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Vietnam's Digital Transformation: Building Bridges with Global AI Governance

General Report March 15, 2025
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Summary
  2. The Significance of Global Digital Cooperation
  3. Vietnam's Current Status in Digital Transformation
  4. Global Cooperation: Learning from International Examples
  5. Future Implications for Vietnam's Digital Governance
  6. Conclusion

1. Summary

  • Vietnam continues to assert itself as a key player in the global digital landscape, particularly through the recent engagements between Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and UN Under-Secretary-General Amandeep Singh Gill. These meetings serve as a testament to Vietnam's resolve to enhance its digital transformation and its aspirations in the artificial intelligence (AI) sphere. The dialogue has highlighted Vietnam's commitment to integrating advanced technologies into its national framework, reflecting a vision that aligns with international standards of digital governance. This initiative is part of Vietnam's broader digital transformation agenda, which aims to not only modernize its existing infrastructures but also to position itself as a model for developing nations in navigating the complex landscape of digital technology and governance. The discussions stressed the importance of global cooperation in technology, especially in the realm of AI. Vietnam's ambition to join the international AI excellence network demonstrates its intent to share knowledge and collaborate with other nations while enhancing its own innovation ecosystem. As reported, Vietnam is already observing significant results of its digital policies, with the government establishing strategic frameworks and partnerships that promote research and development. By focusing on sustainable practices and leveraging local tech firms' innovation, Vietnam has the opportunity to address pressing socioeconomic challenges, contributing towards a collective goal of equitable technological advancement. Moreover, the interactions reflected a mutual understanding of the potential for international collaboration to promote ethical standards in technology development. Vietnam's request for support from the UN in crafting legal frameworks underscores a commitment to creating an environment where innovation flourishes within a structured governance framework. This encompasses the establishment of regulations that ensure the responsible use of AI, safeguarding citizens' privacy and rights. As the nation strides towards its ambitious goals, enhancing its digital infrastructure and establishing itself within the global AI network will enhance its prospects for future growth and development on the international stage.

2. The Significance of Global Digital Cooperation

  • 2-1. Context of the Meeting

  • On January 6, 2025, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh of Vietnam hosted UN Under-Secretary-General for Digital and Emerging Technologies, Amandeep Singh Gill, in Hanoi. This meeting took place against the backdrop of Vietnam's heightened commitment to digital transformation and its strategic role within the international digital landscape. PM Chinh emphasized the importance of global cooperation in technology, particularly in light of emerging fields such as artificial intelligence (AI) and innovation, which he deemed essential for national development and a key factor in shaping the future of humanity. Gill's visit signified the UN’s dedication to fostering international collaboration in digital technologies, reflecting a shared understanding of the transformative power of these innovations to facilitate improved governance and social development worldwide. Vietnam’s assertion of its proactive stance in science and technology underscores its readiness to engage with international frameworks aimed at enhancing digital governance and technological cooperation.

  • The dialogue during this high-profile meeting revolved around Vietnam's Digital Transformation Program and its National Strategy on Research, Development, and Application of AI by 2030. Moreover, the discussions highlighted Vietnam's willingness to collaborate with the UN to elevate its position in the global digital sphere. By proposing that the UN support the development of legal frameworks and international standards for technology governance, PM Chinh reiterated Vietnam's readiness to host international events aimed at promoting understanding and collaboration in these areas, including the potential hosting of the AI Governance Forum.

  • 2-2. Roles of the UN and Vietnam in Digital Transformation

  • The United Nations, under the aegis of Amandeep Singh Gill, has taken a pivotal role in promoting digital cooperation globally. The UN’s Global Digital Compact, adopted in September 2024, solidifies a unified framework around which nations can organize their digital development strategies, emphasizing the need for a cooperative approach towards data governance and AI usage. Vietnam’s role, as discussed in meetings with UN representatives, positions the nation as a potential leader in these initiatives, particularly given its extensive progress in digital infrastructure and its national commitments to technology innovation. Minister Nguyen Manh Hung has underscored Vietnam's aim to become a global hub for AI and digital technologies, and the UN's recognition of these efforts only enhances Vietnam’s credibility on the world stage.

  • From Vietnam’s perspective, this relationship with the UN embodies not only potential economic benefits but also aligns with the country’s aspiration for sustainable digital development. The discussions surrounding legal frameworks also indicate Vietnam's recognition of the need for robust governance structures as it navigates the complexities of the digital age. The support from the UN is viewed as crucial in ensuring that Vietnam can effectively leverage its growing technological capabilities to contribute to shared global challenges, including socio-economic development and technological equity.

