HCM City, UK strengthen partnership in digital transformation, innovation

Under the MoU, both sides will promote cooperation in research and innovation among policymakers, government agencies, research institutions, universities, and businesses to support digital transformation and drive technological advancements in the southern city.

The UK Consulate General and the Ho Chi Minh City Digital Transformation Centre sign a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the fields of science, technology and innovation. (Photo: VNA)
The UK Consulate General and the Ho Chi Minh City Digital Transformation Centre sign a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the fields of science, technology and innovation. (Photo: VNA)

HCM City (VNA) – The UK Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City and the Ho Chi Minh City Digital Transformation Centre signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on science, technology, and innovation cooperation during the opening session of UK-Southeast Asia Tech Week 2025 on March 27.

The agreement aims to establish a strong foundation for enhancing collaboration in science, technology, and innovation based on the principles of equality and mutual benefit. It also seeks to strengthen research and innovation capabilities at both the city and national levels, contributing to sustainable development.

Under the MoU, both sides will promote cooperation in research and innovation among policymakers, government agencies, research institutions, universities, and businesses to support digital transformation and drive technological advancements in the southern city.

The collaboration will focus on science-based research and innovation, spanning fundamental studies to applied technology in key fields such as digital transformation, smart city technology, financial technology (FinTech), emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, robotics and automation, nanotechnology, and cybersecurity and health technology (HealthTech).

Both parties emphasised the importance of Politburo’s Resolution 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation. The MoU aligns with the resolution's objectives by strengthening UK-Vietnam cooperation in these crucial areas.

uk-ambassador.jpg
UK Ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew speaks at the event. (Photo: VNA)

UK Ambassador to Vietnam, Iain Frew, described the MoU as a significant milestone in deepening the UK-HCM City partnership in digital technology. By promoting deeper cooperation in digital transformation, the two sides are paving the way for new opportunities to promote economic growth and technological advancement, he added.

Vice Chairwoman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, Tran Thi Dieu Thuy, spoke highly of UK’s support in digital transformation initiatives, such as sharing smart city development expertise, providing technical assistance in building the city’s data strategy, and collaborating on workforce training in science and technology.

She went on to say that the week serves as a key platform for connecting investors, experts, and businesses from Vietnam and the UK, fostering breakthrough solutions for a comprehensive and sustainable digital future. The signing of the MoU reaffirms the city’s commitment to deepening cooperation with the UK amid the global digital transformation trend, she noted.

Taking place from March 27-28, UK-Southeast Asia Tech Week 2025 is the UK’s flagship annual event dedicated to accelerating digital innovation and strengthening partnerships between the UK and Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam./.

VNA

See more

AI opens up opportunities for people with disabilities

AI opens up opportunities for people with disabilities

Amid the rapid development of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way people learn, work and communicate. For persons with disabilities (PwDs), AI is opening up new opportunities to overcome barriers once considered insurmountable, narrow the digital divide, and promote an inclusive society where no one is left behind.

Representatives of organisations and individuals receive the 2026 Vietnam Digital Awards (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam Digital Awards 2026 honours 56 organisations, products and solutions

The 2026 awards place greater emphasis on practical effectiveness, applicability and the ability of digital transformation models to generate wider impact. They recognise not only technological innovations but also the benefits these technologies bring to people and society. Beyond acknowledging achievements, the awards also encourage initiatives capable of shaping the future.

The transformation of museums from “static repositories” into “dynamic experiential spaces” is driving the development of cultural industries. (Photo: VNA)

Digital heritage opens new avenues for cultural preservation, public access

The Southern Women’s Museum has so far digitised 1,113 artefacts, but only 113 are currently accessible to the public. According to deputy director of the museum Pham Thi Dieu, thousands of other artefacts are awaiting an exhibition system under an expansion project. The museum hopes to complete the system in 2027, enabling online visitors to explore the digitised collections.

A citizen interacts with an AI-powered robot for guidance on administrative procedures at the Public Administration Service Centre of Xuan Huong–Da Lat ward, Lam Dong province. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam taps Vietnamese talent in Canada to advance AI cooperation

As Vietnam-Canada relations enter a new phase under their strategic partnership, mobilising this resource is consistent with the orientation of Politburo Resolution No. 23-NQ/TW on overseas Vietnamese affairs, particularly the goal of harnessing knowledge, science and technology for national development.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung speaks at the ceremony (Photo: VNA)

VNU-HCM must become hub for national top talent: PM

VNU-HCM should become a leading national hub for education - training, scientific research, science -technology, innovation and digital transformation, striving to rank among Asia’s top 100 higher education establishments by 2030 and one of the region’s leading research university systems by 2045, with at least four disciplines in the global top 50.

A consumer scans a QR code to pay for OCOP products from Viet Ket Herbal Medicine Company Limited in Nhan Thang ward. Photo: Bac Ninh Newspaper.

Bac Ninh promotes cashless transactions in digital environment

With the digital economy accounting for a leading share of gross regional domestic product (GRDP) nationwide, the northern city of Bac Ninh is accelerating cashless payments in public services, online shopping and the marketing of products on digital platforms.

Viettel's Hoa Lac 2 Data Centre (Source: Viettel)

AI - infrastructure for next-generation digital economy

By combining its established electronics manufacturing base with growing capabilities in semiconductor design, AI research, cloud computing and data centres, Vietnam can become a strategic link in the regional AI ecosystem.

The signing of an MoU between the Department of Digital Technology and Artificial Intelligence and the Institute for Agricultural Research and Development at the forum. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Australia step up digital technology, AI cooperation

An Australian diplomat said Australian businesses are keen to engage in Vietnam’s digital development, particularly in semiconductors, AI and cybersecurity. They also hope to share expertise and support Vietnamese companies in technology and investment.

A customer uses the LiveBank 24/7 service of Tien Phong Commercial Joint Stock Bank (TPBank). (Photo: TPBank)

AI adoption in banking requires strict supervision

Banks are increasingly applying AI in data analysis, personalised services, fraud detection and risk management. In August, the Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Foreign Trade of Vietnam (Vietcombank) launched its One Data Platform (ODP) project to support advanced analytics and lay the groundwork for AI and machine learning applications.

Delegates launch the commune-level digital transformation application on October 9 (Photo: VNA)

Commune-level digital transformation app launched

The app is designed to help grassroots officials, businesses, household businesses and citizens find suitable solutions, acquire relevant skills and access consultancy during their digital transformation journey.