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How do you ensure that a population as large as 1.3 million, spread across an area of 650 000km2 receive the healthcare services they need?
For the state of New South Wales (NSW), the answer is an ICT infrastructure which is reliable, secure and available. Close to a quarter of NSW’s population reside outside the state’s major cities of Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong. Hence not all of them can receive the same level of quality services their city counterparts enjoy.
Helping to erase the divide is Dr Zoran Bolevich. OpenGov Asia had the opportunity to chat with Dr Zoran. He shared with us how his team used telemedicine to overcome the challenge of distance in delivering quality healthcare.
This article is the second of a two-part article. Click here to read the first.
Telehealth Projects for Large Geographies
A major milestone accomplished by eHealth NSW is the use of the Electronic Medical Record (EMR). Mobile technology solutions are used in remote facilities to promote state-wide collaboration. 109 hospitals and 73 sites have ditched paper-paper processes to adopt EMR. At the click of a button, clinicians can view patient information from across the state, which until recently relied on couriering paper-based patient records.
As an extension of this service, Dr Zoran shared that eHealth NSW has partnered with an organisation to implement point of care laboratory testing in rural places. Local clinicians can do basic tests on portable devices and feed it into the EMR. This allows the central and local team to have a teleconference on how the patient is doing.
What underpins this seamlessness is the Health Wide Area Network (HWAN), a high-speed secure broadband network connecting all NSW public hospitals.
“We’ve connected 140 odd facilities across the state to that network. That gives each rural facility high quality, reliable broadband connectivity to our central data centre. For all our EMR systems to live in the data centre is crucially important…Since the infrastructure has been put in place, it has been transformational,” said Dr Zoran.
The alternative of running the system out of the central government centre was undesirable. Hoping for the system’s good performance and reliability from a remote facility was unrealistic. Because of HWAN, projects like HealtheNet Clinical Portal and the Rural eMeds Project have transpired.
HealtheNet links hospital inpatient data and community care patient data through a web-based portal accessed through a patient’s EMR. Based on open standards for interoperability, it sends information to the Commonwealth’s My Health Record system, supporting more coordinated care across hospital, general practitioners and community settings. Clinicians have a summary view of a patient’s available health information, without the need to chase and manage paper-based records over large distances.
Additional functionalities such as the Discharge Dispense Record enables rural hospitals to share records of dispensed medications with HealtheNet and My Health Record, enhancing the continuity of patient care across rural and remote areas by increasing content available to NSW Health clinicians.
The Rural eMeds Project delivers medication management solutions to 112 facilities (the largest of its scale in NSW). The Project further improves the safe prescribing and administration of medicines, and a key benefit is a single design resulting in standardisation across this large geographical area. The first go-lives commenced in September 2018 and are on track for completion by the end of 2019.
For now, the team is now looking to increase HWAN’s performance and reliance. They are working with telecommunication providers to have more redundant links and increase coverage in areas where redundant links are not possible. Although physical networking is a possible solution, they are exploring the use of mobile network alternatives.
Reliable wireless networks are becoming increasingly important as clinicians become more mobile. Moreover, the wireless networks support the use of other supporting mobile technologies. For example, in several rural health facilities a telehealth trolley helps nurses to facilitate a remote consultation with base hospitals in the cities. The trolley houses a camera and a fully functional clinical work station.
Telehealth for the Future
The innovation does not stop here. At present, the organisation is working on a telemedicine trial called Telestroke in two districts and are looking to scale it state-wide.
Telestroke allows a neurologist to provide remote treatment for patients with a suspected stroke. Designed to reduce the time between diagnosis and treatment, the program connects a rural hospital to a neurologist in the nearest tertiary referral centre.
Despite the distance, relevant clinical information and diagnostic images are transmitted efficaciously. Neurologists remotely determine if the patient should begin thrombolytic treatment. Or if a transferral to a tertiary clinic is necessary, the process becomes seamless. Doctors have a good estimate of when the patient will arrive and can hit the ground running since they have the necessary information beforehand.
“We are seeing really good outcomes. Because the sooner you treat patients, the better the outcome. Time is absolutely of essence,” shared Dr Zoran. “With this kind of technology, we have no doubt that it can save lives.”
