On the 27th anniversary of VietNamNet, founding editor-in-chief Nguyen Anh Tuan discusses the publication’s legacy, the need for transformative governance, and the role of innovation in shaping Vietnam’s future.
December 19 marks the 27th anniversary of VietNamNet's founding. On this occasion, we spoke with former VietNamNet Editor-in-Chief Nguyen Anh Tuan, who was not only the founder but also deeply passionate about building VietNamNet into a beloved and reputable brand among readers.
Nguyen Anh Tuan: I believe that the next generation of VietNamNet leaders, together with their team, will continue to write and realize my aspirations. Photo by: Le Anh Dung
Nearly 14 years after leaving VietNamNet, as its founder, what are your thoughts on this anniversary?
Nguyen Anh Tuan: On VietNamNet’s anniversary, I’d like to share a few reflections.
I think of the early days - full of challenges and camaraderie - working alongside our team of journalists, staff, and contributors who dedicated their hearts and minds to building VietNamNet. Many worked tirelessly, sacrificing meals and sleep to overcome difficulties.
VietNamNet has contributed to the country’s Doi Moi (Renovation) effort, protected national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and elevated Vietnam’s international standing. This is a source of pride and happiness for everyone who has worked at VietNamNet, from its inception to today.
VietNamNet deserves its reputation as one of the leading newspapers in Vietnam, playing a significant role in the country’s reform and integration, acting as a bridge to global leaders and experts.
I hope VietNamNet seizes this tremendous opportunity to continue leading in the nation’s Doi Moi movement, as envisioned by General Secretary To Lam’s call for the era of the nation’s resurgence.
On this 27th anniversary, I wish VietNamNet vitality, energy, and unity as it continues its tradition of "leading or being left behind" while embracing "cherishing tradition and bold innovation" to write new, glorious chapters in Vietnam’s development. I hope VietNamNet will maintain its prestige and influence among the world’s elite.
After leaving VietNamNet, you moved to the United States and established the Boston Global Forum. Could you elaborate on the AIWS Government 24/7 model initiated by the forum and how it might be applied in Vietnam?
Nguyen Anh Tuan: It is encouraging that Vietnam’s digital transformation is being deeply embraced by Party and State leaders. I was particularly impressed by the article by General Secretary To Lam on digital transformation published on National Day, September 2, 2024.
Artificial intelligence and digital transformation are reshaping the world daily. Technology is creating new socio-political models. Even the United States recognizes the need for innovation under the influence of technology. Vietnam is no exception, and we must see this as an opportunity.
The AIWS Government 24/7 model, initiated by the Boston Global Forum, immediately gained the support of numerous scholars and world leaders.
This model envisions a government that operates continuously - 24 hours a day, seven days a week - rather than just during standard office hours. For example, if a citizen needs urgent administrative assistance after returning from a trip, they can access services immediately without waiting for the next business day.
When society operates at this pace, development accelerates, offering Vietnam a chance to keep pace with or surpass pioneering nations.
We can restructure, retrain our workforce, and allocate resources more effectively. Technology allows greater automation, freeing people from repetitive tasks and enabling them to focus on higher-value activities. Technology provides us with exceptional assistants.
The Boston Global Forum and I are directly collaborating with advisors to French President Emmanuel Macron. This is an opportunity for the French government to restructure and innovate, aligning with President Macron’s ambition to make France a global leader in AI.
I believe the 24/7 government model represents a revolutionary organizational transformation, inspiring society. When ideas align with development trends and meet societal and contemporary needs, they become a reality. This AI-driven government model could become a reality within five years if we act now.
If Vietnam pioneers this model, it will attract global resources, scholars, innovators, and leading AI enterprises, giving the nation a competitive edge and a chance to rise alongside advanced countries.
Vietnam is currently streamlining its government apparatus. What is your perspective on this effort?
Nguyen Anh Tuan: This rapid, wide-reaching reform reflects the significant political determination of the Party and State. We are advancing administrative reform alongside political system innovation.
This effort demonstrates the alignment of words and actions - sometimes actions even surpass rhetoric - with strong societal support. Even Party institutions are undergoing reform, showing positive changes in mindset and laying the foundation for optimism.
Looking back, the Doi Moi movement of 1986 helped Vietnam overcome economic crises and shortages. This "Second Renovation" will help us rise in this new era under the guidance of General Secretary To Lam. This endeavor requires mobilizing the strength of every citizen and the entire nation, fostering a sense of responsibility and opportunity for everyone to contribute to building a civilized, prosperous Vietnam.
What are your hopes after this revolutionary reform?
Nguyen Anh Tuan: After this restructuring, some civil servants, including Party members, may transition to the private sector or retire, further highlighting the private sector’s importance.
This reality calls for an open mechanism to enable private sector growth, which essentially means empowering every citizen to develop. A thriving private sector strengthens the country, adding resources and intelligence under Party leadership.
For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, private businesses and citizens generously contributed resources, funds, and efforts to national initiatives. They have always supported and aligned with government programs.
I am deeply inspired by General Secretary To Lam’s vision of the "Era of National Resurgence." It resonates with my lifelong aspirations and those of many others.
From its inception, VietNamNet has embraced the ethos of "Cherishing tradition, bold innovation" and "Leading or being left behind." I believe its leadership team and staff will continue to realize my decade-long aspirations of building a globally respected VietNamNet.
Nguyen Anh Tuan is the Co-Founder and Director of the Boston Global Forum (BGF) and the Michael Dukakis Institute for Leadership and Innovation (BGF-MDI). He is also the founder and first Editor-in-Chief of the VietNamNet online newspaper. In 1996, he was honored by the Government of Vietnam as one of the “Top 10 Outstanding Young Vietnamese Figures.”
Through efforts to address technology and cybersecurity issues, BGF-MDI has introduced initiatives such as the Artificial Intelligence World Society (AIWS), the AI Government, and the Global Enlightenment Age (AGE). Notably, the AIWS initiative has been highly regarded by leaders from the United Nations, the United States, Japan, Europe, and India.
Tuan is a speaker at numerous influential global conferences on technology and AI. In 2022, he served as the Editor-in-Chief for Rebuilding the World – Toward the Age of Global Enlightenment, a book featuring contributions from prominent figures such as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the late Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and "Father of the Internet" Vint Cerf. He is also the initiator of the Shinzo Abe Initiative for Peace and Security.
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