Seizing the Smart Mobility Era: Opportunities for the Next Generation of Operations Talent
Vietnam is entering a major phase of large-scale transportation infrastructure development under its national strategy. This includes simultaneous implementation of projects such as the North–South high-speed railway (approximately 1,541 km in length, with an estimated investment of over USD 67 billion, expected to break ground by the end of 2026), the expansion of metro and urban railway networks in Ho Chi Minh City (targeting 6 lines totaling around 187 km by 2030) and Hanoi, as well as the development of an integrated multimodal transport system connecting road, rail, inland waterways, maritime, and aviation. The government also aims to complete the national railway network by 2030, with a vision to 2045, focusing on shifting from road transport to higher-capacity modes to enhance overall economic efficiency (Politburo, 2023). Clearly, a new mobility ecosystem is taking shape—one where all modes of transport are interconnected, optimized, and operated in real time.
But as infrastructure becomes increasingly modern, who will operate such a complex system?
In reality, the talent gap is becoming more evident. The North–South high-speed railway alone will require approximately 13,880 personnel between 2027 and 2032 for management, operations, and maintenance. The railway sector overall is projected to need at least 35,000 high-quality workers by 2030, potentially exceeding 100,000 during 2025–2035. In Ho Chi Minh City, once the metro network is fully developed, around 17,000 personnel will be needed for operations and maintenance out of a total demand of approximately 37,000, while currently Metro Line 1 operates with only about 500 staff. The gap between supply and demand has never been wider.
The workforce challenge extends beyond urban rail to aviation and seaports. The upcoming Long Thanh International Airport, with an expected capacity of 25 million passengers annually, along with expansions at Tan Son Nhat, Noi Bai, and Phu Quoc airports, will require professionals capable of flexible operational management—from scheduling coordination and passenger flow optimization to ensuring safety and international standards. In the maritime sector, projects such as Lach Huyen, Nam Dinh Vu, Cai Mep–Thi Vai, and the Can Gio international transshipment mega-port demand highly skilled personnel capable of operating modern logistics systems, automation, and smart port technologies.
The future of transportation is also being shaped by the integration of technology and data.
At the same time, a new wave of mobility technology is rapidly emerging. Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) platforms—which integrate multiple transport modes into a single application—are projected to grow at over 26% annually between 2025 and 2033. These systems represent the convergence of data, technology, and operations: from analyzing travel behavior and optimizing routes to enabling demand-responsive (on-demand) transport systems. However, such systems cannot function effectively without a workforce that understands both operations and advanced technologies such as AI, Big Data, IoT, and Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS).
Yet, the current shortage of qualified personnel has forced many organizations to rely on internal training or recruit foreign experts, resulting in high costs and suboptimal efficiency. This highlights a critical reality: infrastructure can be built quickly, but a high-quality workforce cannot be accelerated without early and strategic training.
The solution: developing future-ready talent through early education
In this context, the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), in collaboration with the Institute of Smart City and Management (ISCM), has proactively introduced a forward-looking academic program: Business Management of Operations and Mobility (BMOM). This program equips students with the ability to design, operate, and optimize the entire mobility ecosystem—from metro systems and railways to aviation, seaports, and integrated digital platforms. Students are trained in systems thinking, real-time data analysis, decision-making in complex operational environments, and technological capabilities to manage modern systems. These future professionals will serve as a vital bridge between engineering and operations—an essential factor for the success of MaaS.
If you are looking for a future-oriented field with high demand, strong technological application, and broad career opportunities, BMOM is the key to unlocking your potential. It is designed for those who are ready to lead trends, master technology, and contribute to building the next generation of smart mobility systems.
📌 Learn more about ISCM academic programs:
- Bachelor of Smart Mobility and Operations Management: https://iscm.ueh.edu.vn/undergraduate/bmom
- Bachelor of Architectural and Urban Design for inclusive Smart City: https://iscm.ueh.edu.vn/undergraduate/baud
- Bachelor Architectural and Urban Design for Inclusive Smart City (Architect)
https://iscm.ueh.edu.vn/undergraduate/baud-arch