  • 2-3. Strategic Importance of Digital Cooperation

  • Vietnam’s strategy for digital transformation highlights an intrinsic understanding of the significance of international cooperation. By establishing itself as a participant in the UN's global initiatives, Vietnam aims to not only modernize its own infrastructure but also collaborate with other nations to address shared challenges, particularly in the realm of AI governance and development. As noted during the discussions, the involvement of Vietnamese tech firms in both local and international contexts positions Vietnam as a role model for other developing nations aspiring to enhance their digital capabilities.

  • The Prime Minister’s vision for Vietnam to achieve an 8% growth rate by 2025, with aspirations for double-digit growth thereafter, represents a commitment that aligns with international standards and goals. This vision necessitates comprehensive collaboration, particularly in fields like big data, IoT, and cloud computing, where global cooperation can lead to innovations benefiting not only Vietnam but also the wider international community. The UN’s advocacy for a global AI excellence network is a direct response to these aspirations, offering Vietnam a platform to both contribute to and benefit from international best practices and innovations.

  • Ultimately, Vietnam’s strategic importance in global digital cooperation hinges on its commitment to fostering an inclusive and participatory approach to technology governance. The potential for knowledge sharing and collaborative problem-solving in addressing complex global issues positions Vietnam as a vital contributor to the international discourse on technology and development, embodying a vision where developing countries can leverage digital transformation to uplift their economies and societies in a sustainable manner.

3. Vietnam's Current Status in Digital Transformation

  • 3-1. Overview of Vietnam's Digital Infrastructure

  • Vietnam has experienced significant advancements in its digital infrastructure, which have collectively positioned it as a burgeoning force in the global technology landscape. According to recent reports, approximately 99.8% of the Vietnamese population enjoys access to broadband Internet, marking a commendable achievement in connectivity. Further corroborating this projection, surveys indicate that 85% of households are now linked to fibre-optic networks. Additionally, the widespread accessibility of smartphones across the country has accelerated digital engagement among citizens. The commitment to building robust digital infrastructure is backed by national policy, including the National Digital Transformation Programme initiated in 2025. This program aims to advance the integration of digital technologies in various sectors, thereby enhancing service efficiency and economic productivity. The Vietnamese government, under the leadership of PM Pham Minh Chinh, has demonstrated a focused approach by establishing the Central Steering Committee for the Development of Science, Technology, Innovation, and National Digital Transformation. This initiative stems from the Politburo's Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW issued in December 2024, which aims for breakthrough developments in associated fields. Notably, Vietnam's technological aspirations include becoming a pivotal player in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductor technology. In this context, the UN Tech Envoy Amandeep Singh Gill commended Vietnam's strides in digital infrastructure during his visit. The government's dedication to ensuring universal Internet connectivity reflects a vision that serves not only immediate economic needs but also the long-term goal of establishing a comprehensive digital economy.

  • 3-2. Key Achievements in AI Development

  • Vietnam's advancements in artificial intelligence are noteworthy and reflect a strategic priority established in various national frameworks. The National Strategy on Research, Development, and Application of Artificial Intelligence by 2030 aims to position Vietnam as a significant contributor to the global AI ecosystem. This strategy emphasizes the effective utilization of AI solutions tailored to local contexts, enhancing governance and economic capabilities across diverse sectors. The Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) is leading efforts in developing AI systems that assist not only governmental functions but also cater to private sector innovations. This dual approach underscores Vietnam's commitment to utilizing AI as a tool for socio-economic advancement while ensuring that its benefits are accessible to a wider demographic. Moreover, during discussions with UN representatives, the potential for Vietnam's inclusion in the Global Digital Compact’s AI excellence network was highlighted. This inclusion would enhance Vietnam's capacity to develop context-specific AI solutions and ensure that its efforts resonate on an international level. As Minister Nguyen Manh Hung noted, democratizing technology is central to Vietnam’s mission, guaranteeing that stakeholders across all sectors are involved in the development and application of AI technologies.

