Vietnam Internet Forum 2017 underway in Hanoi

Focusing on sessions such as e-government, open data, smart cities, and social media, the Vietnam Internet Forum 2017 (VIF17) is being held in Hanoi on November 27 and 28 for the first time, marking 20 years of the internet in Vietnam.

With the theme “Digital for Good”, VIF17 seeks to provide a platform for exchanging views on how the internet can foster development in ways that are sustainable and inclusive and that provide information and opportunities.

“Non-government organizations (NGOs) have been given support from many major ICT groups in the world, which is a good way for mutual development among enterprises,” said Ms. Helen Bui, CEO and Founder of Skylet. “We expect these major enterprises will help NGOs resolve the issues they face.”

VIF17 is being co-hosted by the Embassy of Sweden in Vietnam and the Ministry of Information and Communications.

Key co-organizers and partners are the Hanoi People’s Committee, the Lund University Internet Institute (Sweden), the Vietnam Internet Association, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), and the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

“Today, the internet has developed into ways we would never have imagined and had a huge impact on Vietnam, Sweden, and the world,” said Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam H.E. Pereric Hogberg. “It has undeniably sparked innovation and entrepreneurship, created new forms of economic activity, and offered a renewed opportunity for citizens to be heard on a wide range of issues and for governments to be more open, transparent, and accountable. The internet is all about connectivity. It helps people, communities, agencies, and organizations connect, organize, and act towards the common good. We seek an internet that is open, accessible and safe for everyone, including our youth and children.”

VIF17 aims to be an annual platform where government officials, representatives from civil society and academia, business leaders, social entrepreneurs, investors, and other stakeholders come together to discuss the internet’s contribution to an open, sustainable, and innovative society.

Moreover, expanding access to the internet is seen as being integral to the successful implementation of the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Agenda sets an ambitious goal of “significantly increasing access to ICT technology and striving to provide universal and affordable access to the internet in the least developed countries by 2020”. The Agenda has also established a new universal standard for development that aims to ensure that no one is left behind.

UNDP Deputy Country Director in Vietnam, Ms. Akiko Fujii, highlighted the positive impact of businesses, especially technology and digital-based businesses, on people’s enjoyment of human rights. 

“Technology and digital-based companies have played an important role in promoting free expression and facilitating the exchange of ideas and opinions on online platforms, and have promoted inclusion and accessibility in society by developing new innovations that help marginalized groups share in the groundbreaking advances in science and technology,” Ms. Fujii said when launching the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights at VIF17.

VN Economic Times

Other News

Hanoi approves controlled pilot of two technology projects

Hanoi approves controlled pilot of two technology projects

The two projects involve an intelligent autonomous transportation system developed by Phenikaa-X JSC and a technology for producing mixed rare-earth oxides with a purity of over 95% on a semi-industrial scale developed by the Mining Technology and Construction Consultancy JSC.

Banking industry in AI era: When data becomes competitive advantage

Banking industry in AI era: When data becomes competitive advantage

In just a few years, AI has evolved from an experimental technology into an “assistant” for many banks, supporting everything from customer service, credit approval, and fraud detection to risk management. However, as the technological gap between institutions narrows, a new question is emerging: What will determine banks' competitive advantage in the AI era?

Bac Ninh considers establishing AI centre of excellence

Bac Ninh considers establishing AI centre of excellence

A meeting has been held in Bac Ninh to discuss potential cooperation with Plug and Play in developing the northern province’s innovation ecosystem and establishing an artificial intelligence (AI) centre of excellence, with Standing Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Mai Son receiving a delegation from the global innovation platform.

Hanoi allows 24-month trial of autonomous vehicles at Hoa Lac

Hanoi allows 24-month trial of autonomous vehicles at Hoa Lac

The project aims to assess the safety, reliability and readiness of autonomous vehicles under real traffic conditions, as well as the effectiveness of autonomous public transport and compatibility with existing systems. Its results will contribute to developing technical standards, operating procedures and management models suited to Hanoi’s traffic conditions.

Singapore's experience suggests solutions to Vietnam's human resources challenge in AI era

Singapore's experience suggests solutions to Vietnam's human resources challenge in AI era

As Vietnam accelerates digital transformation and high-tech development, Singapore’s experience and the engagement of global technology companies demonstrate that human resources preparation must stay ahead of the curve. The ability to filter knowledge, collaborate, innovate and effectively use AI will increasingly become essential to helping workers adapt to a changing labour market and strengthening the competitiveness of Vietnam’s economy in the new era.

Protecting national security amid digital transformation, cyberspace

Protecting national security amid digital transformation, cyberspace

Cybersecurity, information security and data security risks must be identified and addressed early and from afar, with appropriate defensive measures ready to neutralise threats and protect national interests in cyberspace, said Lieutenant General Le Xuan Minh, Director of the Ministry of Public Security’s Department of Cybersecurity and Hi-tech Crime Prevention (A05).

Mekong Delta launches first robotics, AI research institute

Mekong Delta launches first robotics, AI research institute

Dr. Nguyen Van Quang, Rector of Nam Can Tho University, said the university is developing a value chain covering training, research, technology development, testing, technology transfer and commercialisation. The model is designed to link research more closely with practical needs, ensuring that technologies generate products and products create value for society.

Vietnam positioned to harness AI wave, World Bank report says

Vietnam positioned to harness AI wave, World Bank report says

The WB report identifies Vietnam as one of the few economies outside the European Union (EU) to have adopted a comprehensive AI regulatory framework as early as 2025. Vietnam applies a risk-tiered approach similar to that of the EU AI Act, imposing different obligations depending on whether an AI system poses “unacceptable,” “high,” “low” or “minimal” risks. The approach is viewed as a strategic step towards ensuring safe and transparent AI governance.

AI offers both opportunities, challenges for Vietnam's growth

AI offers both opportunities, challenges for Vietnam's growth

Dr. Ho Duc Thang, a full-time member of the National Assembly’s Committee for Cultural and Educational, said productivity is the key to sustaining double-digit economic growth, and AI has greater potential to improve productivity than any previous technology.

Top leader unveils people-centred vision for new development model

Top leader unveils people-centred vision for new development model

Vietnam's growth model, long fueled by low-cost labour, resource extraction, contract manufacturing, expanded investment, and capital accumulation, has run out of road. The country now needs a sweeping reform agenda to shift from extensive growth to a model driven by productivity, knowledge, science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation.