Equipping human resources with digital skills drives the development of the logistics industry

Vietnamese open to learning digital skills: survey

Enterprises operating in the logistics and supply chain sector are currently confronting changes and digitalization in their operational and management processes. Illustrated image.

At the recent Vietnam Human Resources Logistics Training Forum - VLET 2023, Mr. Nguyen Thang Loi, Head of the Research Department at the Vietnam Institute of Logistics Research and Development, revealed that businesses operating in the logistics and supply chain sector are currently facing changes and digitization in their operational and management processes. To meet the demands of this developmental trend, the workforce needs to be trained and equipped with specialized knowledge and professional skills, particularly in the realm of digital technology.

The results of a survey conducted by the Vietnam Institute of Logistics Research and Development in July 2023 on digital skills in the field of logistics revealed that the assessment of employees' competencies in this field indicated that social responsibility awareness skills were rated the highest (4.02/5), while creative skills received the lowest score (3.21/5). Skills in digital transformation (3.23/5) and IT (3.28/5) were also assessed.

In terms of implementing policies and procedures for training employees in digital and digital transformation skills, over 86.2% of businesses are either in the process of implementing or preparing for digital transformation. This indicates a significant current focus on digital transformation and the training of digital skills for the workforce. Additionally, more than 63% of businesses believe that collaborating with training institutions is necessary to enhance digital skills for their workforce.

From a business perspective, Mr. Nguyen Quoc Cuong, Director of the Information Technology Department at U&I Logistics Corporation, stated that in the face of challenges related to human resources, employees' digital capabilities, and psychological barriers during the digital transformation phase, their company has employed solutions such as warehouse management to reduce operational staff, transport management solutions to optimize transportation, and customs procedure solutions to increase customs processing efficiency and better manage accounting processes.

Dr. Le Ngoc Trung, Deputy Secretary-General of the Vietnam Human Resources Development Association for Logistics (VALOMA) and Deputy Principal of the Foreign Trade Economics College, mentioned that VALOMA is currently undertaking various activities to connect its members with the goal of enhancing digital skills for the faculty members in the field of Logistics and Supply Chain. This initiative aims to effectively promote digital skills training for students.

However, according to Mr. Bui Huu Nghia, Director of Human Resources Development at U&I Logistics Corporation, during the digital transformation process, U&I encountered certain challenges in their IT workforce. These challenges were related to factors such as the quantity of IT personnel, budget constraints, and the skill level of the workforce at the beginning of the implementation, which was relatively modest.

Drawing from the practical labor usage perspective, Mr. Pham Nam Long, CEO and Founder of Abivin Vietnam Joint Stock Company (ABIVIN), asserted that the workforce in the Vietnamese logistics industry possesses several advantages in terms of digital skills due to their adaptability, willingness to learn, and mostly young age, which makes them quick to familiarize themselves with technology. However, the inherent weaknesses that the logistics workforce in Vietnam faces in terms of digital skills stem from a lack of specialized training and limited exposure to advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced data analytics. These limitations hinder their ability to leverage these technologies to optimize operations.

Echoing this viewpoint, Mr. Le Doan Trinh, Chief Commercial Officer of EcoTruck Technology Joint Stock Company (ECOTRUCK), stated that in order to enhance digital skills in the logistics sector workforce, there needs to be a connection and alignment between academic training programs and the demands of businesses, ensuring relevant outcomes. Additionally, training the workforce in digital operational systems is essential for a company's effective digital transformation. This process requires proper recruitment, alignment with the company's culture, accurate control measures, and a focus on promoting innovation, even when operations are fully digitized.

Mr. Phan Huy Duc, Head of the Economics Department at the Transport College, revealed that the educational institution encounters numerous challenges in providing digital skills training, particularly in the realm of digital infrastructure, foundational digital knowledge, and digital capabilities of their faculty and staff. There is also a varying degree of technology integration in teaching, and students' levels of IT proficiency are not uniform.

Consequently, collaboration among businesses, educational institutions, and governmental agencies in the realm of human resources training and equipping the workforce with digital skills is crucial. This collaboration will ensure the sustainable and effective development of the logistics and supply chain sector in Vietnam.