district.
For organisations outsourcing in the financial services sector, whether it is an accountant, bookkeeper, or payroll specialist, UOB’s expansion is a clear signal that Vietnam’s workforce can meet high standards of security, accuracy, and regulatory alignment. It reinforces the country’s growing reputation as a trusted hub for financial outsourcing.
2. Google establishes a local entity in Vietnam
In late 2024, Google Vietnam Company Ltd. was officially registered in Ho Chi Minh City, enabling the tech giant to localise billing and ad operations starting April 2025. This move represents a shift from regional oversight to full-on-the-ground presence.
Google’s expanded presence highlights Vietnam’s growing strength in digital services, making it a prime location for building offshore teams across digital marketing, administration, eCommerce, and customer support. It reflects a well-prepared talent pool to meet global delivery standards in fast-paced industries.
3. NVIDIA Collaborates on AI Infrastructure with Vietnam
In December 2024, NVIDIA, a leading US supplier of AI hardware and software, signed a strategic agreement with the Vietnamese government to accelerate national AI development, supporting a local AI R&D centre and contributing to a national data platform. The partnership also includes collaboration with leading Vietnamese tech firms and institutions.
This signals Vietnam’s growing strength in advanced tech capabilities. For businesses building offshore teams in data science, machine learning, and digital product development, Vietnam now offers not just talent, but the skilled, innovative workforce global leaders like NVIDIA are betting on. It’s a strong endorsement of the country’s capacity for complex, high-value outsourcing.
Conclusion
Vietnam’s push to close the skills gap and accelerate its digital economy is redefining its role in global outsourcing. However, this transformation is no accident, it stems from cohesive national policy, forward-looking education reform, and focused investment in areas driving the next wave of digital services, from data infrastructure to advanced software capabilities.
Through coordinated government efforts, Vietnam is building a future-ready workforce equipped to handle complex, high-value functions, not just cost-effective solutions. For global businesses, this means access to dedicated offshore teams with the depth, agility, and delivery strength to power sustainable growth.
Learn more about how companies are building a sustainable business model through outsourcing by partnering with Vietnam’s highly skilled workforce, unlocking not just cost efficiency, but operational resilience, and lasting business impact.
