The global job market is increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, with Vietnam's 2026 outlook showing high demand for AI experts and sales professionals. Sales roles alone account for nearly half of hiring needs, while the IT sector seeks web, back-end, and AI engineers. However, despite over 60% of companies updating job listings to require AI skills, only a small percentage offer higher base pay or bonuses for these capabilities, indicating a disconnect between demand and compensation.
Challenges in AI adoption persist, as a report indicates 95% of AI pilot projects fail due to inadequate infrastructure rather than technological issues. General Assembly's AI Academy addresses this by focusing on building capability infrastructure and training leaders to scale AI effectively, emphasizing upskilling internal talent as a cost-effective solution. Similarly, the Pentagon faces significant hurdles integrating Agentic AI into military networks, struggling with deployment in denied environments and scaling these advanced tools.
Specific AI applications and infrastructure developments are also underway. AI startup Nooks, for instance, is expanding its engineering team in Seattle to develop AI software that reduces busywork for sales teams, allowing humans to focus on judgment and relationships. Cisco is actively building secure infrastructure for the future of Agentic AI, embedding security into its network fabric to protect against new risks like prompt injection and data leakage. Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) is enhancing its AI in Manufacturing training by adding introductory quantum computing concepts, addressing the growing demand for AI skills in the region.
The broader implications of AI continue to spark discussion. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has drawn attention by comparing the energy consumption of AI chatbots to that of humans, suggesting AI is catching up in efficiency per question. This comparison, however, raises concerns among critics about the industry's potential detachment from human values. Meanwhile, the US manufacturing sector lags behind China in integrating AI directly into factory work for automation and real-time problem-solving, despite the US holding a technological advantage in AI. Even with AI's advanced capabilities in design and visualization, professions like architecture maintain that human judgment remains irreplaceable, especially concerning ethical and civic considerations.
Key Takeaways
- Vietnam's 2026 job market projects high demand for AI experts and sales professionals, with IT and healthcare sectors also growing.
- Over 60% of companies seek AI skills, but few offer increased base pay or bonuses for these capabilities.
- OpenAI CEO Sam Altman compares AI chatbot energy consumption to humans, suggesting AI's efficiency per question is comparable.
- Cisco is focusing on building secure infrastructure for Agentic AI, introducing innovations for AI defense and security operations.
- A report indicates 95% of AI pilot projects fail due to a lack of implementation infrastructure, not technology, prompting solutions like General Assembly's AI Academy.
- AI startup Nooks is expanding its engineering team in Seattle to develop AI software that streamlines tasks for sales teams.
- The US manufacturing sector lags China in integrating AI directly into factory operations despite its technological advantages in AI and robotics.
- Southern Connecticut State University is enhancing its AI in Manufacturing training program with introductory quantum computing concepts.
- The Pentagon faces significant challenges in integrating and scaling Agentic AI systems into operational military networks.
- AI can assist architects with design and visualization, but human judgment remains crucial for ethical, legal, and civic considerations.
Vietnam's 2026 job market: AI, sales, and semiconductors lead the way
In 2026, Vietnam's job market will see high demand for sales professionals and AI experts as companies focus on boosting revenue and digital transformation. Surveys show sales roles account for nearly half of all hiring needs, with a strong preference for candidates with one to five years of experience. The IT sector is also booming, especially for web developers, back-end developers, and AI engineers. Additionally, jobs in healthcare, like psychological counselors and nurses, are growing. Companies are looking for measurable impact and data analysis skills in marketing roles, while administrative and HR positions are less in demand.
AI skills are sought after but don't always increase pay
Many companies are looking for employees with artificial intelligence skills, with over 60% updating job listings to reflect this need. However, a recent report shows that only a small percentage of employers offer higher base pay or bonuses for these skills. While AI is transforming the labor market and some jobs are being replaced, especially in construction and technology, it is also creating new roles. The overall job market shows low voluntary turnover, with many workers holding onto their current positions.
Sam Altman compares AI chatbots to humans
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has drawn attention by comparing the energy consumption of AI chatbots to that of humans. He argued that when measuring energy efficiency per question, AI has already caught up to humans. This comparison suggests Altman views people and machines on equal terms, a stance that is becoming more common in the AI industry. Critics find this comparison alarming, whether it stems from a genuine belief in AI's superiority or is a calculated marketing tactic. The AI industry's focus on building advanced AI raises concerns about its detachment from human values.
