Spring Fair 2026: Strong potential for Vietnam-Australia cooperation in high technology

Priority areas for cooperation between Vietnam and Australia include agricultural technology; computer vision; and smart cities and cybersecurity.

Nguyen Tuan Nghia, a member of the Vietnam-Australia Scholars & Experts Association (Photo: VNA)
Nguyen Tuan Nghia, a member of the Vietnam-Australia Scholars & Experts Association (Photo: VNA)

Sydney (VNA) – In the context of smart consumption and accelerating digital transformation, high-technology products are increasingly becoming a key factor in enhancing competitiveness while opening new opportunities for international cooperation.

Sharing his experience from the Autumn Fair 2025, where his AI Box product was showcased, Nguyen Tuan Nghia, a member of the Vietnam-Australia Scholars & Experts Association (VASEA), described such events, including the current Spring Fair, as important technological “bridges”, particularly amid global digital transformation. Vietnamese enterprises, he noted, have opportunities to compare their products directly with international counterparts, receive feedback from multinational customers, and face positive competitive pressure to increase investment in research and development (R&D) and technological innovation.

In an interview with the Vietnam News Agency correspondents in Sydney, the artificial intelligence (AI) specialist honoured with the title of chief engineer by the Engineers Australia said trade fairs also create opportunities to connect directly with potential partners, develop joint R&D models, expand original equipment manufacturing (OEM) and original design manufacturing (ODM) services, pursue licensing and localisation initiatives, and exchange technical knowledge through seminars, product testing and specialised discussion sessions.

He said fairs are not merely exhibition venues but catalysts for technological breakthroughs, enabling Vietnamese enterprises to integrate more deeply into global value chains through innovation. Based on his practical experience, Nghia added that foreign companies are willing to cooperate when Vietnamese partners demonstrate technical depth and a strong commitment to quality, and trade fairs provide ideal platforms for this engagement.

To further promote Vietnam–Australia cooperation, Nghia proposed solutions at two levels. At the government level, he suggested establishing a joint programme to accelerate visa procedures for technology businesses, mutually recognise technical certifications, create funding mechanisms to support pilot projects in AI, the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart cities, organise sector-specific trade delegations, facilitate technology-based business-to-business connections, and hold specialised technical workshops rather than general networking events.

At the enterprise level, he recommended establishing technology centres and joint R&D models involving engineers from both countries, along with technology internship programmes enabling engineers to work in partner markets for three to six months, thereby facilitating technology transfer through human resources. Such cooperation, he noted, would help Australia reduce R&D costs while helping Vietnam enhance its technical capabilities.

According to the expert, priority areas for cooperation between Vietnam and Australia include agricultural technology (with Australia seeking automation solutions and Vietnam possessing strengths in AI-based applications for smart agriculture); computer vision (Australia’s expertise in mining and construction safety combined with Vietnam’s capabilities in computer vision technologies); and smart cities and cybersecurity (where Australia has high standards and Vietnam offers abundant human resources).

He concluded that the cooperation should extend beyond trade to building a sustainable innovation ecosystem. The key is to begin with small pilot projects, learn quickly and scale up gradually, reflecting the flexibility and agility that define the technology sector./.

VNA

See more

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (C) and delegates cut a ribbon to innaugurate the Vietnam National Space Centre (VNSC) at Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park in Hanoi on March 13 (Photo: VNA)

PM calls for accelerated space technology development in Vietnam

Vietnam aims by 2030 to achieve a mid-level position in space science and technology development within Southeast Asia, and after 2030 to build national capabilities to independently develop satellite technologies and apply space data to address global challenges and national security needs.

Students control robots at the FPT Schools AI & Robotics Challenge (Photo: VNA)

National AI ethics framework issued to guide safe, responsible rollout

According to the circular taking effect on March 10, the framework imposes specific obligations on entities and individuals involved in AI activities. In particular, the AI use must ensure safety, reliability, while preventing harm to human life, health, dignity, honour, and mental well-being.

Party General Secretary To Lam speaks at the first meeting in 2026 of the Central Steering Committee for the Development of Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Transformation on March 12. (Photo: VNA)

Party chief urges stronger, result-oriented implementation of Resolution 57

Turning science, technology, innovation and digital transformation into the main drivers of a new growth model requires substantial efforts. In the coming period, the focus must shift from merely carrying out tasks to delivering tangible and measurable outcomes, while concentrating resources on addressing strategic national challenges, said Party General Secretary To Lam.

Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Nguyen Quoc Dung addresses the forum. (Photo: VNA)

High-level forum advances Vietnam–US technological cooperation

The ambassador highlighted that Vietnam and the US are highly complementary. Vietnam offers a dynamic economy, a young and increasingly skilled workforce and rapidly growing innovation ecosystem, while the US offers frontier technologies, world class research institutions, capital and leading global companies.

Participants at the first meeting of the National Steering Committee on Semiconductor Industry Development in 2026 (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam becomes vital player in global semiconductor value chain: Deputy PM

Vietnamese companies have also gradually joined the global value chain by improving their capabilities in chip design, production and related services. Notably, a semiconductor chip manufacturing plant project developed by the Viettel Military Industry and Telecoms Group (Viettel) has already commenced.

Young voters in Ho Chi Minh City scan an QR code to participate in an online quiz about the Election Law. (Photo: VNA)

Digital technology helps enhance transparency, trust in elections

The use of technology in this election is not merely a short-term measure but reflects Ho Chi Minh City’s broader commitment to comprehensive digital transformation and smart urban governance, reinforcing public trust in the democratic process and administration.

Information about candidates for the Khanh Hoa provincial People's Council for the 2026-2031 term is published on digital information channels, making it convenient for voters to explore. (Photo: VNA)

Technology breakthrough ensures voters' access, rights

Digital platforms such as the national population database and the VNeID application have been widely applied to streamline election management and improve accuracy in voter registration, helping citizens exercise their civic rights more conveniently.

Mang But commune area in Quang Ngai province. (Photo: VNA)

3.9-magnitude earthquake recorded in Mang But, Quang Ngai

According to the Vietnam Earthquake Information and Tsunami Warning Centre under the Institute of Earth Sciences, the tremor occurred at 11:35:06 (Hanoi time) with coordinates of 14.864 degrees North latitude and 108.210 degrees East longitude, at a depth of about 8.1 km. The event was assessed as having a level-0 disaster risk.

Illustrative photo: AFP

AI Law takes effect, anchors national governance framework

Taken together, the new AI Law and its implementation roadmap not only complete Vietnam’s legal architecture for AI, but also lay a structured foundation for risk management, innovation and ecosystem development, aiming to ensure coherent and effective enforcement in the years ahead.