Connectivity for community health nursing service is another big project they are working on. In the rural areas, the nurses who conduct home visits require mobile technology to conduct their regular checks.
“This is where we have challenges still,” admits Dr Zoran. “Because not all parts of our state have good mobile coverage. It is getting better over time, but there are still blind spots around the state. A lot of time, our community nurses cannot establish the connection.”
For example, they might want to record a video of the patient but fail to establish a mobile connection given the blind spots. Working with telcos becomes important.
Hence, there is good opportunity for the private sector partnerships. Many partnerships have already been formed in NSW, said Dr Zoran. One area they are looking at is bringing telemedicine into people’s homes.
“If you extrapolate what you are doing between the larger hospitals and the smaller hospitals, similarly, you can go into people’s homes and enable a remote monitoring of patients with chronic illness, so they don’t have to come to the hospital all the time,” shared Dr Zoran.
“Our health service is able to provide really good service no matter where you live – that’s what it’s about,” said the CIO.
Ending off with a word of encouragement, Dr Zoran offers, “One of the key success factors in our Rural eHealth Program was that the six local health districts which are predominantly rural, were in the driver’s seat. The Chief Executives of those local health districts formed a local eHealth steering committee…. They’ve developed a very good collaborative partnership…So I recommend partnership collaboration and good governance – that’s the key.”
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Bushfires represent one of the most formidable challenges faced by firefighters worldwide. With their unpredictable behaviour and rapid spread, combating these blazes demands innovative solutions to ensure the safety of both responders and communities at risk. In a groundbreaking initiative, researchers are harnessing the power of robotics to revolutionise bushfire response, paving the way for more effective firefighting strategies and enhanced situational awareness.
At the heart of this endeavour lies the Silvanus Project, an ambitious international collaboration aimed at developing ground robots capable of navigating fire fronts and gathering crucial data in real-time. Led by researchers from Data61’s Queensland Centre for Advanced Technologies, this project represents a pioneering effort to address the inherent dangers associated with traditional firefighting methods.
Bushfires, fueled by factors such as vegetation density and weather conditions, can escalate rapidly, outpacing conventional firefighting techniques. To stay ahead of the inferno, firefighters require accurate information about fire location, direction of spread, and potential hazards. However, obtaining such data often entails placing personnel in hazardous environments, risking their safety in the process.
Drones have emerged as a promising tool for aerial reconnaissance, offering valuable insights into fire behaviour from above. However, their effectiveness is limited by factors such as smoke interference, high winds, and restricted flight times. Recognising these limitations, researchers turned their focus to ground-based solutions, envisioning robots capable of operating in the most challenging of conditions.
The ground robots developed as part of the Silvanus Project are equipped with advanced sensors and navigation systems, allowing them to traverse rugged terrain and navigate through smoke and debris. Some robots are designed to move on legs, mimicking the mobility of insects, while others utilise tracks for increased stability and manoeuvrability. These robots venture into the heart of the fire, gathering critical data such as fire intensity, fuel availability, and environmental conditions.
During a demonstration conducted for fire service representatives and researchers, the capabilities of these ground robots were showcased, highlighting their potential to transform firefighting operations. With the ability to transmit data in real-time to a cloud-based platform, these robots provide firefighters with unprecedented situational awareness, enabling more informed decision-making and proactive firefighting strategies.
Senior experimental scientist Tom Lowe emphasises the significance of these ground robots in enhancing firefighter safety and operational effectiveness. By deploying robots into areas deemed too hazardous for human intervention, firefighters can access vital information without exposing themselves to unnecessary risks. Furthermore, the integration of remote sensing technologies allows robots to assess vegetation density and predict fuel availability, further aiding in fire suppression efforts.
While the technology is still in the developmental stage, researchers are optimistic about its potential impact on future firefighting practices. Navinda Kottege, Cyber-Physical Systems Research Director, underscores the life-saving potential of ground robots, particularly in high-risk firefighting scenarios where human intervention may be impractical or unsafe.
