Omdia’s latest insights position Vietnam as one of APAC’s most dynamic tech markets, driven by rapid digital adoption, strong AI potential, and a pragmatic, sustainability-focused approach to innovation.
Vietnam is steadily asserting its position as one of the most dynamic and promising technology markets in the Asia–Pacific region — an assessment made even clearer through in-depth discussions at the Canalys Forum APAC 2025. As a representative of TechTimes Vietnam, I had the opportunity to join several roundtable sessions with Omdia’s leading analysts. Omdia—now strengthened by its acquisition of Canalys—shared a detailed perspective on the region and highlighted Vietnam’s unique potential compared with its neighbors.
Omdia experts described the Asia–Pacific market as a “multi-colored mosaic,” defined by extreme diversity in digital maturity and consumption behavior. Japan stands out with high-end innovation and a streamlined channel ecosystem; South Korea leads in the deployment of 5G and industrial AI; India is booming with a vast population and fast-growing tech startup landscape; while ASEAN economies such as Thailand and Indonesia are prioritizing government-led digital transformation.
Within this spectrum, Vietnam is categorized as a “market of difference among markets of difference”—a fast-growing economy powered by a young population, over half of whom are under 30, and a high rate of digital adoption. Internet usage and mobile-first behaviors have become embedded in daily life, enabling millions of small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) to shift from traditional operations to cloud- and AI-based solutions for efficiency and automation.
Interestingly, analysts noted that Vietnam has a comparatively longer device replacement cycle—especially for PCs and AI PCs—because consumers tend to extract maximum value from older hardware before upgrading. This mindset reflects a culturally practical, cost-conscious approach that stands in contrast to more mature markets.
A Market Defined by Fast Adoption—But Even Faster Pragmatism
What makes Vietnam particularly appealing to Omdia’s analysts is the balance between rapid technology adoption and highly pragmatic purchasing decisions. Unlike some markets that embrace trends prematurely, Vietnamese consumers and businesses invest in AI only when they see tangible productivity benefits or operational savings.
For example, AI is being deployed across manufacturing and logistics for demand forecasting and supply chain optimization—but only when return on investment is clearly demonstrable. This pragmatism, according to Omdia, helps Vietnam avoid “technology bubble” pitfalls and builds a foundation for sustainable long-term growth.
AI PC Adoption: Rising Interest, Slower Refresh Cycles
Omdia’s experts noted increasing interest in PC upgrades—especially AI PCs—but emphasized that the replacement wave in Vietnam is progressing more slowly compared to developed APAC markets like Japan or Australia.
Several factors are driving this trend:
- Existing devices remain sufficient, especially for budget-conscious SMBs that prioritize stable operations over frequent upgrades.
- Consumers want real AI-enhanced experiences, not just hardware specifications—examples include AI-powered photo editing or virtual assistants for planning and productivity.
- AI PCs remain relatively expensive, limiting adoption among students and office workers.
Despite this, Omdia predicts Vietnam will become one of the leading adopters once prices decline. Competition among Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm, combined with deeper AI integration into tools like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and Adobe Creative Cloud, is expected to accelerate demand. From 2027 onward, analysts expect a sharp surge in AI PC sales—boosted further by government-led digital transformation initiatives.
Cybersecurity and AI: Vietnam Enters a High-Growth Phase
Cybersecurity and AI were among the most discussed topics, with Vietnam highlighted as a rapidly emerging growth market. Vietnamese enterprises are experiencing a strong “FOMO effect,” racing to experiment with AI to maintain competitiveness in e-commerce, finance, and healthcare.
Yet Omdia cautioned that investment in security — especially AI model protection, data integrity, and compliance—has not kept pace with AI experimentation. Analysts cited recent regional data breaches as warnings and emphasized the rising importance of “security for AI,” which focuses on protecting AI systems from poisoning, manipulation, and adversarial attacks.
Local giants such as FPT and Viettel, along with international vendors, are expected to tap into a cybersecurity market that could reach billions of dollars over the next decade.
Vietnam’s Tech Story Gains Global Attention
TechTimes Vietnam’s participation in Omdia’s roundtables also drew attention from international media and industry leaders from India, Thailand, Singapore, and the Middle East. Many described Vietnam as “Southeast Asia’s next technology hotspot,” citing a vibrant AI startup ecosystem with hundreds of companies developing solutions ranging from computer vision to natural language processing.
Vietnam’s technology journalism landscape also earned praise for its increasing depth—moving beyond surface-level reporting to include trend analysis, case studies, and market forecasts that reflect the real needs of businesses undergoing digital transformation.
Combined with major smart city initiatives in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi—and growing interest from global investors including Sequoia and Temasek—Vietnam is rapidly becoming a focal point for innovation in the region.
Conclusion: Vietnam Steps Into a New Era of Growth
Insights from Omdia point to Vietnam standing at the threshold of a new technology growth cycle, expected to accelerate over the next two to three years. AI infrastructure, PC upgrades, and cybersecurity will form a tightly connected trio, with security emerging as both a protective layer and a strategic foundation to unlock AI’s full potential.
As Vietnam’s ecosystem of media, channels, and startups continues to mature, the country is transitioning from an emerging market to a strategic pillar in the APAC region. In a world where AI and cloud computing are reshaping industries, Vietnam is poised not only to consume cutting-edge technologies but also to contribute as a regional innovation engine.
These insights from Omdia serve as a compelling reminder: Vietnam’s technology journey is just beginning—and the next chapter promises to be even more transformative.