Vietnam’s Workforce Is Rising: Ambitious, Ethical, and Ready for the Future

Vietnam’s workforce is making waves across Asia-Pacific. In 2025, Vietnamese professionals have emerged as the region’s most ambitious, socially conscious, and globally minded talent pool.

📰 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.

That’s the standout message from the APAC Workforce Whitepaper 2025, a landmark study by Reeracoen and Rakuten Insight, which surveyed over 12,000 workers across 12 markets. The report reveals that Vietnam ranks #1 in the region for career ambition, CSR sensitivity, and interest in overseas work.

Whether you're a jobseeker planning your next move or an employer refining your talent strategy, this year’s findings send a clear signal: Vietnam’s workforce is ready to lead—not follow.

Vietnam Workers: #1 in Career Ambition Across APAC

According to the whitepaper, a remarkable 86.5% of Vietnamese respondents want to advance their careers—the highest percentage among all surveyed countries. This strong ambition outpaces even fast-growing economies like India and Indonesia.

Key motivators include:

• The desire for higher income

• Aspirations for promotion and leadership roles

• A growing appetite for international career exposure

Vietnamese workers are driven, dynamic, and development-oriented—a powerful combination that’s attracting attention across the region.

Vietnamese Talent Goes Global: 82.6% Want Overseas Exposure

Another major finding: 82.6% of workers in Vietnam are open to working overseas, compared to an APAC average of 66.3%.

Top reasons for this global mindset include:

• Better income potential abroad

• Exposure to international best practices

• Long-term career development opportunities

For employers, this means the best talent may be looking beyond Vietnam. To retain top performers, companies must provide challenging, purpose-driven work and international learning opportunities right here at home.

Purpose Matters: Vietnam Tops APAC in CSR Sensitivity

A striking 77.2% of Vietnamese professionals say a company’s CSR and sustainability policies affect their job decisions—once again ranking Vietnam at the top in Asia-Pacific.

Today’s Vietnamese workers want more than just a pay check. They’re seeking companies that:

• Treat employees fairly

• Give back to the community

• Operate ethically and sustainably

Companies that fail to demonstrate real values—not just slogans—risk losing their best people. In 2025, purpose is a key driver of loyalty.

Work-Life Expectations Are Changing

Vietnamese workers are not just hardworking—they’re also self-aware. While career ambition remains high, there’s also growing demand for:

• Flexible working arrangements

• Mental health support

• Clear skill development pathways

Employers must now shift from control to collaboration—offering work cultures where productivity and wellbeing go hand in hand.

The Upskilling Imperative: 79.4% Want More Training

While most workers are eager to improve, access to regular training remains limited.

Only a small share of professionals in Vietnam report receiving consistent upskilling support, despite 79.4% expressing strong interest in professional development.

In-demand areas include:

• Digital transformation and automation

• Foreign languages and soft skills

• Leadership and project management

• Green jobs and ESG literacy

The message is clear: Upskilling is no longer optional—it’s expected. Workers who invest in continuous learning will lead the future.

Summary: Key Vietnam Data Points from the Whitepaper

These numbers are more than statistics—they’re a clear reflection of Vietnam’s rising workforce power in Asia-Pacific.

Final Thoughts: Vietnam's Golden Talent Moment

As Vietnam's economy grows stronger, its workforce is stepping into the spotlight. The 2025 whitepaper confirms that Vietnamese workers are not just keeping pace—they're setting the pace.

For workers:
Now is the time to invest in yourself. Stay curious, sharpen your skills, and choose employers that align with your goals and values.

For employers:
Attracting and retaining Vietnam’s top talent will require more than salaries. Offer career mobility, ethical leadership, flexible work, and a meaningful mission.

“Vietnam’s talent is ambitious, mobile, and values-led. To stay competitive, employers must evolve or risk falling behind.”
– Masato Sekine, Managing Director, Reeracoen Vietnam

FAQ: What Workers in Vietnam Are Asking in 2025

Q1: How can I work overseas without leaving Vietnam?

Look for companies offering remote cross-border projects or regional roles. Many MNCs in Vietnam are hiring for APAC-wide functions.

Q2: What counts as a “CSR-focused” employer?

Look for companies with public ESG reporting, community programs, employee wellness initiatives, and transparent policies on inclusion and ethics.

Q3: How do I get promoted faster?

Demonstrate leadership even without a title. Upskill, take initiative, deliver results, and ask for feedback regularly.

Q4: What skills should I prioritise for the future?

Top skills include digital literacy, communication, problem-solving, ESG knowledge, project management, and language proficiency.

Q5: Is job-hopping still okay in Vietnam?

Changing jobs for growth is common, but excessive hopping can be a red flag. Aim for purposeful moves that show progress and alignment with your goals.

Disclaimer:
The information provided in our blog articles is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon as such. 
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, the ever-evolving nature of certain topics may result in content becoming outdated or inaccurate over time. Therefore, we recommend consulting with qualified professionals or experts in the respective fields for specific advice or guidance. Any actions taken based on the information contained in our blog articles are solely at the reader's discretion and risk. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for any loss, damage, or adverse consequences incurred as a result of such actions.
We may occasionally provide links to external websites or resources for further information or reference. These links are provided for convenience and do not imply endorsement or responsibility for the content or accuracy of these external sources. Our blog articles may also include personal opinions, views, or interpretations of the authors, which do not necessarily reflect the views of our organisation as a whole. We encourage readers to verify the accuracy and relevance of information presented in our blog articles and to seek professional advice when needed. 
Your use of this website and its content constitutes acceptance of this disclaimer.