Around 11.5 million workers in Viet Nam—roughly one in five—are employed in roles where tasks could be affected by generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), according to a recent brief by the International Labour Organization (ILO). While the reach of GenAI is expected to be broad, the report suggests that most changes will involve transformation of tasks within existing jobs rather than widespread job losses. Only about one million workers are in roles highly vulnerable to full automation, representing less than two per cent of the workforce.
The impact of GenAI varies significantly across sectors and occupations. Clerical support roles are the most exposed, with a large proportion of workers in these jobs facing potential automation of routine tasks. Industries such as finance, insurance, trade, and information and communication show higher exposure levels. Major urban centres, including Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, account for a substantial share of the jobs likely to be affected.
A notable gender gap exists in GenAI exposure. Women are more likely to work in roles that involve standardized and documentation-heavy tasks, making them more susceptible to AI-driven changes. This disparity persists even after considering differences in education and occupation, highlighting structural patterns in the labour market.
The effects of GenAI differ across job types. In sales roles, where women represent a large share of the workforce, the technology could enhance productivity and improve job quality. However, in routine clerical jobs, the risk of task displacement is higher, which may affect stable and formal employment opportunities for many workers, particularly women.
Despite concerns about AI replacing jobs, the report finds no clear evidence of declining employment opportunities in highly exposed sectors between 2022 and 2024. Instead, employment in these areas has continued to grow, suggesting that demand for labour remains strong as AI adoption is still in its early stages.
The report emphasizes the need for coordinated efforts among government, employers, and workers to manage the transition effectively. Key areas include strengthening AI governance, improving labour market data systems, encouraging responsible adoption of AI, supporting small and medium enterprises, and investing in skills development, particularly for groups most at risk.
As Viet Nam continues its digital transformation, inclusive and forward-looking policies will be essential to ensure that the benefits of generative AI are shared widely while minimizing potential risks to workers.
