Hanoi (VNA) – The “Intelligent Generation NOW” talk show, held as part of the Autumn Economic Forum 2025 in Ho Chi Minh City, opened on November 25 with leaders, foreign experts and more than 500 high-achieving young delegates debating the role of youth in advancing digital transformation and green transition.
Ho Chi Minh City, aiming to establish itself as a regional innovation and knowledge-economy hub under Resolution 57 and its Party Congress goals for 2025-2030, faces growing pressure to build a highly skilled workforce. Against this backdrop, Vietnam’s younger generation, armed with a global mindset, technological mastery, and a spirit of creativity, has emerged as a pivotal force to lead the city and country through this transformative phase.
Acknowledging this strategic role, the talk show focused its discussions on three core themes: understanding the global context and youth’s role, assessing opportunities and challenges, and urging stakeholders to create a sweeping support ecosystem for young talent.
Backed by leading international organisations, including the World Economic Forum and UNESCO, as well as RMIT University Vietnam and CMC Corporation, the event created an engaging, multidimensional forum for dialogue among speakers and top experts.
Stephan Mergenthaler, Managing Director of the World Economic Forum, delivered an insightful presentation on global trends and emerging dynamics, stressing that in the digital era, youth engagement is no longer peripheral but essential to any effective green and sustainable transition strategy. He expressed confidence that Vietnamese youth, with their openness and adaptability, are well-positioned to spearhead this shift.
A follow-up panel, titled “Voice of the NOW – The Voice of the Intelligent Generation”, showcased candid and energetic views from six standout young participants, including top students, entrepreneurs, startup founders and members of the Ho Chi Minh City’s Global Shapers Community, who shared their ambitions, innovations and commitment to social responsibility for shaping the future.
A standout moment came with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between RMIT University Vietnam and the Ho Chi Minh City Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, a partnership aimed at cultivating human capital, speeding up research and technology deployment, and strengthening the city’s standing as a regional knowledge-based economy. The ensuing panel “AI Generation NOW – Act Today”, supported by the CMC Corporation, also garnered particular interest.
The discussion examined artificial intelligence’s pivotal role in the intertwined digital and green transitions. A CMC Technology Group representative noted that “AI for Everyone” has evolved from slogan to firm commitment, adding that young people will pioneer the conversion of AI potential into real-world solutions for communities and society. Input from foreign scholars and Techcombank specialists further outlined approaches to nurturing AI talent and stressed the importance of collaboration among the Government, businesses, academia and international organisations.
The “Intelligent Generation NOW” talk show wrapped up on a note of optimism and resolve. More than a source of inspiration, the gathering underscored Ho Chi Minh City’s firm dedication to fostering a vibrant ecosystem of learning, innovation and continuous creativity, enabling youth to drive the metropolis toward its goal of becoming a smart and sustainable megacity./
