Internet Day 2021, themed “Recovery and breakthrough in the era of datafication”, was launched in Hanoi on December 15 by the Vietnam Internet Association (VIA) in coordination with relevant agencies.
Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam speaks at the event. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Internet Day 2021, themed“Recovery and breakthrough in the era of datafication”, was launched in Hanoion December 15 by the Vietnam Internet Association (VIA) in coordination withrelevant agencies.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Prime Minister Vu DucDam said the number of internet service providers in Vietnam, now stands at more than 100, is likely toincrease in the time ahead.
He called for joint efforts to create an environmentand ecosystem where potential of each individual and organisation is utilisedto accelerate Vietnam’s digital transformation.
Internet Day was first held in 2012 when Vietnamhad only 30.8 million internet users. The number increased to nearly 70million as of June 2021, according to VIA President Vu Hoang Lien.
Vietnam's internet economy could reach 220billion USD in Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) by 2030, ranking second in SoutheastAsia after Indonesia, according to the e-Conomy SEA 2021 Report recentlypublished by Temasek, Google and management consulting firm Bain & Company.
Vietnam’s digital transformation is being carriedout on the three pillars of digital government, digital economy and digitalsociety.
Deputy Minister of Information and CommunicationsPham Duc Long stressed the need to change the mindset of digitaltransformation, build data culture, develop digital infrastructure, protectbasic moral values and ensure cyber security and safety.
Under a draft planning scheme on information andcommunication infrastructure during the 2021-2030 period, with a vision towards2050, the Ministry of Information and Communications aims to synchronouslydevelop national data infrastructure, forming a system of international,national, regional and local data centres that are connected with each other,thus turning Vietnam into a regional and international centre for data storageand processing.
The ministry is working on a national data strategy thatis expected to be approved, issued and rolled out next year, Long said, urgingthe business community to join hands in building and developing digitalinfrastructure, especially data infrastructure.
Within the framework of the event, there wereseveral workshops on datafication, internet infrastructure in Vietnam and datainfrastructure, along with an exhibition./.
The national digital transformation programme gives top priority to the work in education and training, Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung said at the Q&A session on November 11, as part of the 15th National Assembly’s second sitting.
The Vietnamese internet economy could reach 220 billion USD in Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) by 2030, ranking second in Southeast Asia after Indonesia, according to the e-Conomy SEA 2021 Report recently published by Temasek, Google and management consulting firm Bain & Company.
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.
Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam speaks at the event. (Photo: VNA) 