Cisco Live EMEA: Building secure AI infrastructure for partners
Cisco is focusing on building the infrastructure to secure the future of AI, especially as it moves towards Agentic AI. Security is seen as an accelerator for innovation, not a barrier. The rise of Agentic AI, which acts autonomously, introduces new risks like prompt injection and data leakage. Cisco is embedding security into its network fabric to protect AI agents and the world from them. New innovations include expanded AI defense, SASE for Agentic AI, and AI-powered security operations. The Cisco 360 Partner Program is also evolving to reward partners for their expertise in secure networking and AI solutions.
General Assembly offers solution for failed AI projects
A new report indicates that 95% of AI pilot projects fail, not due to technology issues, but because companies lack the infrastructure to implement them. General Assembly's AI Academy provides a solution by focusing on building capability infrastructure and training leaders to scale AI effectively. Their program follows a four-stage model: Diagnose and Learn, Enable and Equip, Integrate and Automate, and Transform and Scale. This approach helps organizations embed AI into their workflows, leading to more successful and impactful AI adoption. Upskilling internal talent is seen as more cost-effective than hiring new AI experts.
AI startup Nooks expands engineering team in Seattle
San Francisco-based Nooks, a startup developing AI software for sales teams, is significantly expanding its engineering presence in Seattle. The company has grown its engineering team from zero to six members and is hiring for more roles. Nooks aims to tap into Seattle's talent pool of engineers experienced in building scalable systems. Their AI-driven products help reduce busywork for sales teams, such as account research and email writing, while keeping humans in control of judgment and relationships. Nooks competes in a crowded sales software market and is supported by investor Tola Capital.
US manufacturing lags China despite AI advancements
The United States has a technological advantage in areas like robotics, automation, and AI, but has not effectively used these strengths to boost its manufacturing sector compared to China. While the US talks about AI in research and data centers, China integrates it directly into factory work for automation and real-time problem-solving. China has built numerous smart factories, and companies like Zeekr are using AI to improve efficiency and production speed. The US needs to adapt its manufacturing organization to leverage its technological strengths and compete globally.
SCSU enhances AI manufacturing training with quantum computing
Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) is expanding its AI in Manufacturing training program by adding introductory quantum computing concepts and a new micro-credential for working professionals. This enhancement, supported by the state's Tech Talent Accelerator 3.0 program, focuses on practical AI applications like predictive maintenance and quality inspection. A new course, 'Quantum in Manufacturing 101,' will explore quantum computing's potential in advanced manufacturing. This initiative addresses the growing demand for AI skills in Connecticut, where job postings requiring AI capabilities have increased significantly.
Pentagon faces challenges integrating Agentic AI
Agentic AI, which gives AI systems agency, is rapidly being adopted by the Department of Defense. However, integrating these systems into real military networks presents significant challenges. Experts discuss the difficulties of deploying AI agents in denied environments, compressing models for edge use, and orchestrating them across complex systems. The Pentagon is struggling to scale and acquire these tools quickly enough to be effective. The main challenge lies not just in building smart AI models, but in making them functional within operational military workflows.
AI won't replace architects, judgment is key
Artificial intelligence can now generate designs, test performance, and create visualizations quickly, leading to questions about the future role of architects. However, AI cannot replace the architect's core responsibility of exercising judgment within legal, ethical, and civic frameworks. While AI can optimize designs based on defined criteria, it cannot make value judgments about what should be built or consider factors like civic dignity and urban vitality. Architects are licensed to make and stand behind final decisions, a responsibility that automation cannot displace.
Sources
- Vietnam's hottest jobs in 2026: AI, sales and semiconductor surge
- AI skills are in demand, but don't always command a pay premium, report shows
- Sam Altman Is Losing His Grip on Humanity
- Turning AI Security Barriers into Partner Growth: Recap from Cisco Live EMEA and AI Summit
- SPONSORED 95% of AI pilots flop — General Assembly has a solution
- San Francisco AI startup Nooks makes engineering push in Seattle
- Opinion | America Has an Edge Over China. Why Won’t We Use It?
- SCSU expands AI in manufacturing training with new quantum, micro-credential program
- Agentic AI and the Pentagon’s Integration Challenge
- Architects Will Not Be Replaced by Artificial Intelligence
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