Ho Chi Minh City Aims to Become Southeast Asia's Tech Hub by 2030

Ho Chi Minh City is developing an ambitious new science, technology, and innovation program with the goal of establishing itself as a leading science, technology, and innovation center in Southeast Asia by 2030. The program emphasizes nurturing research and development personnel, increasing the rate of industrial application of research findings, expanding intellectual property rights, and effectively implementing scientific and technological projects. Announced at a conference held by the city's Department of Science and Technology on August 4, the program aims to achieve several key targets by 2030: increasing the proportion of businesses utilizing research results from universities and research institutes in their production and business activities to over 25%; registering over 500 intellectual property applications; over 300 patent and utility solution applications; and cultivating more than 5,000 young science and technology talents. Seven major programs have been identified as focus areas: digital transformation and smart cities; high-tech industry and smart manufacturing; healthcare and health services; urban agriculture and high-tech agriculture; modern urban operation and climate change adaptation; social science research for megacity governance; and the development of young science and technology incubators. These programs will concentrate on mastering and applying strategic technologies such as AI, big data, IoT, semiconductors, biotechnology, digital health, and green energy. They will also focus on building data platforms, developing technological products, enhancing urban management capabilities, environmental protection, promoting green economic development, and accelerating the commercialization of research outcomes. Dr. Le Van Thang, Director of the Department of Science and Technology, stated that scientific and technological activities from 2026 to 2030 must directly contribute to solving the city's major challenges and achieving double-digit growth. He also stressed the need to integrate science and technology into daily life and production, focusing on areas like digital transformation, high-tech industries, and national strategic technologies. Dr. Thang indicated that the program will serve as a framework for identifying key areas the city needs to focus on and support. The approach will shift from addressing individual issues to tackling a series of interconnected problems, thereby resolving the practical challenges the city faces. Furthermore, the funding mechanism will transition from a 'distribution' model to an 'investment' model, prioritizing projects aimed at achieving final 'end products'. Under Vietnam's one-party system, state-led long-term economic and social development plans are prioritized, with scientific and technological advancement being a crucial pillar. Ho Chi Minh City, in particular, is facing the urgent task of upgrading its industrial structure and enhancing international competitiveness through innovation, given its rapid economic growth. While Vietnam has strong economic ties with China, it is also pursuing technological independence and aiming to establish leadership in Southeast Asia. Source: Nhan Dan