Vietnam has carried out digital transformation programmes for enterprises and dialogues between companies and senior leaders of ASEAN countries to turn the region into a hub for innovative and sustainable start-up development.
These activities also accelerate digital transformation and technology start-up growth in ASEAN, the Ministry of Information and Communication (MIC) said in a press release. ASEAN countries have an advantage with about 60% of the population under 35 years old, promising strong start-up potential. Therefore, Vietnam has organised an ASEAN startup forum to discuss promoting start-up co-operation in the bloc.
Digital STARS Showcase 2020
Ngo Dien Hy, General Director of VNPT Information Technology Company (VNPT-IT) said the Vietnam Post and Telecommunication Corporation (VNPT) and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) have signed a deal to support the domestic enterprises in implementing digital transformation.
Under the agreement, VNPT will work with VCCI and the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN BAC) to implement the Digital STARS Showcase 2020 project, which intends to build a network connecting technology start-ups in ASEAN to create opportunities to exchange experience, expand partnerships and promote digital transformation.
Pham Dinh Doan, an ASEAN BAC member, explained that the Digital STARS showcase will display innovative and practical digital transformation solutions for firms to upgrade their business models and participate in the digital economy, especially micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
The Digital STARS Showcase 2020 has had more than 100 solutions from large companies and potential start-ups since it was launched in September. The system of those solutions is expected to expand to other ASEAN countries to build a common database on regional digital transformation.
At present, digital transformation models are creating convenient services. However, this kind of model also brings difficulties for local start-ups because it fundamentally changes the traditional business model and poses new challenges.
To survive and thrive in an age of constantly changing technology, domestic start-ups must change because they could go under if they are slow to carry out digital transformation. The Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui The Duy noted that they should choose small projects for digital transformation. That would reduce damages and take experiences to implement digital transformation in larger projects.
The COVID-19 pandemic is still complex and hindering business activities in the ASEAN region. However, according to a report on digital transformation supporting enterprises amid COVID-19 published by the VCCI and VNPT, the pandemic is driving domestic enterprises to promote digital transformation.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly has requested the government to issue a plan to ensure cyber information security for 2021-2025.
The government is also required to strictly manage foreign digital platforms, promote the development of social networks in the country, and issue an e-Government Development Strategy.
By 2021, Vietnam aims to have complete national databases and platforms to promote national digital transformation. MIC will issue solutions to support and accelerate digital transformation, especially in enterprises.
Over the last few months, Vietnamese firms have mainly digitalised operations in management, logistics, and marketing activities but in production. Enterprises have gradually improved to carry out digital transformation, but the transformation is basic. The digitalisation rate in products and services is still low due to barriers like high costs, lack of infrastructure for digital transformation, corporate data leakages, and a lack of qualified workers. Therefore, besides developing infrastructure, the government needs to give financial support for local enterprises in implementing digital transformation and justify rules about data management.