  • 3-3. Impact of Local Tech Firms on Digital Growth

  • Local technology firms in Vietnam have been instrumental in driving the nation's digital transformation and growth. With approximately 60, 000 digital technology companies operating in Vietnam, many of these are actively generating revenue from international markets, constituting around 10% of the sector's output. This entrepreneurial landscape signifies not only a vigorous demand for digital services but also an increasing ability to cater to global markets. Businesses in areas such as e-commerce, fintech, and health tech have particularly exemplified this trend, leveraging digital advancements to innovate and provide services that meet both local and international needs. The success of companies within this landscape has prompted increased investment and interest from foreign entities, who recognize Vietnam as a vital hub for tech development. Additionally, partnerships between Vietnamese tech firms and multinational corporations have arisen, facilitating knowledge transfer and skill enhancement that further bolster the local ecosystem. These collaborations support initiatives in education and training, ensuring a future workforce that is equipped to manage and lead in the rapidly evolving digital economy. The government's support for tech entrepreneurship, alongside initiatives to foster innovation, further establishes a conducive environment for sustained digital growth across various sectors.

4. Global Cooperation: Learning from International Examples

  • 4-1. Case Studies of International AI Networks

  • The landscape of international AI networks offers a wealth of insights for nations like Vietnam seeking to enhance their roles in the global digital arena. Foremost among these is the United Nations' Global Digital Compact (GDC), a pivotal framework designed to cultivate a unified perspective on technological development among member states. This compact aims to create a collaborative platform where various nations can engage in dialogue about data governance, artificial intelligence, and other emergent technologies. The GDC’s initiative to establish a global AI excellence network symbolizes a concerted effort to bolster the AI capabilities of developing nations, enabling them to design AI systems that resonate with their unique societal and environmental contexts. For instance, several African countries have engaged in AI partnerships focusing on agricultural technology tailored to local needs, showcasing how context-specific AI can address pressing societal challenges. These networks not only exemplify international collaboration but also offer a framework for knowledge exchange, serving as transformative models for Vietnam’s digital aspirations.

  • 4-2. Key Technologies Discussed

  • The discussions surrounding AI development during the recent UN meetings highlighted several critical technologies. Networking and AI platforms dominated conversations, with an emphasis on their potential to democratize access to technology across borders. For instance, the burgeoning field of open-source AI tools, which Vietnam is keenly exploring, stands out as a means to foster innovation and involvement from various stakeholders, including governments and local tech firms. In addition to open-source frameworks, advancements in semiconductor technology were spotlighted as essential for robust AI capacity development. This emphasis is particularly pertinent for countries like Vietnam, aiming to position themselves as hubs for digital talent. Minister Nguyen Manh Hung’s advocacy for establishing Vietnam as a center for AI and semiconductor technology resonates with global trends where nations leverage strategic investments in key technological exploits to assert their influence in international discussions on AI governance.

  • 4-3. Vietnam's Potential Role in Global Digital Governance

  • Vietnam is well-positioned to play a vital role in the realm of global digital governance, as articulated by both its leadership and international partners. Embracing innovation through policies like the National Digital Transformation Program, the Vietnamese government aims to foster a conducive environment for technological growth. The country’s commitment to improving its digital infrastructure—illustrated by nearly universal Internet coverage—serves as a quintessential example of forward-thinking policy in action. With proposals for Vietnam to join the GDC’s global AI excellence network, the nation aspires to attract international collaborations that address local challenges through tailored technological solutions. This intent aligns with a growing consensus around the necessity for democratization in tech development, wherein user empathy becomes a focal point in designing AI applications. Minister Hung's assertion that technology users must also engage in its evolution encapsulates this philosophy. Vietnam's proactive stance and willingness to host international dialogues on data governance further underscore its ambition to not only partake in but also shape the future of global digital governance frameworks.

5. Future Implications for Vietnam's Digital Governance

  • 5-1. Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

  • As Vietnam navigates the complex terrain of digital governance, it faces both significant challenges and promising opportunities. The global landscape of digital technology is rapidly evolving, with countries increasingly vying for leadership in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and cybersecurity. One of the foremost challenges for Vietnam is the establishment of a robust legal and regulatory framework that not only fosters innovation but also protects citizens' rights and data privacy. The Cybersecurity Law enacted in 2018 is a step in this direction, but further refinement is essential to address the specificities of emerging technologies such as AI and the Internet of Things (IoT). Additionally, the lack of infrastructure in rural areas poses a significant barrier to achieving equitable digital access, which remains a priority for the government.

  • Despite these challenges, Vietnam's proactive stance in seeking international collaboration presents a golden opportunity to leapfrog in its technological capabilities. The support from bodies like the United Nations for establishing international standards and legal frameworks for technology governance could equip Vietnam with the necessary tools to enhance its digital landscape. Moreover, with local tech firms like VNG Corporation and FPT Corporation engaged in innovative projects, there exists a vast potential for Vietnam to tap into its youth's entrepreneurial spirit. Investing in education and fostering digital literacy will empower the workforce, thereby creating a pool of talent ready to tackle the challenges of the digital economy.

