From Growth to Innovation - A new development model driven by Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Transformation

Minister of Science and Technology of Viet Nam Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vũ Hải Quân (left) and Singapore Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo (right). Photo Credit: Viet Nam Ministry of Science and Technology.

What is driving Viet Nam's shift toward a growth model based on science, technology, innovation and digital transformation, and which reforms are making the greatest difference in practice?

Every country must find new drivers of growth, and Viet Nam is now at that stage. As the economy grows in scale, competitiveness depends less on labor and capital costs and more on productivity and innovation capacity. The most significant change lies in how we view the role of the State - moving from managing science and technology activities to creating an environment where new ideas can flourish, removing outdated barriers, empowering universities and enterprises, and measuring reform by the ideas it brings into real-life application, not the procedures revised.

Artificial intelligence and the semiconductor industry are becoming strategic technologies globally. How is Viet Nam translating these priorities into concrete action?

AI and semiconductors demand skilled talent, research infrastructure and an environment conducive to innovation. Viet Nam is building that broader ecosystem - investing in talent, computing infrastructure, data and shared platforms, and linking universities, research institutes, enterprises and startups from research to commercialization. The Viet Nam National Multi-Project Wafer Coordination Center (VNMPW/CC), launched in June 2026 as the country's first national chip-prototyping support center, will help shorten the journey from research lab to market-ready products.

Digital transformation is often discussed alongside emerging technologies. Yet Viet Nam also emphasizes inclusive digital transformation. What does that mean in practice?

Digital transformation is first and foremost about people - it should help citizens learn, businesses operate more efficiently, and public agencies serve people better. That is why, alongside investment in digital infrastructure, data and AI, we place strong emphasis on developing digital skills for all. The "Digital Mass Education" movement (Bình dân học vụ số) echoes Viet Nam's historic literacy campaign, giving every citizen the basic digital skills to learn, work and use technologies such as AI safely. Digital transformation is truly successful when every citizen feels confident using technology in everyday life.

In what direction will science and technology cooperation between Viet Nam and Singapore, as well as within ASEAN and APEC, develop?

Thirty years ago, cooperation between Viet Nam and Singapore centered on industrialization through the VSIP industrial parks. Today, the focus is shifting toward jointly building innovation capacity. One example is the proposed Viet Nam Advanced Manufacturing Research Center (VAMRC), with A*STAR and Becamex. This model could expand across ASEAN and APEC, supporting shared technical standards, workforce training and mutual recognition of testing. Viet Nam's strengths in design, packaging and testing complement Singapore's strengths in R&D and technology finance - together creating greater value across the semiconductor value chain.

Source: IN Diplomacy (From Growth to Innovation - A new development model driven by Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Transformation), page 12, retrieved at: https://indiplomacy.com/special-edition-2/#flipbook-df_48909/1/