With the dawn of 2025, businesses across various sectors are preparing to navigate new market trends and consumer behaviors shaped largely by advances in technology and shifting demographics. Reports from key industry analysts forecast significant changes, particularly emphasizing the roles of AI and the Millennial and Gen Z populations as primary drivers of economic activity.
The job market, especially, is reshaping as companies hone their focus on digital talent. According to the recruitment trend report by TopCV, titled "Developing Digital Talent Adaptable in the AI Era," there is an increasing demand for employees skilled in technology and AI. The report indicates businesses are particularly focused on filling roles within sales and marketing, with recruitment projected to rise by 8.3% compared to the previous year. This surge is viewed as necessary to align workforce capabilities with strategic business objectives and to stimulate market growth.
65.2% of companies surveyed indicated boosting business activity and market growth as their top priority for the period leading up to 2025. This aligns with the trend of hiring personnel with two to three years of experience. Positions related to IT—particularly software engineering—also remain highly sought after, though there is evidence of saturation within the software talent pool, and demand has slightly reduced. Strikingly, businesses are shifting focus from hiring senior-level IT professionals to targeting those with mid-level experience.
There is also mounting urgency for organizations to onboard AI specialists. Many organizations are reallocing resources to prioritize recruitment strategies focused on digital capabilities. Data from Vietnam’s Ministry of Information and Communications reveals at least 500,000 tech workers are needed to meet the demand for quality talent, particularly within AI, big data, and cybersecurity. The anticipated incorporation of AI across various roles is expected to intensify as about 28% of companies plan to deepen their AI applications by 2025, surging to 75% over the next five years.
Across the retail sector, shifts driven by technology and changing consumer behaviors are notable. The rise of Gen Z, comprising part of the demographic transformation, will reportedly contribute to 39% of total retail spending by 2030. Retail adaptation will increasingly rely on mobile commerce, which is expected to accelerate as 55% of Gen Z shoppers prefer platforms such as Instagram and TikTok for purchases. Retailers must now recalibrate their strategies to engage consumers through these preferred channels.
The 2024 Consumer Sentiment Survey provided by PwC reflects the complexity of consumer choice, showing 22% of shoppers intend to prioritize environmentally friendly products, highlighting the interplay between financial constraints and social responsibility. Young consumers are particularly aware of their purchasing power and seek transparency from brands, identifying strong alignment with personal values as key to continued elevated spending.
The retail environment is morphing, as the barriers between online and physical shopping increasingly dissolve. Innovations, such as QR codes and integrated shopping experiences, allow for flexibility where purchasing can initiate online but finalize in-store. One projection suggests this hybrid model may account for 20% of e-commerce spending by 2027, providing opportunities for retailers willing to innovate.
Meanwhile, analysis concerning Vietnam's stock market suggests it may remain trapped within the 1,240 to 1,300 point range, exhibiting cautious investor sentiment through the latter half of 2024. Reports from the TP Securities Company predict the VN-Index could aim for these parameters for 2025, dependent on the ability to break through this resistance level. Should achieving this trigger significant market momentum, some analysts suggest the index could rise to between 1,360 and 1,450 points. Yet, volatility caused by profit-taking may indicate fluctuations, needing careful investor management.
Investors are urged to focus on gradual gains against backdrops of cautious optimism as liquidity remains tepid. The stock market is on the brink of potentially significant transitions, as the blend of sustainable economic practices and technological adaptation could solidify its growth.
2025 promises to be pivotal as industries adapt to technology-driven changes shaped by AI and shifting demographics. Companies must prioritize agility, learning, and transparency to satisfy rapidly changing consumer expectations. The essence of these market trends reflects the necessity of adapting swiftly to uphold relevance and competitiveness within this fast-evolving economic environment.
