A successful digitalization process not only requires a push for technologies transformation, but also the adoption of a new mindset.

“For an enterprise, such a process would depend on the CEO, not the CIO, while in the case of a country, it is the prime minister, not the minister of information technology. This is a major difference in IT application and digital transformation.”

Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung. Source: VNA

Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung gave his remarks following the conclusion of the ministerial roundtable under the 2021 International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Digital World held between October 12 and 14.

For the past three days, ministers and leaders of telecommunications/IT sectors from around the world have come together and shared their views on the impacts of digitalization on every aspect of life, as well as the role of Governments to accelerate the process. 

The 2021 ITU Digital World is estimated to attract 2,380 delegates from 159 countries and territories, while around 160,000 visitors have experienced new technologies on display at the Virtual Exhibition.

Hung noted the application of telecommunication technologies, IT, digital services, such as cloud computing, big data, IoT, or AI, have configured a revolution, namely the digital transformation.

“A success or failure story in digitization in one country would be useful for others. During this process, the ITU has a key role in promoting the best practices and innovative ideas to realize the ultimate goal of connecting every people by 2030,” Hung added.

“Given the fact that nearly half the world remains unconnected, the task seems unfeasible, but it could still be done with the strong partnership of countries around the world in promoting telecommunications and IT development,” Hung noted.

ITU General Secretary Houlin Zhao.

ITU General Secretary Houlin Zhao expressed his thanks to Vietnam for hosting the event this year, noting this is an unforgettable memory, not only because the timing coincides with the 50^th anniversary of the ITU Telecom World, but also at a time when the world is struggling with the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Vietnam is a force to be reckoned with in driving digitalization in the region, and a great example for countries around the world,” Zhao noted.

Zhao said a common view shared in this event is an urgency to invest in digital infrastructure and an approach of “taking the people at the center” in telecommunications/IT development.

According to Zhao, this decade could be the time for 5G, but for this to become a reality,  multilateral cooperation among Governments, private sectors, and other parties are more necessary than ever.

Vietnam’s prominent role in global supply chain

During a virtual talk themed “Why Vietnam” as part of the 2021 ITU Digital World, Nguyen Thanh Tuyen, deputy director of the Department of Information Technology under the Ministry of Information and Communications, said Vietnam has made significant improvements in IT development for the past years.

To date, Vietnam is among the top 10 fastest growing countries in terms of IT – telecommunication development, top five in smartphones exports, and ninth in software exports.

Tuyen said the game industry has also seen strong growth, with the example of the Axie Infinity game on the blockchain platform with a valuation of nearly $3 billion.

“Vietnam has the condition to become a world power in IT and take Made-in-Vietnam technology products to international markets,” he said.

Deputy Director of the Authority of Information Technology Application Tran Thi Quoc Hien added Vietnam has shown the strong political will to push for digitalization.

Last year, the country announced a national digitalization program until 2025, with a vision to 2030, focusing on digital government, economy, and society.

“Vietnam would prioritize digital transformation in eight fields of healthcare, education, finance-banking, agriculture, transportation, energy, environment/natural resources management, and industrial production,” Hien said.

Hien stated the focus of the program is to take the people at the center of the digitalization process, while the legal framework is expected to serve as the platform for digital technologies to thrive.

Sharing the view, Vice General Director of Samsung Vina Ho Chi Dung said Vietnam’s role in the global supply chains is ever greater. “Vietnam is a significant player for Samsung’s strategy,” he added.

Every year, Samsung produces over 180 million electronics products, 60% of which are made in Vietnam.

Dung noted in the past two years, Samsung has become one of the main suppliers of 5G equipment in the world, and 90% of the products are produced in Vietnam.

“There is a strong belief that Vietnam would have a prominent role in the global supply chains not only in the present but also in the future,” Dung said, adding Samsung would expand its investment in Vietnam in the time to come.