Startups
3 Reasons for Vietnam’s Thriving Tech Talent
Why US Startups Should Look to Vietnam
Vietnam has been making headlines as one of the fastest-growing economies in Southeast Asia, and for good reason. The country’s tech sector, in particular, is booming, with young and dynamic entrepreneurs driving innovation and growth.
But what many startups in the US may not realize is that Vietnam is also home to a world-class engineering talent pool. Vietnam produces more IT graduates than any other country in Southeast Asia. Naturally, it is fast becoming a major outsourcing destination for tech companies around the world.
So why is Vietnam’s tech talent such a hidden goldmine?
The Infrastructure
Firstly, Vietnam’s education system places a strong emphasis on STEM education, which includes science, technology, engineering, and math. In particular, math and science education in Vietnam is widely recognized as some of the best in the world. But this is no accident.
The Vietnamese government has invested heavily in the development of the country’s IT infrastructure and education system. This has led to the establishment of a number of specialized institutions, such as the Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology (PTIT) and the Hanoi University of Science and Technology, which offer advanced degrees in technology and engineering.
Vietnam produces more IT graduates than any other country in Southeast Asia.
The emphasis on STEM education has created a culture that values technology and innovation across the whole spectrum of society. FPT, one of the largest privately held software and IT services companies in Vietnam, established several educational programs, including a university and a high school, to promote technology education and provide support to disadvantaged communities in Vietnam.
As a result, young Vietnamese students are exposed to coding and programming from a young age and have the opportunity to develop their skills in a structured and supportive environment. This has helped to create a pipeline of talented engineers who are in high demand both in Vietnam and around the world.
The Talent
Secondly, Vietnamese engineers are known for their resourcefulness and adaptability. These traits are deeply rooted in the country’s history and culture. Vietnam has a long history of overcoming adversity, with a population that has endured numerous wars and economic struggles. These experiences have instilled a strong sense of resilience and determination in the Vietnamese people, which has translated into their approach to problem-solving.
Vietnamese engineers are also known for their strong work ethic and commitment to quality.
In the context of the tech industry, many Vietnamese startups have had to be creative in solving problems with limited resources. This has led to a culture of “doing more with less” and a focus on finding practical solutions to complex challenges. For example, many startups in Vietnam have had to work with limited funding and access to technology, which has forced them to be more resourceful in their approach to problem-solving.
Vietnamese engineers are also known for their ability to work under pressure as well as their strong work ethic and commitment to quality. Given the fast-paced and often unpredictable nature of the tech industry, engineers in Vietnam have become adept at responding to changing circumstances and finding new solutions to problems in a short amount of time. This ability to work under pressure and to think on their feet has helped Vietnamese engineers to become more innovative in their approach to problem-solving. Moreover, many engineering graduates in Vietnam have studied at top universities and have received rigorous training in mathematics, physics, and computer science. This has helped to create a pipeline of talented engineers who are well equipped to work on complex and innovative projects.
Overall, the combination of a culture of resilience and determination, a focus on finding practical solutions to complex challenges, and a strong work ethic and commitment to quality, has helped to make Vietnamese engineers some of the most sought-after in the world. Their ability to work under pressure and come up with innovative solutions to complex challenges has made them invaluable assets to both local and international tech companies.
The Cost
Perhaps the largest advantage of Vietnam’s tech talent is their cost-effectiveness. Compared to their counterparts in the US, Vietnamese engineers are significantly cheaper to hire. This means that startups and small businesses can get high-quality engineering talent at a fraction of the cost, which can be a game-changer for those looking to scale their operations quickly.
The cost of living in Vietnam is significantly lower than in the US, and this is reflected in the wages of engineers and other tech workers. For startups and small businesses, this cost advantage can be a game-changer. When developing a product and/or scaling a business, hiring quality engineering talent can be a major expense. In hiring Vietnamese engineers, businesses gain access to high-quality talent at a fraction of the cost, which helps to reduce overhead and improve the bottom line.
Many well-known tech companies have already set up operations in Vietnam, including Intel, Samsung, and LG.
The cost advantage of Vietnamese engineers means that startups can be more nimble in their hiring practices. Software development firms that specialize in connecting US companies with Vietnamese tech talent, like E3 Studios, help startups hire more engineers than they might be able to afford in the US, which can help to accelerate the pace of product development and bring new products and services to market more quickly.
Another advantage of the cost-effectiveness of Vietnamese engineers is that it allows businesses to invest more in other areas of their operations. For example, they can invest more in marketing, sales, or customer support, which can help to grow the businesses more quickly.
Finally, the cost advantage of Vietnamese engineers can also help businesses to be more competitive in the global marketplace. By keeping costs low, they can offer products and services at more competitive prices, which can help to win market share and gain an edge over competitors.
Conclusion
Despite all these advantages, Vietnam’s tech talent is still relatively unknown in the US. But as more and more US startups begin to look towards Southeast Asia for growth opportunities, it’s only a matter of time before Vietnam’s tech talent comes to the forefront.
Many well-known tech companies have already set up operations in Vietnam, including Intel, Samsung, and LG. And with the country’s tech sector growing at a rate of over 20% per year, there’s no shortage of talent to tap into.
So the next time you’re looking to scale your startup or invest in a high-growth company, don’t overlook Vietnam’s tech talent. They may just be the key to your success.
