Vietnam Leads APAC in Career Ambition: What It Means for the Future of Work

Vietnamese professionals are no longer just catching up - they’re taking the lead.

📰 As featured on Yahoo! Finance, Vietnam Briefing, and other leading media, the Reeracoen × Rakuten Insight APAC Workforce Whitepaper 2025 highlights what today’s Vietnamese workers truly want—and how employers must evolve.

The 2025 APAC Workforce Whitepaper by Reeracoen and Rakuten Insight surveyed over 12,000 workers across 12 Asia-Pacific markets. The findings? Vietnam tops the region in career ambition, social consciousness, and readiness to move abroad, signalling a bold shift in the mindset of the Vietnamese workforce.

“Vietnam’s transformation is not just economic—it reflects a rising generation of values-driven, future-ready professionals.”
— Kenji Naito, Group CEO, Reeracoen Group

For workers and employers in Vietnam, this is more than just good news—it’s a wake-up call. The region is evolving rapidly, and Vietnamese talent is poised to play a central role in shaping the future of work across Asia-Pacific and beyond.

Vietnam: #1 in Career Ambition Across APAC

A striking 86.5% of Vietnamese respondents want to advance their careers—the highest among all 12 countries surveyed. In comparison, the APAC average is 75.1%, with countries like Japan (46.3%) and Taiwan (57.9%) trailing behind.

Top reasons for career ambition in Vietnam:

• Desire for higher income

• Opportunities to lead or manage teams

• Aspirations to work overseas or at regional levels

In a competitive global job market, Vietnamese workers are not afraid to aim high—and that mindset is fast becoming a national strength.

A Region on the Move: Vietnam’s Global Mindset

Vietnamese workers also rank #1 in interest to work abroad, with 82.6% expressing openness to overseas job opportunities. This global outlook reflects both economic aspirations and a willingness to adapt to international environments.

Vietnamese workers aren’t just looking for jobs, they’re seeking purpose, growth, and global relevance.

CSR & Company Values Matter More Than Ever

In Vietnam, 77.2% of workers say a company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) values affect their decision to join or stay. This is notably higher than the APAC average of 68.9%.

Today’s workers want to know:

• Does my company care about the environment?

• Are employee wellbeing and mental health supported?

• Is the company inclusive and ethical?

Companies in Vietnam must now realise that salary alone won’t retain top talent. Purpose, sustainability, and transparency matter—especially to Millennials and Gen Z professionals.

Remote Work & Hybrid Preferences in Vietnam

Vietnamese professionals are rapidly adapting to modern work arrangements. The whitepaper shows that more than 60% of Vietnamese respondents prefer hybrid or remote work, indicating that flexibility is no longer a perk—it’s an expectation.

“Vietnam is becoming one of the most agile talent markets in Asia. Workers here are ready to lead regional teams and manage cross-border projects—if companies give them the tools and trust to do so.”
— Masato Sekine, Managing Director, Reeracoen Vietnam

Flexible work is now tied closely to productivity, mental health, and job satisfaction. Employers who resist change risk losing their best talent to more adaptive companies.

Upskilling: The Next Challenge

While 79.4% of Vietnamese workers want more training, only a small fraction currently receive regular upskilling opportunities. There’s a clear gap—and a huge opportunity.

In a region moving fast towards green energy, digital innovation, and AI adoption, Vietnam must prioritise upskilling in:

• Data analytics and digital transformation

• Green jobs and ESG strategy

• Leadership, project management, and cross-cultural communication

Proactive individuals who take initiative in upskilling—through micro-certifications, government programs, or online platforms—will rise faster than those waiting for their companies to act.

Why Vietnam’s Workforce Matters to APAC

Vietnam is no longer seen as just a low-cost labour destination. With high ambition, a global mindset, and value-driven professionals, the country is transforming into a key talent hub in Southeast Asia.

“The ambition and resilience of Vietnam’s workforce make it a key growth driver in APAC. Companies who fail to recognise this shift will fall behind.”
— Kosuke Soejima, Regional General Manager, Reeracoen Group

This shift has implications for:

• Foreign companies investing in Vietnam

• Multinational firms sourcing regional leaders

• Local companies trying to retain top talent

To stay ahead, employers must match this ambition with strong leadership, clear career paths, flexible working models, and real CSR action.

Final Thoughts: A Golden Decade for Vietnam’s Talent

Vietnam’s workforce in 2025 is confident, conscious, and connected. The numbers from the APAC Workforce Whitepaper don’t lie—Vietnam is rising, not just economically, but culturally and professionally.

For workers in Vietnam, the challenge now is to maintain momentum:

• Keep learning

• Stay adaptable

• Choose values-driven workplaces

• Don’t be afraid to step into regional or global roles

And for companies? The time to act is now. Because if you don’t invest in your people, someone else will.

FAQ: What Vietnamese Workers Are Asking

Q1: I want to work overseas. Where do I start?

Start with English proficiency and job search platforms that cater to international roles. Focus on remote-ready skills and certifications, and build your LinkedIn presence.

Q2: I don’t have time to upskill—what can I do?

Even 15 minutes a day helps. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Google Digital Garage offer free or affordable micro-courses. Choose a topic relevant to your role.

Q3: How can I know if a company’s CSR values are genuine?

Look beyond slogans. Real CSR involves concrete actions like charity work, ESG reporting, employee wellness initiatives, and climate goals. Ask during the interview.

Q4: Is remote work really an option in Vietnam?

Yes. Many tech, digital marketing, customer support, and finance roles now offer remote or hybrid models. Flexibility is becoming standard in top companies.

Q5: What industries are growing fastest in Vietnam?

Technology, logistics, clean energy, e-commerce, fintech, and education are booming. Roles in digital transformation, green jobs, and AI are in especially high demand.