The digital economy landscape in Vietnam is currently undergoing a significant transformation. Electronic commerce (e-commerce), long known as a channel for buying and selling transactions, is now rapidly evolving into a broader and more integrated digital trade ecosystem. This shift not only changes transaction methods but also completely overhauls business operational structures and workforce needs in the era of artificial intelligence.
According to Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Hong Quan from the Foreign Trade University, this transition is a qualitative leap that digitalizes the entire corporate value chain—from market research to supply chain management. In the digital trade model, data transforms into a strategic asset, while artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and cloud computing serve as the three main pillars supporting real-time operational efficiency.
However, the greatest challenge for businesses today is the availability of qualified human resources. The current labor market is still dominated by personnel for basic operational tasks, while the need for data analysts, digital experience managers, and business innovation specialists capable of processing data and implementing AI technology remains very limited. This quality imbalance is a serious obstacle for companies to compete on an international scale.
To respond to these challenges, strategic collaboration is required between the education sector, government, and business players. Universities are now encouraged to design curricula relevant to industry needs, such as smart digital trade programs, while businesses need to create space for young talent to practice their technological skills in real-world scenarios.
In the future, the success of a business will no longer be measured solely by sales volume, but by its agility in utilizing the digital ecosystem. Investment in cutting-edge technology must go hand in hand with capacity building for HR who possess a data-driven mindset and cross-platform collaboration skills to remain competitive amidst increasingly fierce global trade winds.
