How Vietnam’s Millennials and Gen Z Are Redefining Progress.

With over 40% of Vietnam‘s population under 30, the youth represent one of the country’s greatest assets for innovation and economic growth. Millennials and Gen Z in Vietnam are not just inheritors of the country’s future—they are active architects of a society valuing sustainability, education, and equitable opportunities. However, systemic barriers, such as limited access to quality education and urban-rural economic disparities, challenge their aspirations.

Our collaborative study with Vero Advocacy highlights two critical areas for Vietnam’s youth: education reform and sustainability-driven entrepreneurship. These issues represent challenges and opportunities, offering a roadmap for stakeholders to invest in Vietnam’s youth and unlock its potential.

Demographic Spotlight: Who Are Vietnam’s Youth?

Millennials (26–41) and Gen Z (10–25) are redefining Vietnam’s cultural, economic, and environmental future.

Millennials: Vietnam’s Stabilising Force

Population Impact: Millennials dominate the workforce, particularly in sectors like technology, finance, and education.
Education and Career Priorities: Many are tertiary-educated and value job stability and career growth. However, they often face challenges adapting to the fast-evolving digital economy.
Housing Aspirations: Ownership remains a priority for this group, reflecting their desire for stability and long-term security.

Gen Z: The Trailblazers of Change

Employment Trends: Gen Z embraces flexibility, creativity, and purpose-driven work, gravitating toward freelancing, entrepreneurship, and social impact roles.
Digital Natives: They dominate platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, using them not just for self-expression but also for activism and advocacy.
Focus on Sustainability: Gen Z in Vietnam is leading the charge for green initiatives, from waste management campaigns to sustainable consumer choices.

Education Reform: Bridging Quality and Accessibility

Education is the cornerstone of Vietnam’s future, but challenges like urban-rural divides, outdated curricula, and inadequate vocational training block progress.

Key Challenges

Urban-Rural Disparities:
- Urban areas like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City dominate educational resources, while rural regions lack infrastructure and teacher quality.
- According to our study, over 45% of rural youth cite limited access to STEM education as a barrier to entering high-demand sectors.
Outdated Curricula:
- Vietnam’s education system remains heavily focused on rote learning, leaving graduates ill-equipped for problem-solving and innovation in the modern economy.
Lack of Vocational Training:
- High-growth industries like renewable energy and technology face talent shortages due to insufficient vocational and technical education.

Example: Vietnam’s “Teach For Vietnam” Program

Teach For Vietnam, inspired by the global Teach For All network, places skilled professionals in underserved areas to improve education and foster student leadership.

Achievements:

It has reduced dropout rates and improved STEM education access by impacting over 10,000 students across Quang Nam and Tay Ninh provinces.
The program trains local teachers in innovative teaching methods, aligning classroom instruction with the demands of a digital economy.

Broader Implications:
This program demonstrates how grassroots initiatives can close education gaps, particularly in rural regions, setting a foundation for national replication.

Global Inspiration: Germany’s Dual Education Model

Germany’s dual education system combines classroom learning with hands-on apprenticeships, producing a highly skilled workforce.

Key Features:

Apprenticeships in High-Demand Sectors: Over 50% of German students participate in apprenticeship programs, gaining skills in engineering, renewable energy, and IT.
Industry Partnerships: Companies co-design curricula to ensure graduates are job-ready, reducing skills mismatches.

Implications for Vietnam:
Vietnam can integrate vocational training into secondary education, tailoring programs to local industries like textile manufacturing, tourism, and tech startups.

Sustainability-Driven Entrepreneurship: A Green Future for Vietnam

Vietnam’s youth are not just sustainability consumers—they are change creators. Millennials and Gen Z are at the forefront of sustainability-driven entrepreneurship, turning climate challenges into business opportunities.

Key Trends in Green Entrepreneurship

Eco-Friendly Enterprises:
- Youth-led startups in sustainable fashion, organic farming, and renewable energy are gaining traction.
- According to our report, 62% of Gen Z in Vietnam prefer working for companies that align with their environmental values.
Circular Economy Innovation:
- Young entrepreneurs are adopting circular business models, from waste-to-energy projects to plastic-free consumer goods.
Digital Platforms for Advocacy:
- Social media platforms enable youth entrepreneurs to amplify their sustainable initiatives and reach broader markets.

Example: Hanoi’s “Plastic Action” Initiative

In Hanoi, Plastic Action, a youth-led grassroots movement, partners with local businesses to combat plastic waste.

Key Activities:

Community Engagement: Organises monthly clean-ups in urban neighbourhoods and rural areas, collecting over 20 tons of plastic waste annually.
Education Campaigns: Collaborates with schools to teach students about sustainable waste management practices.
Eco-Friendly Alternatives: Works with local vendors to introduce biodegradable packaging, reducing single-use plastics.

Impact:
The initiative has raised awareness and created economic opportunities for youth entrepreneurs to produce eco-friendly alternatives.

Global Inspiration: Sweden’s E-Skills for All Program

Sweden’s national initiative equips young entrepreneurs with digital skills to scale their green businesses online.

Key Features:

Universal Broadband Access: Sweden has invested heavily in rural connectivity, ensuring equitable access to digital tools.
Entrepreneurial Support: The program provides free training in e-commerce, sustainability practices, and business management, enabling youth to scale green initiatives.

Implications for Vietnam:
Vietnam could adopt similar strategies to expand rural broadband infrastructure and provide localised training for sustainable business practices.

The Brand Opportunity

For brands operating in Vietnam, the youth-driven focus on education and sustainability presents a golden opportunity:

Align with Purpose-Driven Values: Support youth-led green initiatives and education reforms to build long-term brand loyalty.
Invest in Local Talent: Create localised training programs and employment pathways, particularly in underserved regions.
Amplify Authentic Voices: Collaborate with youth influencers and entrepreneurs to engage audiences and drive meaningful change.

Final Thoughts

Vietnam’s Millennials and Gen Z are the architects of a brighter, greener future. Addressing systemic barriers in education and fostering sustainability-driven entrepreneurship are not just strategies for progress—they are imperatives for building a resilient economy.

Policymakers and brands must collaborate to empower Vietnam’s youth, leveraging their energy, innovation, and values to create a society rooted in equity and sustainability. Together, they can transform challenges into opportunities, ensuring Vietnam’s next generation leads with purpose and impact.

Download the Full Report

Gain deeper insights into how Vietnam’s youth are reshaping the future of education and sustainability. Download our collaborative report with Vero Advocacy for actionable strategies tailored to Millennials and Gen Z in Southeast Asia. Click here to learn more.

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