Software engineering: Backbone of Vietnam's digital future

The Future of Jobs 2025 report by the World Economic Forum (WEF) ranks software engineering among the four fastest-growing professions through 2030. The growing reliance on artificial intelligence, big data, and cloud computing across industries—from banking and retail to healthcare and education—has heightened the need for software solutions to operate, innovate, and optimize business functions.

In Vietnam, government initiatives promoting digital transformation, support for tech startups, and increasing investment in AI, blockchain, and fintech have driven up demand for skilled software engineers.

The profession has also become increasingly popular among Vietnamese students. Vietnam is emerging as a dynamic software development hub in Asia. According to TopDev, the country's IT services market is expected to generate approximately $2.07 billion in 2024, with software outsourcing representing the majority. As Southeast Asia's fastest-growing digital economy, Vietnam offers significant opportunities for the expansion of its software engineering industry.

A teacher guiding students in a software engineering class. Photo courtesy of BUV

TopDev estimates that Vietnam will need around 750,000 IT workers by 2026, while the current workforce stands at approximately 560,000, resulting in a gap of nearly 200,000. Existing training programs meet only about 65% of industry demand, translating into strong job prospects for software engineering graduates.

The field also offers competitive salaries. According to TopDev's 2024–2025 Vietnam IT Market Report, software engineers in Vietnam earn between $1,100 and $3,000 per month, with roles in AI and cybersecurity commanding even higher pay due to talent shortages.

Unlike many other professions threatened by automation, software engineers are responsible for building automation technologies, making them less vulnerable to being replaced and central to ongoing digital transformation efforts. This has led several countries to consider software engineers a strategic component of workforce planning for the future.

Future opportunities

Despite its promise, the software engineering sector in Vietnam still faces challenges. A 2022 survey by Navigos Group found that over 60% of employers believe Vietnamese tech students lack key soft skills and English proficiency—both critical for success in global workplaces.

TopDev also notes that hands-on experience and familiarity with advanced technologies remain areas for improvement among local workers, especially in fields that demand creativity, adaptability, collaboration, and cross-cultural communication.

As technology rapidly evolves, software engineers must continuously update their skills. The WEF report highlights AI, big data, and cybersecurity as among the fastest-growing technical skill sets through 2030. At the same time, employers are placing increasing value on complementary capabilities such as critical thinking, creativity, adaptability, and lifelong learning. These shifts are redefining software engineers as not only coders but also problem solvers and innovators.

In response to this trend, many Vietnamese universities are reshaping their software engineering programs to be more practical and globally oriented. Among them, British University Vietnam (BUV) has distinguished itself with an industry-aligned approach. BUV's Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering program combines technical instruction with real-world applications, including hands-on projects, workshops with experts, and business partnerships.

Students at the School of Computing & Innovative Technologies at BUV showcasing their work to industry experts. BUV. Photo courtesy of BUV

The curriculum integrates in-demand technical skills such as system programming, user interface design, software testing, artificial intelligence, and data analytics. It also emphasizes essential workplace skills like project management, collaboration, and problem-solving. Soft skills—including creativity, communication, and adaptability—are cultivated to prepare students for success in global digital environments.

According to BUV, software engineering is no longer just a technical discipline but a strategic one, driving innovation and contributing to solutions for complex challenges across the digital economy. In the next five to ten years, software engineers are expected to play key roles in shaping digital transformation, enhancing operational efficiency, and addressing societal issues through technology.

British University Vietnam is the first university in Vietnam to receive a QS 5-star rating and the first in Vietnam and ASEAN to be accredited by the U.K.'s Quality Assurance Agency (QAA). Its programs are designed to reflect current industry needs, combining academic rigor with practical experience to ensure 100% of graduates find employment or pursue further study within three months of graduation. Learn more about BUV's software engineering program here.