Southeast Asia Secretary-General emphasizes Vietnam's vital contribution to regional tranquility and security maintenance
ASEAN and Vietnam Embrace Digital Transformation in the Fourth Industrial Revolution
ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn marked the 58th anniversary of ASEAN and Việt Nam's 30th anniversary as a member, highlighting the region's development journey. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of digital transformation as a top strategic priority for ASEAN, with Việt Nam playing a prominent role due to its large population and young workforce.
Việt Nam has made significant contributions to ASEAN over the past 30 years, strengthening institutional development and enhancing adaptability. The country has held the ASEAN chairmanship three times and made notable contributions to coordinating political, security, and economic cooperation. Việt Nam has also actively promoted cooperation in tourism, agriculture, and education within ASEAN.
In the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and rapid AI growth, Việt Nam is investing heavily in digital infrastructure, education, and workforce training to meet the demands of digital transformation. The country has established the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) in Saigon Hi-Tech Park, following Malaysia’s lead, to advance technology development nationally and regionally.
To maximize the benefits of 4IR and AI growth in Vietnam and the ASEAN region, a multilayered approach is being adopted. This approach integrates policy harmonization, infrastructure development, innovation collaboration, talent development, and international partnerships. ASEAN is finalizing the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) to harmonize digital trade rules and unlock digital economy potential.
Strategic projects like CMC Corporation’s hyperscale data center in Vietnam, developed in partnership with Samsung C&T, aim to make Vietnam an AI and data hub in ASEAN by providing critical infrastructure for AI, cloud computing, and big data. Vietnam is deepening strategic ties with partners like South Korea and the US to leverage their technological strengths in AI, semiconductors, biotechnology, and digital transformation.
Cooperation programs with universities and global companies focus on building engineering and technology education capacity to produce talent aligned with the demands of 4IR technologies and AI development. Regulatory and institutional reforms, such as Vietnam’s Resolution 57, support streamlining regulations, investing in digital infrastructure, and nurturing talent, which enhances Vietnam’s and ASEAN’s ability to innovate and climb the semiconductor and AI value chains.
ASEAN is expanding partnerships with external countries and organizations that have strong technological and financial capabilities, such as the United States, China, Japan, South Korea, and the European Union, in the digital transformation process. The region has demonstrated adaptability and resilience in response to adversity throughout its history, and these partnerships are expected to further strengthen its capacity to navigate the current challenging period and enhance its capacity to address global issues like climate change.
References: [1] Vietnamnet [2] Vietnam Briefing [3] VietnamPlus [4] Korea IT Times [5] Intel Vietnam
- The importance of digital transformation in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is a top strategic priority for ASEAN, with Vietnam playing a significant role due to its large population and young workforce.
- In the context of AI growth, Vietnam is investing heavily in digital infrastructure, education, and workforce training to meet the demands of digital transformation.
- The Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) in Saigon Hi-Tech Park is a strategic initiative by Vietnam to advance technology development nationally and regionally, following Malaysia’s lead.
- To maximize benefits from 4IR and AI growth, a multilayered approach is being adopted in Vietnam and the ASEAN region, integrating policy harmonization, infrastructure development, innovation collaboration, talent development, and international partnerships.
- As part of the multilayered approach, ASEAN is finalizing the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) to harmonize digital trade rules and unlock digital economy potential.
- ASEAN is expanding partnerships with countries and organizations that have strong technological and financial capabilities, such as the United States, China, Japan, South Korea, and the European Union, to navigate the current challenging period and enhance its capacity to address global issues like climate change.
