Empowering workers for digital economy
Equipping workers with digital skills and enhancing their ability to adapt to technological production lines are key solutions to improving labor productivity.
Meeting the demands of modern production
According to the Hai Phong Economic Zone Authority, as of the end of March 2026, the city had attracted a total of 1,038 foreign direct investment (FDI) projects with registered capital exceeding USD 44 billion, along with 380 domestic investment (DDI) projects totaling more than VND 581.2 trillion (equivalent to USD 24.84 billion).
The expansion of factories and production scale is creating significant demand for skilled labor capable of working on advanced and modern production lines. Ms. Tran Thi Kim Thoa, Director of ISO Solution Consulting and Training Co., Ltd., noted: “For workers, digital skills can be applied at various levels—from using digital devices, drafting documents, sending emails, and searching for information online, to operating specialized software, managing data, programming, analyzing big data, using artificial intelligence (AI), ensuring cybersecurity, and developing applications or software.”
Modern production lines, with high precision requirements, demand that workers develop comprehensive skill sets. Ms. Do Phuong Nhung, HR & Administration Director at Hyundai Kefico Co., Ltd., said that in 2026 the company plans to recruit around 150 workers and 50 engineers (including technical and lab management engineers). The relatively modest number of workers reflects the company’s reliance on automated production lines. Engineers are therefore required to possess core competencies such as developing and managing process documentation (Process Flow, Control Plan, FMEA, Work Instructions), assessing process and equipment capabilities (MSA, Process Capability, try-out) before mass production, and applying statistical process control (SPC) tools to optimize efficiency.
At many enterprises, the development of digital skills is being implemented through structured roadmaps. Mr. Vu Viet Manh, Deputy Factory Director at HHP GLOBAL Joint Stock Company, shared: “We regularly recruit positions such as purchasing staff, administrative receptionists, and transport team leaders, requiring at least two years of experience, with competitive salaries and full benefits. For equipment operation engineers, after facing recruitment shortages, we shifted to hiring candidates who meet basic requirements and then provide training aligned with their abilities. We also support them in improving foreign language proficiency, operational skills for modern machinery, and the application of digital technologies and AI to search, evaluate, generate, and share information—enhancing specialization, efficiency, safety, and innovation in production.”
Enhancing skills development
The development of digital skills for frontline workers, along with strengthening young people’s ability to apply technology before entering the labor market, is becoming a top priority for many organizations and institutions.
XiongTai Vietnam Co., Ltd. (Nam Dinh Vu Industrial Park), a 100% foreign-invested enterprise specializing in the production of stainless steel insulated bottles and cups for export, has been operating steadily since August 2025 and currently employs 279 workers. According to Mr. Jiang Zai Hua, Deputy Director of the company, nearly VND 500 billion has been invested in upgrading technology, helping increase labor productivity by 10%. Recognizing human resources as the core of development, the company aims in 2026 to provide training and upskilling for about 30% of its workforce, with a focus on enhancing digital skills and technological adaptability.
Learning environments and opportunities to access digital skills for young workers are also expanding. Dr. Tran Ba Kien, Rector of Hai Duong Central College of Pharmacy, shared: “With the goal of building a modern and professional learning and research environment, the college has introduced two new IT laboratories equipped with 72 computers, serving as classrooms and online testing facilities. The school has also launched a digital library system connected to the National Library and various universities both domestically and internationally, enabling students to easily access specialized and interdisciplinary materials. This contributes to building a comprehensive digital learning ecosystem, equipping graduates with essential digital competencies to work effectively in pharmaceutical companies, corporations, and research institutes nationwide.”
“Given the city’s strong development in industry, seaports, logistics, and e-commerce, labor demand is shifting from quantity to quality—especially digital skills, technological competence, and adaptability to modern working environments. In the near future, workers with digital skills and adaptive thinking will be the most sought-after group. Hai Phong’s labor market today does not lack jobs, but lacks workers who meet new requirements,” emphasized by Mr. Tang Tien Son, Director of the Hai Phong Employment Service Center.
He added that beyond organizing online job exchanges and virtual interviews, the center is also promoting career counseling, seminars on employment trends in the digital era, and other support activities to help workers not only find jobs but also equip themselves with the digital skills required by businesses.
Mai Le