[Recap] GBA IT Networking Breakfast: Key Challenges and Opportunities in Vietnam’s IT Sector

IT networking breakfast GBA 3

HCMC, May 8 – The German Business Association (GBA) successfully hosted an IT Networking Breakfast at Deutsches Haus Ho Chi Minh City, bringing together senior leaders from Vietnam’s tech sector for a morning of open dialogue, knowledge sharing, and meaningful networking. Participants included representatives from Bosch Vietnam, CBTW, Citek, CMC Global, FPT Software, NFQ, SGH Asia, and SPS Vietnam.

This session provided a platform to openly discuss current challenges facing the IT industry while exploring practical ideas and collaborative approaches to ensure Vietnam remains competitive in the regional and global tech landscape.

Key Takeaways:

  • AI in Practice
    Artificial Intelligence is no longer just a buzzword – it’s becoming a core part of product development and service delivery. Participants emphasized the growing demand for engineers with real-world experience implementing AI to accelerate project execution. The discussion also highlighted the importance of transparent and ethical AI frameworks that prioritize data privacy and the protection of intellectual property, ensuring compliance with evolving regulations and fostering trust in AI-driven solutions.
  • Skills Gap and Communication Readiness
    Vietnam’s tech talent pool is expanding rapidly, with noticeable improvements in English proficiency and global communication skills. Many companies are actively investing in structured English training programs to further enhance their teams’ readiness for international collaboration and client engagement – opening doors to higher-value projects and global opportunities.
  • From Cost Advantage to Value Differentiation
    With Vietnam’s tech sector maturing, the focus is shifting toward value creation through innovation, quality, and long-term talent retention. Engineering excellence, cultural alignment, and reliable delivery are becoming key differentiators in a competitive global market.
  • Vietnam’s Global Tech Positioning
    There was broad agreement that Vietnam’s strong technical capabilities deserve greater international visibility. Increasing participation in global tech forums, hosting more industry events, and promoting local success stories are essential to raising Vietnam’s profile as a preferred software development destination.
  • Market Trends and Demand Areas
    Emerging demand in areas such as cloud migration, ESG-driven technology solutions, and modernization of legacy systems – especially in markets like Japan and Korea – represent significant growth opportunities for Vietnam-based tech firms.

This edition of the GBA IT Networking Breakfast reinforced the importance of cross-industry dialogue in solving sector-wide challenges and aligning on a shared vision for growth. With the right mix of collaboration, upskilling, and international outreach, Vietnam is well-positioned to play a leading role in the region’s digital transformation.

We would like to express our thanks to all participants and especially to GBA Board Member, Dirk Arend for leading the session. We look forward to hosting more sessions and turning your ideas into action. Let’s shape the future of IT in Vietnam, together.