  • 5-2. Recommendations for Enhancing Legal Frameworks

  • To strengthen Vietnam's position in the global digital arena, it is crucial for the government to enhance its legal frameworks governing digital technologies. The current legislation, while a good start, requires comprehensive revisions that address not only the ethical implications of AI but also data protection. Proposals such as developing a National Artificial Intelligence Strategy should include guidelines for ethical AI use, focusing on transparency, accountability, and bias reduction. Moreover, establishing a dedicated regulatory body designed to oversee AI development and implementation could ensure that Vietnamese AI applications align with international norms and practices.

  • Additionally, Vietnam should consider facilitating public-private partnerships to drive innovation in the tech sector. Collaborations with global tech giants could pave the way for technology transfer, skill-building, and research development, thereby enriching the local ecosystem. Bringing together expertise from international sources can also contribute to formulating policies that are reflective of global standards while being attuned to local realities. Continued dialogues with international organizations like the UN for deploying frameworks on AI governance will further reinforce Vietnam's commitment to ethical practices in the tech domain.

  • 5-3. Future Directions for Vietnam in the Global Context

  • Looking ahead, Vietnam's trajectory in digital governance will likely be shaped by its ambitious vision of becoming a high-income nation by 2045 with modern industry capabilities. To realize this vision, Vietnam must enhance its engagement in global digital governance initiatives proactively. The establishment of the Central Steering Committee for the Development of Science, Technology, Innovation, and National Digital Transformation represents a strategic move towards coordinated policies that can elevate Vietnam's role in global discussions on technology. Hosting international forums and summits, like the proposed AI Governance Forum, will not only position Vietnam as a leader in regional tech governance but also foster knowledge exchange and collaborative opportunities.

  • Furthermore, Vietnam could take initiative in establishing a 'Global Digital Compact' that resonates with its commitment to sustainable development goals. Promoting digital inclusion and bridging the digital divide will be integral to this framework, ensuring that marginalized communities benefit from technological advancements. Harnessing the potential of emerging technologies such as clean energy and quantum computing could allow Vietnam to address pressing global challenges like climate change, thereby enhancing its reputation as a responsible global citizen who contributes positively to international technological discourse.

Conclusion

  • The recent discussions between Vietnam's leadership and global representatives signify the country's evolving role within international digital governance. As Vietnam endeavors to bolster its technological capabilities, leveraging partnerships and support from global organizations will be critical. The necessity to strengthen legal frameworks is paramount, as these will not only foster innovation but also uphold the ethical standards required in AI development. By adopting a balanced approach to digital governance, Vietnam positions itself as a credible participant in shaping the future of the global digital agenda. These steps forward are vital for sustaining growth and facilitating international collaboration, especially in the face of rapid technological changes. As Vietnam solidifies its strategic initiatives, it should remain focused on integrating ethical considerations into its digital landscape, ensuring that its advancements benefit all segments of society. The proactive engagement with international counterparts reflects an understanding that Vietnam's future in digital governance will be interdependent with global trends and innovations. In conclusion, navigating these complexities will not only enhance Vietnam's standing on the world stage but will also establish it as a leader committed to equitable technological progress. By fostering an environment conducive to growth and innovation while safeguarding ethical standards, Vietnam is poised to contribute significantly to the dialogue around global digital governance and pave the way for a prosperous digital economy.

Glossary

  • Global Digital Compact [Document]: A framework adopted by the United Nations to facilitate collaborative technological development strategies among member states on data governance and AI usage.
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) [Concept]: A branch of computer science focused on creating systems that can perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and language translation.
  • Cybersecurity Law [Document]: Vietnam's legislative measure enacted in 2018 aimed at enhancing the security of cyberspace, including data protection and the privacy of information.
  • National Digital Transformation Programme [Document]: A strategic initiative launched by the Vietnamese government in 2025 to integrate digital technologies across various sectors, enhancing efficiency and productivity in service delivery.
  • AI Governance Forum [Event]: A proposed gathering intended to facilitate discussions and collaboration on standards and practices for responsible AI development and governance.
  • VNG Corporation [Company]: A prominent Vietnamese technology company known for its involvement in various digital and internet services, including gaming and social media.
  • FPT Corporation [Company]: One of Vietnam's largest technology companies, specializing in IT services and solutions, contributing significantly to the digital transformation of businesses.

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