The Silvanus Project represents a collaborative effort involving researchers from across Europe, Australia, Indonesia, and Brazil, united in their mission to develop innovative solutions for forest management and fire prevention. By harnessing the power of robotics and cutting-edge technologies, this initiative aims to bolster preparedness and response capabilities, ultimately saving lives and protecting communities from the devastating impact of bushfires.
As ground robots continue to evolve and mature, fueled by ongoing research and international collaboration, the vision of leveraging technology to mitigate the impact of bushfires grows ever closer to reality. With each technological advancement, firefighters gain new tools and capabilities to confront one of nature’s most formidable adversaries, ensuring a safer and more resilient future for all.
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In a significant scientific breakthrough in a space sector, Dr Sarah Kessans has developed hardware designed to operate autonomously in orbit, transforming the study of protein crystallisation in microgravity. This technology provides scientists on Earth with unprecedented insights into protein behaviour, with far-reaching implications for developing more effective medicines and vaccines, among other applications.
Minister for Space Dr Megan Collins lauds Dr Kessans’ research as an inspiring example of how space technology can drive innovation on Earth. This achievement follows the recent successful launch of MethaneSAT, a satellite designed to track and monitor global emissions from space, highlighting the significant potential of space technology in addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges while bolstering our globally competitive space sector.
The MethaneSAT satellite will be equipped with a highly sensitive spectrometre that can detect concentrations as low as two parts per billion, and it will have high-spatial resolution coupled with a broad, 200-kilometre view path, allowing it to quantify even small emission sources over large areas.
Dr Kessans’ research culminated in successfully launching her hardware on a rocket from the Kennedy Space Centre at Cape Canaveral, USA. This mission also included protein experiments from leading New Zealand universities, including Canterbury, Otago, Victoria, and Waikato, showcasing the collaborative efforts of the country’s academic institutions in advancing space science and technology.
The launch of Dr Kessans’ project results from a strategic agreement between the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and the US commercial space company Axiom Space. This partnership aims to facilitate New Zealand researchers’ advancement in space science and technology, fostering innovation and driving collaboration between academia, government, and private enterprise.
Dr Kessans’ project has also received government funding for further development through the MBIE-administered Endeavour Fund, highlighting the government’s commitment to supporting cutting-edge research and innovation in the space sector. This collaborative effort between academia, government, and private enterprise is a testament to New Zealand’s growing presence in the global space economy, positioning the country as a key player in space research and technology development.
Previously, New Zealand had collaborated with several countries, including Australia, to advance space research, as reported by OpenGov. The collaboration between SmartSat and the New Zealand Space Agency (NZSA) is an important development. The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two entities aims to accelerate the growth and technological advancement of the Australian and New Zealand space industries, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of space exploration and innovation in the Australasian region.
This partnership is underpinned by a shared commitment to fostering innovation, driving research and development (R&D), and nurturing a skilled workforce capable of propelling technological breakthroughs in the space sector. The MoU, ceremoniously signed at the NZSA headquarters in Wellington, signifies a strategic alignment between SmartSat and NZSA to leverage their combined resources and expertise.
At the core of this collaboration, it is designated to support joint research initiatives in three key technological domains: Earth Observation, Space Situational Awareness, and Optical Communications. These areas represent the forefront of space exploration, offering immense potential to revolutionise humanity’s perception and interaction with the cosmos.
Minister Judith Collins, New Zealand’s Minister for Space, praised the new agreement as a testament to the enduring collaboration between Australia and New Zealand in space exploration. In a statement on her official website, she reiterated her commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration, recognising the transformative potential of space technology in addressing global challenges.
Minister Collins reaffirmed the government’s dedication to developing the country’s space sector, promoting innovation, and strengthening partnerships with the New Zealand research community, international space agencies, and commercial collaborators. These collaborative approaches underscore New Zealand’s commitment to advancing space science and technology to benefit society and the economy, paving the way for future breakthroughs in the field.
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Da Nang, a central city in Vietnam, is gearing up to bolster its semiconductor industry with a targeted focus on human resource development. The Vietnam–Korea University of Information and Communication Technology (VKU) recently launched a comprehensive programme aimed at training professionals in integrated circuit (IC) design.
