HCMC – South Korea’s Hyundai Motor will take part in designing automotive technical training programs in Vietnam under a three-way partnership aimed at supplying job-ready workers for the industry.
The initiative is part of Hyundai’s broader strategy to expand in Southeast Asia, a region emerging as a new hub for both automotive production and consumption, the Vietnam News Agency reported, citing Korea’s Hankyung on May 5.
Under an agreement with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training, Hyundai will directly contribute to curriculum development. The program is expected to run from the second half of 2026 to 2031.
Training will focus on practical skills such as mold making, machining and welding—key stages in automotive manufacturing. Hyundai will design the curriculum based on industry needs, while KOICA will oversee project management and operations. Vietnamese institutions will provide training facilities through vocational education centers.
The model emphasizes hands-on learning to narrow the gap between training and production. Graduates are expected to be linked directly to job opportunities at automotive parts suppliers and assembly plants, both in Vietnam and at Korean companies.
KOICA’s involvement reflects a combination of official development assistance and corporate expansion strategy. The approach aims to strengthen local workforce capacity while supporting Korean firms’ regional growth.
Vietnam is becoming a key market in Hyundai’s ASEAN strategy. In 2025, the company sold more than 80,000 vehicles in the country, ranking among the top brands, behind local electric vehicle maker VinFast. In the first quarter of this year, Hyundai’s sales exceeded 20,000 units, up more than 13% year-on-year.
Beyond sales, Vietnam plays a growing role in Hyundai’s production network. Since 2017, the company has operated a manufacturing joint venture with Thanh Cong Group, gradually increasing localization and developing a supplier ecosystem.
Hyundai has also expanded corporate social responsibility programs in Vietnam, including initiatives such as “Hyundai Jump School Vietnam” and scholarship programs run by the Chung Mong-Koo Foundation, aimed at supporting long-term human resource development, particularly in education.
