Finding breakthroughs and removing bottlenecks in data connectivity were the main issues discussed by policymakers and experts at the Vietnam – Asia Digital Transformation (DX) Summit 2023, which opened in Hanoi on May 24.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha addresses the opening ceremony. Photos: VINASA

Organized by the Vietnam Software and IT Services Association (VINASA), and the Ministry of Information and Communications, the summit themed "Exploiting digital data and intelligent connectivity to drive economic growth" attracted more than 2,000 local and international delegates. 

Delegates at the forum agreed that, with an average of only 20% compliance with national plans, there are limitations in connecting and sharing data among ministries, sectors, and localities.

Local governments should work with businesses to leverage shared data to improve data utilization and create new value. In addition, a comprehensive national digital data strategy and data management model, along with the necessary workforce preparation, could bring significant economic benefits to Vietnam, according to participants.

"Digital resource is more than a gold mine but an infinite resource of thinking, creativity, and intelligence that the world has created and exploited," Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha said at the opening ceremony. "It is a new and green field that helps us restore natural resources and promote economic development," he stressed.

Ha noted that Vietnam had undergone an intense transition from information technology to digital technology. Digital transformation is pushing the Government hard and must be led by the development of a digital government to solve major socio-economic problems and promote national governance and state governance efficiency while facilitating investment and production.

Pham Tam, Deputy Minister of Information and Communications, said the forum could significantly raise awareness of data and digital transformation. He urged businesses to discuss data-sharing challenges and asked Government agencies to solve them.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha and some big tech corporations visit booths at the event.

Nguyen Van Khoa, Chairman of VINASA and CEO of FPT Corporation said Vietnam needs a comprehensive national digital data strategy to accelerate this process.

He added that Vietnam's digital business community has enough resources, technological capabilities, and experience to solve global problems.

"The Vietnamese digital business community has mastered core design and technology and partnered to build a complete digital technology ecosystem for Vietnamese organizations and enterprises," he said.

The digital business community is ready to stand alongside the Government and businesses to build a transparent legal framework and modern and effective digital data infrastructure, supporting connectivity and data sharing among relevant parties.

He stressed the need to build a cooperation model using data to create new services for people and businesses and new values for the economy and society.

This year's Vietnam – Asia DX Summit is expected to mark a turning point in building a national digital data system, connectivity, and intelligent use to promote sustainable development of Vietnam.