Pharmaceutical company OPC, committed to a sustainable development strategy, established its own raw material cultivation area in 2006. Le Thi Thuy Anh, Deputy General Director of OPC, explained that amidst the green transition, controlling the source of raw materials meets market demands and enhances the management of medicinal plant quality indices.

Recently, they established an AI-powered center for medicinal plant research and logistics optimization. According to Anh, this has created a need for "green jobs" filled by individuals proficient in technology and biotechnology. "Human resources are crucial in this sustainable development journey," she stated.

Similarly, Nguyen Dinh Tung, General Director of fruit exporter Vina T&T, emphasizes the importance of human resources in their sustainable ecosystem development. He stated the company needs engineers skilled in operating factories with advanced green standards, replacing outdated technologies.

"We are seeking 'green personnel' from institutes and universities, but the supply is insufficient," Tung shared at a recent Uni Tour program organized by the Vietnam High-Quality Goods Business Association at Eastern International University (EIU).

From left: Dr. Nguyen Thanh Trong, Vice President of Eastern International University; Mr. Nguyen Dinh Tung, Chairman and CEO of Vina T&T Group; Ms. Le Thi Thuy Anh, Deputy General Director of OPC at a panel discussion during the Uni Tour program. Photo: Sy Nam

From left: Dr. Nguyen Thanh Trong, Vice President of Eastern International University; Mr. Nguyen Dinh Tung, Chairman and CEO of Vina T&T Group; Ms. Le Thi Thuy Anh, Deputy General Director of OPC at a panel discussion during the Uni Tour program. Photo: Sy Nam

According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), "green jobs" are roles across various sectors (agriculture, industry, services, administration) that contribute to environmental preservation, restoration, and enhancement.

LinkedIn's 2023 Global Green Skills Report indicates that professionals in science, technology, engineering, construction, and agriculture are prime candidates for the green job market.

LinkedIn reported a 12.3% increase in professionals with climate crisis-relevant skills between 2022 and 2023. However, job postings requiring at least one green skill nearly doubled to 22.4% during the same period.

"Trillions of USD are being invested annually, and this will continue in the near future. Climate-related efforts are growing exponentially, creating a vast demand for green jobs and skills," said Allen Blue, LinkedIn Co-founder, at last year's World Economic Forum.

A recent Manpower Vietnam report reveals that 91% of global businesses lack the green workforce to achieve sustainability goals, with this shortage projected to last until 2030. Their survey of over 40,000 businesses across 42 countries indicates that demand for green jobs is double the current supply.

Mirroring the global trend, Vietnam's green job market is gaining momentum, driven by the government's 2025 carbon neutrality target and increasing corporate sustainability practices. PwC Vietnam's "ESG Practice Progress 2025" report shows that 44% of businesses are implementing ESG (environmental, social, and governance) initiatives, up from 28% three years prior.

Adecco's Q2 labor market report highlights a surge in recruitment within the renewable energy sector, fueled by the updated Power Development Plan VIII. Solar, wind, and LNG projects in Ninh Thuan, Binh Thuan, and Thanh Hoa have driven a 62% year-on-year increase in job postings.

Essential for the dual (green and digital) transition, technology recruitment also increased by nearly 30% in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City last quarter, according to Adecco. Businesses actively seek talent with expertise in AI, machine learning, and cloud computing.

Dr. Nguyen Thanh Trong, Vice President of EIU, stated that the university recognized the trend and demand for green skills early on. Established in 2010, EIU introduced courses on sustainable development and smart cities in 2021.

Today, sustainability is integrated into most programs. Students participate in practical projects with businesses, alongside theoretical learning. The university also houses an innovation center focused on research for corporate sustainability needs. EIU President Ngo Minh Duc stated that 96% of their graduates secure employment.

A corner of EIU's Business Incubator and Innovation Center. Photo: Sy Nam

A corner of EIU's Business Incubator and Innovation Center. Photo: Sy Nam

According to Vu Kim Hanh, President of the Vietnam High-Quality Goods Business Association, connecting universities, institutes, and businesses is crucial for developing a green workforce to meet international integration requirements and enhance competitiveness.

Le Thi Thuy Anh commends Vietnamese universities for prioritizing sustainability knowledge and mindset among students, saving businesses valuable training time.

"For example, when students develop a product, they immediately consider the environmental impact of the materials and the associated processing costs for the business and society," she explained.

For those seeking green jobs, Manpower advises that continuous learning and skill development are essential, beyond basic knowledge. Applicants should tailor their CVs to highlight relevant experience and enthusiasm. During interviews, clearly articulate their experience in sustainable development to demonstrate knowledge, mindset, and commitment to positive change.

Dy Tung