Hanoi (VNA) – Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung and Singaporean Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo discussed measures to boost cooperation between the two countries in 5G development and artificial intelligence (AI) governance at their meeting in Hanoi on January 16 on the sidelines of the 6th ASEAN Digital Ministers Meeting (ADGMIN).
Hung said that Vietnam has developed a complete 5G ecosystem - from network infrastructure such as base stations and core networks to applications, hoping that Singapore would support this ecosystem. Vietnam is the fifth country in the world to achieve this and the first in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to operate a domestically controlled telecommunications network. Vietnam stands ready to support Singapore in its role in leading ASEAN’s efforts in AI, he said.
Evaluating Vietnam–Singapore digital cooperation, Hung said it is time for changes to deliver more tangible results, urging each ASEAN country to focus on a key sector and develop model initiatives that can be shared regionally and globally, with Vietnam potentially leading in 5G.
For her part, the Singaporean minister valued Vietnam for efficiently hosting the 6th ADGMIN, highlighting that proactive and responsible participation by ASEAN member states is crucial for achieving concrete outcomes beyond policy discussions.
She also congratulated Vietnam on its rapid 5G rollout, praising not only its network coverage but also the development of a complete 5G device ecosystem.
For AI cooperation, Josephine Teo said Singapore currently chairs the Working Group on AI Governance (WG‑AI) under ADGMIN. Singapore is advancing more specific AI governance measures, including the development of tools for measurement, assessment, and testing. It has launched a national AI evaluation and testing programme in response to the technology’s growing deployment.
She noted that this approach will be even more valuable if expanded across ASEAN, thus helping the region strengthen AI governance in a coordinated manner.
The Vietnamese National Assembly has recently passed the Law on Artificial Intelligence, which defines AI as an “intelligent infrastructure,” an important component of the national digital infrastructure, Hung said, noting that Vietnam approaches AI as a tool to address specific challenges.
According to the Vietnamese minister, AI should be tested not only technically but also in real-world scenarios under controlled conditions. With its large population and diverse practical challenges, Vietnam is well-positioned to serve as a testing ground for AI.
Expressing her admiration for Vietnam’s “Problem first, AI second” approach, Josephine Teo said that AI must address real-world challenges - not just showcase technology - to achieve sustainable development.
The 6th ADGMIN themed “ASEAN Adaptive: From Connectivity to Connected Intelligence,” was held in Hanoi from January 12–16. As a key ministerial-level cooperation mechanism in the digital sector, the meeting reviewed the progress of regional digital cooperation frameworks and initiatives and discussed future directions for collaboration.
It focused on key issues including digital transformation, digital economy, infrastructure connection and digital platforms, data governance, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and strengthening cooperation between ASEAN with dialogue partners and international organisations./.