The initiative underscores the city’s commitment to advancing its semiconductor sector. In 2024, Da Nang will concentrate on cultivating a pool of qualified teaching staff through collaborative efforts with the Viet Nam-Korea Information Technology (IT) and Communications University, the Institute of Information Technology under the Viet Nam National University – Ha Noi, and the Da Nang Semiconductor and Artificial Intelligence Centre for Research and Training (DSAC). Support from Synopsys Vietnam Company will further bolster these endeavours.
The training programme, spanning six months, comprises both theoretical learning and project-based training. It encompasses four modules covering Very-large-scale integration (VLSI) Design, SystemVerilog/Verilog/Very High-Speed Integrated Circuit Hardware Description Language, basic digital integrated circuits, and basic analog circuit design.
The inaugural training course for lecturers will host 25 participants selected from prestigious institutions including the Viet Nam-Korea Information Technology (IT) and Communications University, Da Nang University of Science and Technology, University of Technical Education, Duy Tan University, and FPT University. A significant highlight of the programme is the access granted to lecturers to Synopsys’ extensive library and teaching materials, enabling them to develop practical IC design curricula upon completion.
Huynh Cong Phap, Principal of VKU, emphasised the programme’s objective of equipping students with practical IC design skills to facilitate training deployment at universities in Da Nang. Additionally, the university plans to offer short-term training courses in semiconductor circuit design for junior and senior students pursuing majors such as computer engineering, technology, embedded systems and IoT, and technology information.
Speaking at the event, Ho Ky Minh, Standing Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee, hailed the programme as a significant stride in the city’s strategy for high-quality human resource development. He commended the collaborative efforts between DSAC, VKU, Synopsys Group, and the Information Technology Institute under the Vietnam National University in swiftly launching the city’s inaugural IC circuit design instructor training course.
In line with the city’s ambitions, Ho Ky Minh, the Standing Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Da Nang, welcomed Susan Burns, the US Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, expressing his aspirations for enhanced collaboration with the United States within the semiconductor industry.
Susan Burns lauded the programme as a testament to the robust cooperation between government bodies, private enterprises, and universities in nurturing high-tech talent in Vietnam. This collaboration aims to fortify Vietnam’s position in the global semiconductor supply chain. The United States acknowledges Vietnam’s pivotal role in fostering flexible semiconductor supply chains and extends strong support for the industry’s development in the country.
In tandem with the programme launch, the university unveiled the VKU – SSTH centre, dedicated to semiconductor circuits and smart technology. Equipped with 30 computers and proprietary circuit design software from Synopsys, the centre is poised to serve as a hub for training and research in semiconductor circuits and smart technology.
OpenGov Asia reported that Da Nang inaugurated the Da Nang Semiconductor and Artificial Intelligence Center for Research and Training (DSAC) in January this year, marking a significant stride in technological advancement. This initiative underscores Da Nang’s dedication to enhancing its capabilities in integrated circuit (IC) design and artificial intelligence (AI).
The decision to establish DSAC was announced on January 26 by Le Trung Chinh, Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee, highlighting the centre’s role in realising the city’s strategic objectives. DSAC is poised to engage in research, training, and technology transfer in microchips, semiconductors, and AI development, while also fostering international cooperation in these critical domains.
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Vietnam has emerged as a promising market in the global data centre landscape, with significant growth projected in the coming decade. According to the latest report from Viettel IDC, the country’s data centre market is forecast to reach a value of US$1.26 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.8%. This projection underscores Vietnam’s increasing importance in the digital economy and its potential to become a key player in the data centre industry.
Despite its promising outlook, Vietnam’s data centre market currently lags behind its regional counterparts in terms of size. Compared to countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, Vietnam’s data centre market is relatively small. However, this is expected to change in the coming years as the country experiences rapid economic growth and invests heavily in digital infrastructure.
One of the key drivers of growth in Vietnam’s data centre market is the increasing demand for digital services and cloud computing. With the rise of e-commerce, digital banking, and other online services, there is a growing need for secure and reliable data storage and processing facilities. Data centres play a crucial role in meeting this demand by providing the infrastructure necessary to support these services.
