Vietnam is enhancing its regulatory framework and policies to promote cashless payments as part of its strategy to develop a more digital economy.

Those priority sectors include food security, energy security, downstream processing, digital infrastructure, healthcare, and tourism.

National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man advised Bac Ninh to invest in building a modern data centre, with a particular focus on developing artificial intelligence (AI), to meet the growing demand for data storage and processing, and optimise investment and operational costs while enhancing flexibility, safety, and data security.

Thailand also proposed establishing a BIMSTEC business advisory council to enhance the role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the region’s future growth.

Beyond technical measures, Malaysia must focus on developing expertise and raising public awareness to establish a comprehensive and resilient cybersecurity ecosystem.

Speaking at the 6th annual national forum on the development of Vietnamese digital technology enterprises last month, Party General Secretary To Lam stated that the total revenue from this industry in 2024 was estimated to reach 152 billion USD, an increase of 35.7% compared to 2019.

Vietnam has become one of the leading Southeast Asian countries in renewable energy development, particularly solar and wind power, with a commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc has urged the information and communications sector to focus on developing digital infrastructure, strongly accelerate the application artificial intelligence (AI) and promote the digital industry, contributing to the whole country’s efforts to advance to a new era of prosperity and growth.

Vietnam, one of the leading countries in Southeast Asia in terms of digital infrastructure development, continues to make significant efforts to build a modern and integrated digital foundation, driving the comprehensive digital transformation of the nation, from digital government and digital economy to digital society.

Vietnam is on the brink of a digital revolution, with projections indicating that the country will record 100 million Internet subscribers by 2029.

Cambodia and the China-ASEAN Information Harbor Co., Ltd. (CAIH) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to boost technological innovation, digital infrastructure, and digital economy.

In recent years, substantial investments have been made in digital infrastructure, platforms, devices, and transformation technologies across government agencies to better serve the public and businesses. National and sector-specific databases have been actively developed, interconnected, and shared.

The government has approved the Digital Infrastructure Strategy through 2025, with a vision to 2023, marking a significant step in fostering digital transformation and economic growth.

Experts highlighted the important role of digital infrastructure, especially 5G technology, in developing Vietnam's digital economy at a workshop in Hanoi on September 30.

The Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT) is poised to pioneer researching 6G to help the country apply this technology at an early date.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, who is also Chairman of the National Committee for Digital Transformation, has called for robust digital transformation based on two key pillars of internal administrative procedures and public services for citizens and businesses.

Overseas Vietnamese (OVs) suggested the Government invest in science and technology to support the nation’s green and sustainable development while attending the 2024 Forum of OV Intellectuals and Experts held as part of the 4th World Conference of OVs on August 22.

People and enterprises must be put at the centre of the digital transformation, and benefit from the achievements that the process has carved out, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said on July 10.

The agricultural sector must continue to develop digital infrastructure, ensuring that applications for farmers are simple and easy to understand, said Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang at a May 14 specialised conference on promoting digitalisation in the area.

Comprehensive plans are in place to rejuvenate and advance Vietnam's information and communications infrastructure.