GenAI may transform millions of jobs in Viet Nam

The report, entitled Generative AI and Jobs in Viet Nam: Labor Market Exposure and Policy Considerations, suggests that while GenAI is set to reshape the labor market, the dominant trend is likely to be task transformation rather than widespread job displacement.

Only about one million workers are in occupations where tasks are both highly susceptible to automation and standardized, indicating that the risk of full automation affects less than 2 percent of the workforce—lower than in several regional peers such as Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand.

Exposure to GenAI varies significantly across sectors and occupations. Clerical support roles face the highest risk, with nearly two-thirds of workers engaged in jobs highly exposed to automation. Sectors including financial and insurance services, wholesale and retail trade, and information and communication report the highest exposure rates.

Major urban centers such as Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang account for more than one-third of all potentially affected jobs nationwide.

The report also underscores a notable gender gap. Women are more likely to work in jobs exposed to GenAI, with an exposure rate of 24.1 percent compared to 17.8 percent for men. This disparity reflects the concentration of female workers in clerical, administrative and service roles, where tasks are more standardized and documentation-intensive.

The impacts of GenAI are expected to differ across occupations. In sales roles—where women make up around two-thirds of the workforce—GenAI could enhance productivity and improve job quality. However, in routine clerical positions, the risk of task displacement is higher, potentially affecting a segment that provides relatively stable and formal employment for many women.

Despite global concerns about AI-driven job losses, the report finds no clear evidence of declining employment opportunities for young, highly educated workers in highly exposed sectors in Viet Nam between 2022 and 2024. Employment in these sectors has continued to grow, indicating resilient labor demand as AI adoption remains at an early stage.

The ILO calls for coordinated efforts among the Government, employers, workers and other stakeholders to manage the transition. Key priorities include strengthening AI governance and institutional capacity, improving labor market data systems, promoting responsible AI adoption through workplace dialogue, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, and investing in skills development with a focus on gender equality.

ILO Country Director for Viet Nam, Ms. Sinwon Park, said Viet Nam has a strong opportunity to leverage GenAI to boost productivity and promote decent work. However, she cautioned that the benefits and risks will not be evenly distributed, particularly for women who face higher levels of exposure.

She stressed the need for timely and targeted policies, including aligning AI governance with labor standards, enhancing workforce skills, ensuring worker participation in AI adoption, and safeguarding fairness and inclusivity in the face of technological change.

As Viet Nam advances its digital transformation agenda, proactive and inclusive policy measures will be essential to ensure that the gains from generative AI are broadly shared and no workers are left behind./.