Vietnam’s Emerging Tech Talent: How It Compares to India and the Philippines

Admin Team June 26, 2024

When U.S. businesses think of offshore tech talent, India and the Philippines often top the list. But there's a new contender rising quickly—and quietly: Vietnam. It now boasts a deep bench of highly skilled engineers at a cost structure and quality level that’s turning heads. So how does Vietnam stack up against the legacy giants? Let’s break it down.

Vietnam vs. India vs. Philippines: A Talent Market Snapshot

Criteria	Vietnam	India	Philippines
STEM Education	Strong, government-supported	Extensive, deeply established	Growing, but less STEM-focused
English Proficiency	Moderate to strong (esp. in tech)	Varies by region	Very strong across industries
Attrition Rates	Low to moderate	High	Moderate to high
Cultural Fit (U.S. Firms)	High—collaborative, eager to learn	Good but variable	High in service roles

1. Vietnam’s Tech Talent Is Young, Fast-Growing, and Hungry

Vietnam’s tech ecosystem is scaling rapidly—with over 55,000 IT graduates entering the workforce each year. Cities like Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, and Da Nang are home to thriving startup scenes, backed by major investors. This means you’re not just hiring "cheap labor"—you’re hiring ambitious, globally aware developers who are eager to innovate and grow.

2. Lower Attrition, Higher Loyalty Than India

One major pain point with offshore hiring in India is high employee churn. Vietnam, by contrast, has a cultural emphasis on loyalty and career stability. This translates into lower turnover, stronger knowledge retention, and better long-term team dynamics.

3. English Is Not a Barrier—Especially for Tech Roles

While the Philippines leads in English fluency overall, Vietnam is catching up fast, especially in the tech sector. Most Vietnamese developers have solid reading/writing skills, are comfortable on video calls, and have experience working with global teams.

4. Highly Competitive in Advanced Tech Skills

Vietnamese developers are highly competent in full-stack web & mobile development, embedded systems, AI/ML, and Blockchain. Many multinationals like Samsung, Bosch, and Intel have established R&D centers in Vietnam, tapping into this sophisticated talent base.

5. Ideal for Startups and SMBs That Need Quality on a Budget

If you’re a growing U.S. company that needs a senior engineer at 1/3 the cost, a dedicated team that stays long-term, and a partner to navigate compliance, Vietnam is the sweet spot. While the Philippines is top for support and India for scale, Vietnam gives you startup-level flexibility with enterprise-grade talent.

So, Who Should Hire in Vietnam?

Vietnam is a smart choice for tech startups seeking long-term developers, U.S. firms wanting lower attrition, and any business needing cost-effective yet technically strong teams. With VietAssist’s EOR and headhunting services, the process is fast and fully compliant.

Final Takeaway

If you’re still looking at only India or the Philippines for offshore tech talent—you’re missing out on one of the fastest-growing and most reliable tech talent markets in Southeast Asia. Vietnam is no longer emerging. It’s arrived.

👉 Want to Build Your Vietnam-Based Remote Tech Team? Book a free consultation.