By Christina Ameln, Advisor | Sustainability, Social Impact & Engagement –
As Vietnam accelerates toward a greener and more digitised economy, one fundamental question must be addressed: Who gets to participate in that future?
Inclusion in this context means more than access to digital tools or green jobs. It’s about ensuring that people from all walks of life—including women, persons with disabilities, low-income communities, and mid-career professionals—have the skills, support, and opportunity to shape and benefit from the country’s economic transformation and Vietnam’s journey to achieve net-zero by 2050. The path forward must be equitable, intentional, and future-ready.
That was the focus of the panel “Powering Vietnam’s Green and Digital Future Through Inclusive Workforce Development”, held during the ESG Investor Conference 2025 in Ho Chi Minh City.
Moderated by sustainability and social impact advisor Christina Ameln, the panel brought together leaders from technology, education, and impact investing—all with a shared purpose: to ensure Vietnam’s workforce transition leaves no one behind.
As the Christina noted, “They weren’t just speaking to the audience—they were speaking to each other.” The conversation had real charge—ideas were flying. Panelists leaned in, nodded vigorously, and by the end of the panel, they walked off to huddle further—already deep in discussion about next steps.
Inclusion is an Economic Imperative
The discussion began with a clear-eyed view of the stakes. Ameln highlighted a striking figure from the International Labour Organization (ILO): Vietnam loses over $1.82 billion in GDP by excluding persons with disabilities from the workforce.
That number isn’t just about equity—it’s a reminder that talent is everywhere, and inclusion is smart economics. Unlocking that potential requires more than policy—it demands collaboration and innovation.
Is ESG Dead? Not in This Room
The session quickly took on the provocative question dominating many ESG discussions today: Is ESG dead?
Each panelist brought a unique lens shaped by their sector—technology, education, and investment. And while their contexts varied, their responses were unified and emphatic. What emerged was a reminder that ESG—when done right—is not just about compliance or capital; it’s about building systems that enable long-term value, resilience, and inclusion.
“ESG is not dead—it’s happening,” said Tuan Pham, Co-Founder of VertZéro @ FPT Corporation. “But companies that don’t act now will face real business risks—from rising interest rates to lost contracts.”
As one of Vietnam’s most prominent tech companies, FPT is positioning itself at the forefront of the country’s net-zero transition. The company has publicly declared its emissions, committed to net zero by 2040, and is investing in tens of thousands of AI and semiconductor engineers to build Vietnam’s next-generation workforce—ensuring that digital transformation includes local talent.
From Learning to Earning: Education That Works
If tech is one pillar of Vietnam’s future, education is the bridge that gets people there. Representing the academic perspective, Dr. Phung Van Dong, Executive Director of Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) Vietnam, shared how institutions can open doors to green and digital careers—particularly for those often left behind.
“We’re not just training people—we’re learning with them.”
AIT’s learner-first approach blends academic excellence with practical access. Through hybrid learning, partnerships, and Training of Trainers (TOT) models, the institute is reaching rural provinces and low-income communities—ensuring that skilling isn’t just for the few, but for the future.
Investing Through a Gender Lens
As the conversation turned toward capital and equity, Jennifer Buckley, Founder and Managing Director of Sweef Capital, offered a powerful perspective from the investment world.
Her firm doesn’t just fund businesses—it reshapes how value is defined. What sets their approach apart is intentionality: capital isn’t just flowing—it’s directed, deliberately, toward inclusion.
“We look at ROI differently. Pay equity, flexible work, and inclusive promotion policies are not just good ethics—they’re good economics.”
While FPT drives change through technology and AIT through education,Sweef Capital is using the force of investment—intentionally—to back businesses that uplift women, persons with disabilities, and underserved communities. From education and healthcare to the green economy, their portfolio is proof that when inclusion is part of the design, it becomes central to commercial success.
Because if you don’t think about inclusion—you won’t build for it.
Partnerships Are the Game Changer
While each organisation has its own approach, the panelists converged around a shared truth: no one can create an inclusive workforce alone.
“Partnerships are the centre of everything we do,” said Dr. Dong.
Whether it’s government collaborations to co-fund education, or private sector engagement to develop ESG tools for SMEs, these multi-stakeholder partnerships are essential to scaling real impact.
Opportunity or Obsolescence? The Choice Is Ours
As the panel came to a close, Christina asked a powerful question: Are we preparing people for opportunity—or for obsolescence in the face of AI and automation?
“We need to create local talent now—or we’ll pay for it later,” warned Tuan Pham.
It’s a sentiment echoed across the panel: the digital and green transitions will only be sustainable if they are inclusive. That means rethinking education, financing, and partnerships with an eye toward adaptability and equity.
According to the ILO, around 60% of young people in Vietnam may lack the necessary skills to thrive in the green economy by 2030. This highlights the urgent need for comprehensive workforce development to ensure that all Vietnamese workers are equipped to contribute to—and benefit from—the country’s net-zero goals.
And with that reality, we cannot afford to exclude anyone. A future-ready Vietnam depends on everyone showing up. A truly future-ready Vietnam means every worker—regardless of background—has the opportunity, tools, and training to play their part.
And when leaders from three sectors huddle offstage—with shared urgency and intention—you know something’s shifting. If inclusion is our starting point, then collaboration is how we get there. The conversation isn’t over—it’s gaining speed. And Vietnam’s future workforce may well be shaped by what comes next.
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