ASEAN-China smart industry conference held in HCM City

Research and development (R&D) is the cornerstone of innovation and the driving force of economic growth in the digital age, experts said at the ASEAN – China smart industry conference in Ho Chi Minh City on July 25. 

Speaking at the event, Director of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Ho Chi Minh City branch Vo Tan Thanh said the fourth industrial revolution affords Vietnam a chance to use new technologies to step up industrialisation and modernisation. 

In 2018, Vietnam was one of the five countries globally posting the fastest information technology growth with over 72 percent of population using smart phones and more than 68 percent exploiting the Internet. The country’s innovation was up 12 places from 2016. 

The Vietnamese government pays attention to information and digital technology, industry, tourism, smart urban development, start-up ecological system, and workforce training. 

According to Thanh, Vietnam faces challenges regarding the shortage of high-quality human resources, incomplete technical infrastructure and policies, and outdated technology. If fully tapping opportunities from global integration and Industry 4.0, Vietnam’s economic growth will be higher, generating 8 – 18 billion USD each year. 

Secretary General of ASEAN – China Centre Chen Dehai said China is strong in telecom technology, automation and artificial intelligence while ASEAN has huge demand for new technologies used in manufacturing, artificial intelligence, big data and smart urban development. 

Matasuka Fujida, Secretary General of ASEAN – Japan Centre urged ASEAN member states to promptly fine-tune mechanisms and policies for R&D. 

In ASEAN, Singapore and Malaysia spend most on R&D while Thailand and Malaysia record the highest number of workforce in the field.

VNA

Other News

SK Group partners to build AI ecosystem in Vietnam

SK Group partners to build AI ecosystem in Vietnam

SK Innovation and SK Telecom signed MoUs with Nghe An province and the National Innovation Centre of Vietnam to advance AI ecosystem development and support the country’s long-term growth strategy.

Vietnam Research Excellence Fellowship for 2026-2030 approved

Vietnam Research Excellence Fellowship for 2026-2030 approved

Under the Vietnam Research Excellence Fellowship (VREF) for the 2026–2030 period, PhD students are identified as a core research force directly contributing to breakthroughs in sci-tech and innovation. Investing in top-tier doctoral candidates is more than workforce development, but a high-stakes strategic bet to forge a cohort of world-class scientists and technologists who can power Vietnam’s long-term economic ambitions.

Strategic tech must address practical challenges: PM

Strategic tech must address practical challenges: PM

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on March 28 said strategic technologies must tackle Vietnam’s practical challenges, while chairing a meeting of the Government’s Steering Committee for science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, and Project 06.

Ho Chi Minh City sets sights on becoming semiconductor hub

Ho Chi Minh City sets sights on becoming semiconductor hub

Ho Chi Minh City is stepping up efforts to attract investment from global leading groups and companies in the fields of electronic components, semiconductors and chip manufacturing as it seeks to position itself as a leading semiconductor industry hub in both the region and the world. 

Ho Chi Minh City launches upgraded technology exchange platform

Ho Chi Minh City launches upgraded technology exchange platform

The upgraded platform represents a comprehensive shift from a simple information-sharing model to a managed online technology trading system, enabling monitoring and measurement of real transaction outcomes. It is built on three pillars, namely new tradable technology products, a modern digital platform, and an improved operational model.

AI – unmissable opportunity for Vietnam: Experts

AI – unmissable opportunity for Vietnam: Experts

AI also emerges as a key enabler for Vietnam's ambition to build financial and technology hubs. Applications can boost efficiency, automate workflows, cut costs, and sharpen data analytics, which are essential pillars of a modern financial system.

PM calls for accelerated space technology development in Vietnam

PM calls for accelerated space technology development in Vietnam

Vietnam aims by 2030 to achieve a mid-level position in space science and technology development within Southeast Asia, and after 2030 to build national capabilities to independently develop satellite technologies and apply space data to address global challenges and national security needs.

High-level forum advances Vietnam–US technological cooperation

High-level forum advances Vietnam–US technological cooperation

A high-level executive leadership forum focusing on strengthening Vietnam - US relations through technology cooperation was jointly held in Washington D.C. on March 11 by the Embassy of Vietnam in the US, the Weatherhead East Asian Institute of Columbia University, and the US -ASEAN Business Council (USABC). 

AI Law takes effect, anchors national governance framework

AI Law takes effect, anchors national governance framework

While many countries are still drafting policy blueprints or issuing non-binding guidance, Vietnam has moved ahead with a standalone Law on Artificial Intelligence (AI), effective from March 1, placing it among a select group of nations to adopt dedicated AI legislation at the parliamentary level. 

Vietnam International Defence Expo 2026 preparations move into high gear

Vietnam International Defence Expo 2026 preparations move into high gear

Vietnam International Defence Expo 2026, themed “Peace, Friendship, Cooperation and Development,” will be organised on a larger scale, featuring a wide array of weapons and technical equipment alongside product exhibitions, seminars and panel discussions, drills, live field demonstrations, and business networking activities.

Ministry requests urgent measures to counter UAVs threatening aviation safety

Ministry requests urgent measures to counter UAVs threatening aviation safety

Ministry of Construction requested the Ministry of National Defence, the Ministry of Public Security and provincial and municipal steering committees for counter-terrorism to strengthen the management, inspection and supervision of UAVs and other aerial devices, ensuring strict compliance with Decree No. 288/2025/ND-CP and relevant legal regulations.