Another factor contributing to the growth of Vietnam’s data centre market is the government’s support for digital transformation initiatives. In recent years, the Vietnamese government has prioritised the development of the digital economy as part of its broader economic strategy. This has included investments in digital infrastructure, as well as policies aimed at promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in the tech sector.
Furthermore, Vietnam benefits from a skilled workforce and relatively low construction costs compared to other countries in the region. This makes it an attractive destination for companies looking to establish data centre operations in Southeast Asia. Additionally, the government has implemented supportive regulatory frameworks to encourage investment in the sector, further stimulating growth.
Domestically, the data centre market in Vietnam is dominated by a few major players, including Viettel, VNPT, FPT, and CMC. These companies collectively hold approximately 97% of the market share, indicating a high level of concentration in the industry. However, there are still opportunities for new entrants, particularly in niche segments or specialised services.
Looking ahead, Viettel IDC predicts a significant expansion of Vietnam’s data centre market in the coming years. Plans are underway to build megacentres in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, with an estimated total capacity of up to 450 MW. This represents a substantial increase from the current capacity and reflects the growing demand for data centre services in the country.
In addition to data centres, Vietnam’s cloud computing market is also experiencing rapid growth. While the market size is currently smaller than that of neighboring countries like the Philippines and Indonesia, Vietnam has the highest growth rate in the Southeast Asia region and ranks third in Asia overall. The projected growth rate of Vietnam’s cloud market over the next 5-10 years is expected to be around 19-20%, driven by increased adoption of cloud services by businesses and consumers.
Vietnam’s data centre market presents significant opportunities for growth and investment in the coming years. With supportive government policies, a skilled workforce, and increasing demand for digital services, Vietnam is well-positioned to become a major player in the global data centre industry. As the country continues to invest in digital infrastructure and technology, it is poised to emerge as a leading hub for data centre operations in Southeast Asia and beyond.
OpenGov Asia reported that Vietnam is rapidly becoming a key player in the global data center market, driven by factors like increasing digitalisation among SMEs, a tech-savvy young population, the rollout of 5G technology, and a rising demand for independent digital infrastructure and data sovereignty.
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CSIRO successfully delivered an innovative 3D mapping technology package to the International Space Station (ISS). This cutting-edge system marks a pivotal advancement in space technology, promising to revolutionise navigation and task execution aboard the orbiting laboratory.
As space exploration expands, the need for efficient inventory tracking, damage assessment, and emergency response in off-Earth environments becomes more evident. With lunar and Martian missions looming, where crew time is limited and some facilities may be uncrewed, the demand for accurate autonomous systems is critical. Additionally, rovers and robots exploring extraterrestrial terrain rely on precise mapping data for effective navigation.
In response to these challenges, CSIRO has developed a fused sensor system for autonomous 3D scanning in collaboration with an international air and space tech company, NASA Ames Research Centre, and the ISS National Laboratory. Originally designed for terrestrial applications like remote mine site access, this technology is now set to be demonstrated aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
The multi-resolution scanning payload will be integrated into an Astrobee robot platform, which supports astronaut activities on the ISS. This marks the first time a single piece of technology will utilise both payload bays of an Astrobee robot simultaneously.
Once deployed on the ISS, the multi-resolution scanner will conduct experiments, including full internal scans, beginning with the Japanese experimental module (Kibō). The data collected will support tasks such as inventory analysis, traditionally requiring human intervention, demonstrating the potential for autonomous caretaker functions on uncrewed spacecraft.
The culmination of extensive research and collaboration, this groundbreaking payload is poised to enhance the efficiency and safety of astronauts working on the ISS. Integrated into Astrobee, a versatile robot platform developed by NASA, the 3D mapping device is primed to generate detailed three-dimensional maps of the space station, surpassing previous mapping capabilities with unprecedented accuracy.
Dr. Marc Elmouttie, Research Group Leader at CSIRO, highlighted the overarching goal of this mission, stating, “Our objective is to demonstrate the efficacy of our technology in providing enhanced 3D sensing and mapping for robotics systems on spacecraft.”
This advanced mapping capability holds immense potential for streamlining operations within the ISS, enabling precise tracking of inventory movement and facilitating optimal planning of onboard activities for astronauts and mission controllers.
