The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) has predicted that Vietnam’s digital transformation will result in an annual increase of 1.1% in gross domestic product (GDP) growth.
The government plans to advance Vietnam’s digital economy by ramping up the deployment of modern scientific and technological applications, specific to Vietnam’s requirements. It is looking to position itself as a Digital Hub for the Asia-Pacific region by serving as a central point for data transfer and telecommunications infrastructure connectivity in the region.
As per the draft National Digital Transformation Programme, Vietnam has set a goal to be among the top 50 countries in terms of e-government and ensure that the digital economy contributes 30% to the country’s GDP by 2030. To achieve this, Vietnam must upgrade infrastructure, encourage the application of digital technology, and attract investment to create conditions for small businesses to participate in the digital economy. It also needs to equip workers with digital skills to help them become more dynamic in adapting to new technologies.
To build a robust national digital infrastructure system, which includes the hard system comprising 5G services, data connectivity, and storage, as well as the soft system of a national database and open data, it is important for the government (through the Ministry of Information and Communications) and IT companies to collaborate closely.
According to industry experts, the challenge for technology businesses in Vietnam is to learn, adapt and capitalise on the advantages of the global IT industry while also striving to produce high-quality technology products and services under the leadership of Vietnamese individuals. These products and services should be made in Vietnam.
Recent digital transformation initiatives by the government, such as setting up the National Public Service Portal and the Government Reporting Information System, have been effective in saving time and costs for citizens and businesses. These initiatives have also played a role in preventing corruption.
To boost the efficiency of digital transformation, the government should establish a set of common standards for the national population database as well as data related to specific sectors. Furthermore, to optimise costs, it should diversify and maximise information sources, and support business operations. The government should also collaborate with IT firms to accelerate the implementation and popularisation of shared platforms.
Moreover, the government should focus on the importance of having an institutional infrastructure with policies that align with the requirements of a digital society. To shape the digital economy, it is crucial to have consistent policies and regulations in place. These policies should cover various aspects such as cross-border data flows, data security, cybersecurity, customer protection, e-commerce, and taxation.
Several experts have suggested that initially, the government should focus on completing institutions, policies, and legal frameworks related to information security, cybersecurity, cybercrime, the protection of children in cyberspace, and developing human resources in the field.
In the long run, the government can work with IT companies to establish a cybersecurity cooperation centre that would coordinate cyberspace security, issue cyber-attack alerts, and participate in joint cyber defence exercises. Additionally, the centre can offer training courses to enhance the capacity of officials in the field of cybersecurity and safety.
The government can also provide greater opportunities for technology businesses to attract talent and resources. It should also delegate projects related to the country’s digital infrastructure, such as data centres, telecommunications infrastructure, and smart cities, to the private sector.
