The Rise of the Gig Economy

Over the past decade, ride-hailing and delivery apps have transformed how millions of Vietnamese people earn a living. Rather than holding a single full-time job, many now combine several short-term “gigs”, from driving and delivering food to freelance design or online tutoring.

Supporters argue that the gig economy offers unprecedented flexibility. Workers can choose when and how much they work, which suits students, parents and people looking for extra income. For companies, it means access to a large pool of workers without the cost of long-term contracts.

Critics, however, point out that this flexibility comes at a price. Most gig workers are not entitled to health insurance, paid leave or pensions, and their income can fall sharply when an app changes its fees. As the sector grows, many economists believe that new rules will be needed to protect workers without destroying the freedom that attracted them in the first place.