The technology behind this groundbreaking payload combines two pioneering CSIRO innovations – Stereo-Depth Fusion and Wildcat Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping. This synergy produces high-quality data about the surrounding environment and the device’s movements in space, offering unparalleled insights into spatial dynamics within the ISS.
Developed in collaboration with an international air and space tech company, with support from the ISS National Laboratory and NASA Ames Research Centre, this project underscores CSIRO’s commitment to innovation in remote operations and aerospace manufacturing. Leveraging its expertise in these domains, CSIRO aims to propel space exploration into new frontiers by advancing the capabilities of robotic systems in space environments.
Dr. Ryan Reeves, Technical Director of Research and Innovation for the ISS National Laboratory, emphasised the significance of testing such innovative technologies in low Earth orbit. He noted that these endeavours play a crucial role in shaping the future of space commerce and exploration, driving advancements that will pave the way for unprecedented scientific breakthroughs.
With the successful delivery of the 3D mapping payload to the ISS, the stage is set for a new era of space exploration. The device’s integration into the Astrobee platform marks the beginning of extensive experimentation and validation of its capabilities in the unique microgravity environment of the space station.
As the payload undergoes its first experimentation run in the Japanese Kibō module, anticipation runs high among scientists and engineers involved in the project. This milestone achievement represents a collaborative triumph in space technology, underlining the collective efforts of CSIRO, NASA and the international air and space tech company in advancing the frontiers of human knowledge and exploration beyond Earth’s boundaries.
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Digital transformation has become a global imperative, with countries worldwide implementing various strategies to leverage digital technology for societal, economic, and governance improvements. Each country’s approach is tailored to its technological infrastructure, regulatory environment, economic priorities, and societal needs. This global transformation requires smart strategies, smart implementation, and a collaborative, outcome-oriented mindset.
In Thailand, for example, the government has embarked on a joint effort to advance the digital economy and society through initiatives like accreditation of government agencies’ curricula. Professor Wisit Wisitsaratha, who serves as a Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, has announced plans to publicise the outcomes of this project for 2023. This reflects Thailand’s commitment to equipping its government agencies with the skills to thrive in the digital age.
Mr Phuchapong Nodthaisong, the committee’s secretary-general for Digital for the National Economy and Society, revealed the outcomes of the 2023 curriculum accreditation operations, which aimed to certify 70 courses. The National Curriculum Committee (NCC) reviewed 73 courses from 18 institutions for accreditation, categorising 30 as essential and 43 as moderately important. The 177 courses were considered for certification from 2021 to 2023.
During the meeting, Mr Phuchapong Nodthaisong presented guidelines to promote and support government agencies in organising digital skill development training courses among government officials and personnel. These guidelines are designed to be practical and effective, with input from executives representing government agencies, the private sector, the business sector, and academia.
Professor Wisit Wisitsaratha highlighted that besides certifying more than 70 courses from the previous year, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society has been following up on the results of course accreditation, with over 104 courses considered for their quality and standards. These courses cater to six groups of civil servants and government personnel: senior executives, division directors, policy and academic workers, service workers, technology operators, and other practitioners. The curriculum development standards include a mechanism for systematic monitoring and evaluation of performance.
Additionally, measures have been implemented to promote and develop the country’s digital workforce, aiming to raise their digital capability and potential. This includes the general public, students, labour groups, entrepreneurs, the business sector, and civil servants, who all require adequate digital skills to drive government agencies towards the digital government.
Mr Phuchapong Nodthaisong, Secretary-General of the National Digital Economy and Society Committee, emphasised that the NBTC has certified digital skills development courses for government agencies. Standards for curriculum development have been set alongside a mechanism for systematically monitoring and evaluating performance.
To support this, the NBTC has taken proactive steps to enhance the quality of these courses. They have established a cooperation network with recognised organisations in related fields. This collaborative effort ensures that the courses are developed and delivered in line with industry best practices and standards.
Additionally, the NBTC works closely with the Office of the Civil Service Commission and associated agencies, enabling them to align their efforts and resources and ensuring that the courses meet the needs and expectations of the civil service sector.
