Hanoi (VNA) – The plenary session of the Vietnam-Asia DX Summit 2026 opened in Hanoi on May 28 under the theme “Creating new drivers for double-digit growth”.
The annual event, organised by the Vietnam Software and IT Services Association (VINASA) under the auspices of the Ministry of Science and Technology, brought together more than 2,000 delegates from 12 economies and 18 provinces and cities, alongside representatives from international organisations, technology corporations and Vietnamese and international businesses.
Addressing the forum, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui Hoang Phuong said Vietnam is entering a new development phase with the goal of achieving double-digit growth during 2026–2030, requiring a transformation of the national growth model in which science and technology, innovation and digital transformation will serve as key growth drivers.
He stressed that digital transformation, digital technologies, databases and artificial intelligence (AI) bring major opportunities but also require stronger connectivity and interoperability both regionally and globally, alongside effective governance mechanisms. He called on the forum to discuss not only the advantages of digital transformation but also solutions for AI governance, database management and emerging digital technologies. He pledged that his ministry and other relevant ministries, sectors and localities will continue completing policies in the field and ensure their effective implementation.
Ngo Dien Hy, Vice Chairman of VINASA and Deputy General Director of VNPT Group, described the forum’s theme as “a call to action”, stressing that the digital economy must become the core driver of growth.
He said Vietnam’s digital technology industry should focus on two strategic tasks: promoting research, development and innovation to improve productivity across the real economy, and pioneering the development of future technologies such as AI and quantum technology.
According to delegates, the global economy is undergoing profound restructuring driven by AI, big data, automation and digital transformation, placing pressure on countries and businesses to reshape growth models and maintain competitiveness.
Hoang Huu Hanh, Deputy Director of the National Digital Transformation Agency, said economic productivity depends on strong foundational layers, including shared infrastructure and data, innovation-oriented institutions and effective implementation systems.
He noted that the 2025 Law on Digital Transformation, effective from July 1, 2026, will establish a solid legal foundation for digital development.
Meanwhile, Tran Thi Lan Huong, a World Bank expert, warned of the risk of a “surface technology trap”, where AI remains disconnected from the real economy. She said Vietnam needs to simultaneously develop five pillars: connectivity and energy, computing capacity, context and data, skills, and responsible AI.
Ho Quang Buu, Vice Chairman of the Da Nang municipal People’s Committee, shared the city’s experience in applying data-driven governance and operating a Data Exchange Platform, demonstrating how data can create transparent profits and new revenue streams from AI services.
At a panel discussion moderated by Nguyen Nhat Quang, Director of VINASA’s Institute of Science and Technology, representatives from government agencies, the World Bank and corporations including IBM and FPT agreed that Vietnam’s future growth drivers will increasingly come from productivity generated by technology, data, AI and innovation.
Delegates stressed that Vietnam now needs more effective digital transformation to create higher productivity, new growth models and stronger competitiveness in the AI era./.
