Forum helps promote Vietnam – Laos technology connection
The Vietnam-Laos technology transfer forum (Vietnam – Laos TechConnect 2018) kicked off in Vientiane, Laos, on August 9, attracting about 300 delegates from the two countries’ ministries of science and technology, associations, businesses, universities and research institutions.
Contracts on technology cooperation and transfer were signed between universities and enterprises of the two countries after the opening ceremony of the forum.(Photo: VNA)
Vientiane (VNA) - The Vietnam-Laos technology transfer forum (Vietnam – LaosTechConnect 2018) kicked off inVientiane, Laos, on August 9, attracting about 300 delegates from the twocountries’ ministries of science and technology, associations, businesses,universities and research institutions.
In his opening speech, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Science and Technology BuiVan Tung said the forum aims to bolster cooperation in technology transfer amongorganisations and enterprises of the two countries.
It helps connect technology researchers and developers of Vietnam with Governmentagencies and business communities of Laos, towards promoting commercialisation,and technology application in key fields of Laos such as processing andpreserving agricultural products, renewable energy, environment protection, andinformation and technology, he added.
According to Tung, the event is featuring 142 technologies and technological productsfrom 24 units.
The forum contributes to deepening cooperation between the two ministries ofscience and technology and research coordination among scientists of the twocountries, he noted.
While highlighting the significance of the event, Lao Minister of Science and TechnologyBoviengkham Vongdara stressed as the first edition of this kind, the forum can wellmeet the science and technology development strategy in Vietnam and Laos.
Itoffers a good chance for the two sides to discuss development of relevant projectsin the field, he said.
The two-dayevent also contributes to tightening solidarity, traditional friendship and strategiccooperation between the two countries, Boviengkham added.
Vietnam – LaosTechConnect 2018 includes discussion sessions on measures to promote technologytransfer between the two nations; sustainable agricultural development,environment treatment and IT.
Technology exhibition activities, the presentation of technological research resultsare also arranged in the framework of the event.
Six contracts of technology cooperation and transfer were signed between universitiesand enterprises of the two countries after the opening ceremony of the forum.
On the occasion, through the Lao Ministry of Science and Technology, Vietnameseunits attending the forum handed over 150 million VND as relief aid for Lao people affected by the recent collapse of the Sepien-Senamnoihydropower dam in Attapeu province.-VNA
The Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences (VASS) and the Lao National Institute for Social Sciences (NISS) have agreed to conduct joint research and exchange scientific documents in various fields.
Vietnam and Laos convened the fourth meeting of their Scientific and Technological Cooperation Committee in Cua Lo town, the central province of Nghe An, on June 25.
The Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) and the Lao Ministry of Post and Telecommunications (MPT) jointly held a forum in Vientiane on November 2 to seek measures to foster bilateral cooperation in information and communication technology (ICT).
Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith recognised the support the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) has given to the Lao Ministry of Science and Technology and National Academy of Science (LNAS) while receiving VAST President Chau Van Minh on December 5 in Vientiane.
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Since 2022, more than 500 Vietnamese startups have engaged in Google’s Startup Academy, Google for Startups Accelerator, and Google Startup Masterclass. Nearly 100 of these firms received support to develop and improve their products, benefiting more than 300,000 customers and creating over 300 new jobs through successful fundraising and team expansion amidst Vietnam’s competitive economy.
Over the past three decades, Binh Duong has cemented its status as one of Vietnam’s most dynamic industrial hubs, building a robust foundation in manufacturing, exports, and investment. The province now has 30 operational industrial parks spanning over 13,000 hectares, with an occupancy rate exceeding 90%.
The diplomat emphasised that Vietnam places the highest priority on the development of science, technology, and innovation, viewing them as critical drivers for the country’s advancement in the new development era.
The PM revealed Vietnam’s plan to develop nuclear power in the near future, and called on the Swedish side to assist Vietnam in developing and refining legal and policy frameworks for the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes; training and developing human resources; ensuring nuclear safety; and conducting training and drills to improve incident management capabilities.
More than an art showcase, the second “Technology with heart” contest seeks to inspire innovation and spotlight the humanistic values that technology can bring into daily life, expected to contribute to a sustainable digital future.
The average speed of the national mobile broadband network remained stable, with download speeds reaching 76.86 Mbps and upload speeds reaching 26.98 Mbps.
Under the MoU, AMD will support several key initiatives spearheaded by HCM City’s authorities, including piloting policies, co-hosting innovation events, and evaluating the investment environment within the Saigon Hi-Tech Park.
The centre is a joint initiative between Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology, with PTIT and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) serving as co-leads, and global telecommunications giant Nokia as founding industry partner.
The new centre, staffed by a team of scientists, researchers, and AI specialists working in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, forms part of Qualcomm’s global AI research group.
As a flagship initiative of the community project “Digital Literacy for All”, the programme forms part of a national scheme to equip 20 million young people with digital business skills.
The organisers hope the competition will help shape a generation of exceptional engineers who will make significant contributions to Vietnam’s scientific and technological progress in this era of transformation.
In the digital age and amidst the Fourth Industrial Revolution, IP plays an increasingly critical role, not only in safeguarding inventions but also in reducing copyright infringement and curbing piracy.
Ambassador Nguyen Minh Vu laid stress on the significance of the Hanoi Convention, particularly to the Asia – Pacific, to handling legal gaps in international cooperation against rapidly increasing global cybercrime.
The week features a rich lineup of activities, including a plenary conference on blockchain and AI development, thematic seminars on future technology trends and investment visions, applications of blockchain and AI in business, the Super Vietnam PitchFest, as well as forums for blockchain and AI.
According to the Politburo’s Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW, dated December 22, 2024, on making breakthroughs in the development of science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, this is considered a decisive factor in the development of nations. It is seen as a prerequisite and the best opportunity for Vietnam to become prosperous and powerful in the new era of the nation’s rise.
Vietnam’s demographic advantage, including a youthful population of 100 million in a “golden age”, further bolsters its ambitions. Its dynamic workforce, with a natural inclination toward science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), is a key asset in attracting private investment to innovation-driven sectors.
Vietnam views sci-tech as a decisive factor in national development and a key tool for achieving sustainable development goals, and is ready to boost sci-tech cooperation with Venezuela for mutual prosperity.
Contracts on technology cooperation and transfer were signed between universities and enterprises of the two countries after the opening ceremony of the forum.(Photo: VNA) 
