Digital era: A 'golden opportunity' for financial sector and challenges to address

Establishing a transparent legal framework for digital assets is an urgent requirement, offering a "golden opportunity" for Vietnam to leap forward in the digital era and solidify its position on the global technology map.

ky nguyen so 1.jpg
On December 3, the Vietnam Tech Impact Summit 2024 (VTIS 2024) is held at the National Convention Centre in Hanoi. (Photo: Vietnam+)

Hanoi (VNA) - The Vietnam Tech Impact Summit 2024 (VTIS 2024) was held at the National Convention Centre in Hanoi on December 3, drawing significant attention from the technology and finance sectors. The event served as a platform for sharing knowledge, innovative ideas, and engaging in critical discussions on creating a legal framework for digital assets—a key factor in ensuring the sustainable growth of Vietnam's digital economy.

The technological boom over the past decade, especially in fields like blockchain, cryptocurrencies, tokenization, and decentralized finance (DeFi), has unlocked unprecedented development opportunities.

At VTIS 2024, experts not only highlighted these opportunities but also underscored the necessity of a transparent legal framework to protect investors and businesses while maximizing the potential of digital assets.

Providing a comprehensive overview of Vietnam’s digital asset market, Nguyen Duy Hung, Chairman of SSI Securities Corporation, pointed to Vietnam's significant advantages, such as a young, tech-savvy population and growing interest in digital assets.

He cited Forbes research ranking Vietnam second globally in ownership and interest in digital assets.

Additionally, major global exchanges regard Vietnam as one of the four most dynamic markets worldwide.

However, Hung stressed that a clear and transparent legal framework is essential for unlocking the full potential of digital assets. He warned that opportunities are being lost as foreign investors and major tech corporations increasingly choose countries with more favorable regulatory environments.

“As active participants in the technology and digital asset markets, we recognise that building a legal framework for digital assets in Vietnam is not just businesses’ need but also a crucial foundation for advancing the tech sector and the economy as a whole,” Hung said.

ky nguyen so 2.jpg
Nguyen Duy Hung, Chairman of SSI Securities: “To fully harness the potential of digital assets, transparency and clarity in the legal framework are essential.” (Photo: Vietnam+)

He urged the government to promptly issue a transparent legal framework to regulate digital asset activities, boosting investor confidence and facilitating market participation.

Hung also emphasized the importance of international cooperation, suggesting Vietnam learn from the experiences of developed nations to create an effective legal framework tailored to its unique conditions.

He expressed hope that the government would encourage innovation, establish flexible regulatory mechanisms, and foster global collaboration. According to Hung, these measures are vital for Vietnam to become a regional hub for digital assets.

ky nguyen so 3.jpg
Truong Gia Binh, Chairman of FPT: “Vietnam is securing an increasingly prominent position on the global technology map.” (Photo: Vietnam+)

Truong Gia Binh, Chairman of FPT Corporation, shared an impassioned speech on global challenges, Vietnam’s opportunities, and the transformative role of technology in the new era.

Binh noted that the world is entering an unprecedented period marked by uncertainty and disruption, yet a new global order is also taking shape.

For Vietnam, he emphasized the need to “prepare for the future,” warning that technological advancements could render 75% of current jobs obsolete by 2030. He urged organisations to enhance their resilience and readiness to ensure business continuity.

Highlighting Vietnam's growing prominence on the global technology map, Binh pointed out that companies like NVIDIA have chosen Vietnam as their "second home" and that the country now ranks second only to India in software exports. He also praised Vietnam’s pool of skilled technology engineers, which he said is the envy of many other nations.

ky nguyen so 4.jpg
The conference shares knowledge, innovative ideas, and facilitates critical discussions on the legal framework for digital assets, a key factor for the sustainable development of Vietnam's digital economy. (Photo: Vietnam+)

Binh expressed optimism about Vietnam's international standing and its integration into global markets. He remarked, “Vietnam has established the highest level of diplomatic relations with all major powers and continues to expand these ties. Connected to global markets through the latest trade agreements, Vietnam remains a safe destination with limitless opportunities.”

The conference successfully facilitated the exchange of insights, innovative ideas, and key discussions on creating a legal framework for digital assets, a cornerstone for the sustainable development of Vietnam’s digital economy./.