He further stated that the NDC has continuously held focus group meetings in the past to create guidelines for promoting and supporting government agencies in organising training for certified courses. These efforts include measures to promote and develop Thailand’s digital workforce under the project for managing and following up on the curriculum accreditation of government agencies.
These initiatives are integral to Thailand’s comprehensive strategy to cultivate a skilled workforce capable of propelling the nation’s digital transformation and enhancing its competitiveness in the global digital economy. Thailand aims to effectively leverage digital technology to improve its economy and society by equipping civil servants and government personnel with the requisite knowledge and skills.
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An internationally recognised card service company, with a significant presence in the digital payments domain, released insights shedding light on Vietnam’s evolving payment landscape. Through its comprehensive consumer payment attitudes study, the company, highlights a surge in cashless transactions among Vietnamese consumers, signifying a progressive shift towards embracing novel financial technologies.
According to the study’s findings, a staggering 56% of Vietnamese respondents reported carrying less physical cash than they did a year prior, indicative of a growing inclination towards digital payment methods. Notably, the younger demographic is leading the charge in this transition, with a striking 89% having seamlessly adopted cashless payment solutions.
Furthermore, the company delves into the prevailing trends shaping Vietnam’s burgeoning non-cash economy, notably highlighting the ascendancy of mobile wallets. Vietnam stands among the top Southeast Asian markets witnessing rapid mobile wallet adoption, serving as the preferred avenue for payments and substantially contributing to the digital finance sector’s growth. Remarkably, four out of every five Vietnamese consumers utilise mobile wallets, positioning the country as a frontrunner in mobile finance adoption.
In tandem with the surge in mobile wallet usage, real-time payments (RTPs) have gained considerable traction in Vietnam, underscoring the nation’s receptiveness to cutting-edge financial technologies. The unparalleled convenience and efficiency offered by RTPs have fueled further digitisation of the economy, with at least two in five consumers leveraging these services for various transactions, including cross-border transfers, peer-to-peer payments, merchant transactions, and bill settlements.
Additionally, the buy now, pay later (BNPL) service has emerged as a popular choice among Vietnamese consumers, offering flexible payment options and driving increased consumer engagement. The company’s strategic collaborations with leading Vietnamese retailers for its instalment solutions exemplify the transformative impact of such services in fostering financial inclusion and spurring business growth.
While credit cards may witness comparatively lower usage for wallet top-ups and funding, they remain the preferred choice for BNPL plans in Vietnam. The ease of use, coupled with incentives like free vouchers, rewards points, and transparent payment tracking mechanisms, have been instrumental in driving the adoption of BNPL offerings.
Vietnam’s ongoing cashless payment revolution not only presents unparalleled opportunities for economic growth but also fosters innovation, unlocking new avenues for both consumers and businesses in the transition towards a cashless society.
The Country Manager for Vietnam and Laos at the card service company emphasised the company’s unwavering commitment to driving innovation and enhancing digital payment experiences for consumers. The findings from their study corroborate the growing trend towards contactless transactions, evidenced by a significant 53% increase in contactless transactions made on their cards, accompanied by a 19% surge in purchases and a substantial rise in the total value of cross-border transactions.
Supporting data from the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) further underscores the positive trajectory of non-cash payment and digital banking activities in the country. As of the end of 2023, individual payment accounts surpassed 182.88 million, reflecting a notable 21.8% year-on-year increase. In January 2024, non-cash transactions surged by 63.3% in volume and 41.45% in value compared to the previous year, with transactions through the internet and QR codes witnessing exponential growth rates.
OpenGov Asia reported on Vietnam’s strides towards a cashless society, attributing the momentum to government policies favouring digital payments. Increased online transactions fuel competition among tech firms, advancing Vietnam’s digital economy. A survey showed that 43.8% of sellers accept bank transfers, and 15.3% use VietQR codes, indicating wide digital payment adoption.
Encouraged by these trends, the SBV continues to advocate for digitalisation within credit institutions, fostering collaboration across sectors to expand the digital ecosystem, while concurrently refining the legal framework, mechanisms, and policies governing non-cash payments.