Within just a few years, AI has evolved from an unfamiliar technology into a tool integrated into the daily work of millions of employees. As technology increasingly handles tasks that were traditionally performed by humans, many young people are beginning to ask an important question: will AI expand career opportunities, or make job competition even more intense?
AI Growth Creates New Crossroads for Young Workers
Vietnam has set an ambitious goal of becoming a regional AI leader by 2030 and ranking among the top three AI-driven countries in Southeast Asia. This target is supported not only by national strategies but also by the rapid development of the country’s technology ecosystem and AI startup community.
However, behind this growth story are changes that are directly reshaping the labor market, particularly for younger workers.
According to the Employment and Social Trends 2026 report published by the International Labour Organization (ILO), AI and global trade uncertainties may create greater challenges for young people as the quality of jobs worldwide shows signs of slowing down. In Vietnam, approximately 11.5 million workers, equivalent to one in every five people, are currently employed in jobs that could be affected by Generative AI (GenAI).
Statistics show that Hanoi jobs, alongside positions in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, collectively account for more than one-third of the country’s roles that could potentially be affected by AI-related changes.
In reality, businesses are increasingly prioritizing candidates who can work with AI tools and data-driven technologies. Many positions that previously required only basic professional expertise are now adding expectations related to technology skills and adaptability. According to the latest JobsGO survey in late 2025 involving hundreds of businesses nationwide, the top three positions with the highest demand for AI-related skills are Marketing (58.2%), Sales/Business Development (41.8%) and IT (37.6%).
For young candidates, this shift is particularly significant because entry-level roles, often considered the first step in building professional experience, may be among the earliest positions affected. JobsGO data also shows increasing competition among Fresher and Entry-level positions within the IT industry. On average, each job posting for roles such as programmers, testers, or data analysts receives approximately 14 applications, placing these jobs among the most competitive positions in the market.
However, the overall picture is not entirely defined by challenges. AI is also creating new opportunities for workers, especially for young people who view technology as a supporting tool rather than a competitor.
Instead of spending hours on repetitive tasks, workers can now use AI to assist with report writing, information gathering, data analysis, content ideation and learning new skills more efficiently. For marketing professionals, AI can support customer behavior analysis and campaign optimization. In software development, AI-powered coding and debugging tools can significantly reduce processing time. Even for those entering the workforce, technology is making access to knowledge and learning opportunities easier than ever before.
AI Replaces Tasks, Not People
According to the Future of Jobs Report 2025 published by the World Economic Forum (WEF), AI and automation could eliminate approximately 92 million jobs over the coming years. However, at the same time, technological development is expected to create as many as 170 million new jobs worldwide.
This suggests that technology is not only replacing opportunities but also generating entirely new demands within the labor market.
According to information from the National Institute of Digital Technology and Digital Transformation under Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology, AI and automation are inevitable trends for improving productivity and national competitiveness. The adoption of new technologies not only helps businesses optimize operations but also drives innovation and creates new industries.
Nowadays, fields such as data science, automation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital transformation are witnessing increasing demand for skilled professionals. Meanwhile, industries involving highly repetitive work, such as textiles, logistics, assembly operations and certain administrative positions, may face greater pressure from technological changes.
However, at this stage, AI is primarily replacing individual tasks rather than fully replacing entire jobs. Technology may process certain functions more efficiently, but it still struggles to replicate distinctly human capabilities such as strategic thinking, creativity, emotional intelligence and decision-making in complex situations.
This trend is becoming increasingly visible across major labor markets, especially within jobs in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, etc… Businesses are no longer looking solely for candidates with strong technical expertise. They are increasingly prioritizing individuals who are adaptable and capable of combining professional skills with technological competence.
As the labor market enters a new era of competition, AI may be changing the way people work, but humans remain at the center of innovation. The ability to learn continuously, adapt quickly and effectively leverage emerging technologies may become the most valuable advantage for workers in the years ahead.
