Forum talks digital technology’s role in building sustainable society
The Vietnam Internet Forum 2019 (VIF19) opened in Hanoi on March 20, discussing ways digital technology can help build a creative, open and sustainable society.
Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam Pereric Hogberg addresses the Vietnam Internet Forum 2019 on March 20 (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – The Vietnam Internet Forum 2019(VIF19) opened in Hanoi on March 20, discussing ways digital technology canhelp build a creative, open and sustainable society.
Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam Pereric Hogbergaffirmed the importance of the internet and digital technology in improvingpeople’s life and building a country’s competitiveness brand.
He said 94 percent of Swedish people have usedthe internet with the world’s fastest connection speed. The widespread use oftechnology and the internet has helped the country promote information access,innovation and entrepreneurship, thereby creating inventions, growth andprosperity for it like at present.
Vietnam can obtain the same achievements asSweden’s as it has such fast internet development, especially the popularity ofsocial networks. The country has a big advantage, that is its Government alwayssupports free trade and integration into the globalised world, he added.
Vu The Binh, Secretary-General of the VietnamInternet Association, said the country has recorded considerable developmentsin technical infrastructure serving a market of about 95 million people and arate of internet users of over 60 percent. However, it is also facingchallenges in identifying and harmonising some social and legal problemsarising from new internet-based technological applications.
Caitlin Wiesen, Acting Resident Representativeof the UNDP, said young tech businesses play an important role in solvingchallenges facing society. Young people who aspire to make innovations arethose applying new technologies and the internet to build society.
Connecting innovative youth is key to attainingthe Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, she noted.
The VIF19, the second of its kind following thefirst in 2017, will last through March 21. The event, held by the SwedishEmbassy and the Hanoi People’s Committee, is also an activity marking the 50thfounding anniversary of the Vietnam-Sweden diplomatic ties.-VNA
The Vietnamese Government should paid due attention to outlining policies to promote breakthrough technologies as well as to bolster digital economic development in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, World Bank Country Director for Vietnam Osmane Dione said on March 7.
The size of Vietnam’s online business market grew by over 30 percent to about 7.8 billion USD in 2018, compared to only 4 billion USD in 2015, according to an official of the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
Technology opens up new development opportunities for startup businesses by translating their ideas into products and services, experts said at the recent Tech Summit 2019 held in Ho Chi Minh City.
The Vietnam Computer Emergency Response Team (VNCERT) has warned that GandCrab ransomware affiliates which had been spreading globally over the past year had updated to version 5.2 and the team was taking measures to disconnect with GandCrab server to avoid damages.
Vietnamese businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), must embrace digital and AI transformations to remain competitive and achieve sustainable growth, experts said.
Under the European Union (EU)’s global initiative on Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence (CoE), Vietnam has implemented numerous projects aimed at strengthening national capacity in detecting, preventing, and preparing for CBRN-related threats.
The course aims to promote knowledge exchange between scientific and educational schools from different countries, while deepening participants’ expertise in modern technology and technical education. It comprises two main specialisations of electronics-automation and nuclear technology.
ANTARA and VNA can design global-scale cooperation programmes or joint media campaigns, demonstrating the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Indonesia, as well as the cooperation between the two national news agencies.
As Vietnam’s digital transformation accelerates, both the frequency and severity of cyberattacks are growing. The National Cybersecurity Association (NCA) reported that in 2024 alone, there were some 659,000 separate cybersecurity incidents, impacting around 46.15% of government agencies and businesses.
A key highlight will be the technology cluster pavilion, showcasing top enterprises selected for their innovation, market potential, and practical applications. These firms will display flagship products and solutions, supported by government policies to strengthen the tech sector.
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.
Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam Pereric Hogberg addresses the Vietnam Internet Forum 2019 on March 20 (Photo: VNA) 
