According to the e-Conomy SEA 2025 report released on November 25 by Google, Temasek, and Bain & Company, Vietnam ranks as the second-fastest-growing digital economy in Southeast Asia.

All major sectors – including e-commerce, tourism, and transportation – are posting double-digit growth rates.

E-commerce continues to dominate as the primary driver, accounting for two-thirds of the country’s gross merchandise value (GMV), with an expected contribution of USD 25 billion by year-end.

However, what sets 2025 apart is the deep integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into consumer behavior.

Online entertainment – including advertising, gaming, video-on-demand, and music streaming – is projected to contribute USD 6 billion. Vietnam plays a notable role in this area, with three of its game developers ranking in the global top 15 for downloads.

A key statistic stands out: 81% of Vietnamese users interact with AI tools daily, the highest rate in Southeast Asia.

Beyond early adoption, trust in AI is also remarkably high: 96% of respondents said they are willing to share data with AI agents in exchange for better experiences.

This engagement with AI has translated into measurable business results.

Revenue from AI-integrated apps in Vietnam surged 78% in the first half of 2025 alone.

Marc Woo, Managing Director of Google Vietnam, commented that the country’s digital environment is becoming increasingly dynamic and adaptive.

“With rapid digital economy growth and the highest AI adoption in the region, Vietnam is emerging as one of the most important markets in Southeast Asia’s digital transformation. It’s driving productivity and creating new value across sectors,” he said.

Investors pour millions into Vietnamese AI startups

The investment community is also responding positively to this trend.

Over the past year, AI startups in Vietnam have attracted USD 123 million in private capital. A remarkable 79% of investors expect funding to continue rising, particularly in sectors such as software, services, AI, and deep tech.

Beyond AI, video commerce is also experiencing explosive growth.

Vietnam now ranks as the second-largest video commerce market in Southeast Asia, with 1.3 billion transactions – up 60% year-on-year.

The number of sellers engaged in video-based sales has also increased by 60%, reaching 650,000 individuals.

This shift reflects Vietnamese consumers’ rapid transition from traditional e-commerce platforms to more interactive, content-driven shopping experiences.

Traditional pillars continue strong performance

Alongside these emerging trends, traditional digital economy pillars continue to thrive.

Transport and food delivery are projected to grow 20% to USD 5 billion.

Online travel is forecast to reach USD 4 billion, up 16% thanks to the return of international tourism and streamlined visa policies.

In digital finance, cashless payments remain on the rise, with total transaction value expected to hit USD 178 billion.

Erik Pot, partner at Bain & Company, emphasized Vietnam’s momentum despite global economic headwinds.

“With a USD 39 billion digital economy, Vietnam demonstrates how user trust and technology can combine to drive large-scale growth,” he stated.

Vietnam asserts global standing as digital powerhouse

According to Marc Woo, Vietnam is asserting itself as a global app powerhouse, topping the region in revenue growth.

With strong fundamentals, growing consumer trust, and rapid AI integration, the country is poised to become a digital leader not just in Southeast Asia, but on the global stage.

Source: Vietnamnet