See more

A view of a modern urban area in southern Phu Quoc Island, An Giang province. (Photo: VNA)

Phu Quoc special zone advances toward smart urban centre

To serve both the two-tier local government operations and the APEC 2027 Leaders’ Week, An Giang is implementing a major tech infrastructure project on Phu Quoc Island, with a total investment of 500 billion VND (19.1 million USD).

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung chairs the first meeting of the inter-agency task force for coordinating smart city construction and development in Hanoi on July 16. (Photo: VNA)

Deputy PM urges stronger push for smart city development

The Deputy PM applauded the task force’s preparation, stressing that smart urban development is not a choice but an inevitable trend for countries aiming for sustainable growth, improving the quality of life for people, and strengthening urban governance and operation.

The Government sets a target to allocate 3% of the total budget expenditure to science and technology in 2025. (Photo: VNA)

More opportunities offered for investors in science, technology

Public-private partnerships are expected to create positive synergy, while also placing greater responsibility on private investors in managing and developing projects. This approach helps ensure the effective use of public funds to advance science and technology, foster innovation, and drive digital transformation.

Nguyen Thanh Lam, head of the Quang Trung Software City (QTSC)'s Cybersecurity Centre, speaks at the workshop. (Photo: VNA)

AI brings breakthrough opportunities, cybersecurity risks, experts warn

A report from Fortinet in June revealed that automated scanning attempts had surged to 36,000 per second, a 17% increase from the previous year. Alarmingly, 42% of these were account takeover attacks, and leaks involving 1.7 billion sets of credentials. In Vietnam, data from the National Cybersecurity Association showed that 659,000 cyberattacks were recorded in 2024, affecting approximately 46.15% of government agencies and enterprises.

Digital transformation solutions are displayed in Ho Chi Minh City in response to National Digital Transformation Day. (Photo: nhandan.vn)

AI offers breakthrough opportunities for businesses

Under the Poliburo’s Resolution 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, Vietnam aims to be among the top three ASEAN countries and the top 50 globally in AI development by 2030.

Visitors to the International Technology Expo 2025 (iTech Expo 2025)in HCM City (Photo: VNA)

iTech Expo 2025 opens in HCM City with over 120 booths

Showcased technologies include AI, IoT, Big Data, drones, robotics, Holobox, and sector-specific solutions such as EdTech, AgriTech, FinTech, and cybersecurity. A dedicated zone for startups also forms part of the exhibition.

Nguyen Van Duoc (middle), Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, holds a working session with Sarah Kemp (4th from left), Vice President of International Government Affairs at Intel Corporation on July 8. (Photo: VNA)

HCM City, Intel cooperate in training AI human resources

Kenneth Tse, General Director of Intel Vietnam, noted that in nearly 20 years of operations in the country, Intel Vietnam has exported over 4 billion products, contributing more than 100 billion USD to Vietnam’s export revenue.

Can Tho holds a working session with the GenAI Fund to promote digital transformation through artificial intelligence (AI) in the city, July 8, 2025. (Photo: VNA)

Can Tho, GenAI Fund team up for AI-driven transformation

The fund plans to assist Can Tho through a comprehensive set of initiatives such as the “Digital Transformation for All” programme to promote digital literacy; AI training for public officials and businesses; startup incubation and co-investment; and financial support for AI research and innovation. Additional support includes providing free working spaces for AI developers and formulating a region-specific AI strategy.

Organisations and individuals engaging in public-private partnerships for scientific research, technological development, innovation, and digital transformation are eligible for various forms of State incentives and support. (Illustrative photo: VNA)

Vietnam sets out incentives for PPPs in sci-tech development

Key areas eligible for PPPs include high and strategic technologies; infrastructure for the research, development, and application of high and strategic technologies; and digital infrastructure supporting the digital economy, digital society, and digital government.

The position of CATI-VLM in the Document Visual Question Answering (DocVQA) rankings for June (Photo: CMC)

Vietnam’s new AI model masters complex document analysis

CATI-VLM is an AI model for document reading that has already claimed a spot among the world’s elite, ranking first in Vietnam and among the top 12 globally in the Document Visual Question Answering (DocVQA) category of the Robust Reading Competition (RRC) in June 2025.