The meeting served as an opportunity to exchange ideas and gather policy recommendations to support Vietnam’s future development.

The participants, many of whom hold advanced expertise in science, technology, finance, and investment, shared their insights on how Vietnam can maximize technological potential in key sectors such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and digital transformation.

Given Singapore’s status as a global hub for innovation and economic growth, these experts offered valuable perspectives on how Vietnam could learn from Singapore’s model and apply best practices to enhance national competitiveness.

General Secretary To Lam expressed appreciation for the experts' contributions and emphasized the importance of science, technology, and innovation as key drivers of economic transformation.

He acknowledged that Vietnam is at a pivotal stage of development, aiming to become a high-income nation by 2045.

To achieve this goal, the country must accelerate digital transformation, reform governance models, and strengthen its research and development ecosystem.

Fostering innovation and economic growth

The intellectuals proposed several policy recommendations to enhance Vietnam’s scientific and technological capabilities, including expanding government incentives for R&D, improving intellectual property protections, and creating a more business-friendly environment for tech startups and foreign investment.

They also emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation between Vietnam and international research institutions, particularly in areas like renewable energy, smart manufacturing, and financial technology.

Recognizing the importance of these proposals, General Secretary To Lam reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to supporting innovation and technological advancement.

He highlighted the recent issuance of Resolution No. 57 by the Politburo, which sets the framework for science, technology, and innovation policies through 2030, with a vision toward 2045. This resolution underscores the government’s determination to leverage technological progress as a foundation for sustainable economic growth.

General Secretary To Lam also stressed that Vietnam must shift from a regulatory approach to an enabling approach, allowing greater flexibility for enterprises and researchers to develop, test, and commercialize new technologies.

He encouraged overseas Vietnamese intellectuals to actively participate in the Vietnam Innovation Network, which connects global experts with domestic initiatives aimed at accelerating national development.

Strengthening Vietnam-Singapore business ties

Later in the day, General Secretary To Lam also met with representatives of leading Singaporean businesses and investors, reaffirming Vietnam’s commitment to fostering a strong and transparent investment environment. He welcomed companies specializing in healthcare, infrastructure, green energy, and high-tech manufacturing to expand their operations in Vietnam.

During a discussion with Tran Thi Lam, Advisor at Shangri-La Healthcare Investment, he praised the company's long-standing partnerships in Vietnam's healthcare sector and encouraged further investments in high-tech medical facilities and medical equipment production.

In a separate meeting with Lim Boon Heng, Chairman of Temasek Holdings, the General Secretary commended the group's diverse portfolio in Vietnam and expressed interest in expanding collaborations in green energy and sustainable infrastructure. Temasek executives shared their enthusiasm for Vietnam’s renewable energy market, highlighting opportunities in wind power, solar energy, and sustainable urban development.

Additionally, General Secretary To Lam held discussions with Tow Heng Tan, Chairman of Sembcorp Industries, focusing on expanding Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Parks (VSIP) and increasing investments in renewable energy projects, including offshore wind farms.

The General Secretary reaffirmed that Vietnam’s goal for 2025 is to achieve an economic growth rate of over 8%, laying the foundation for double-digit growth in the following years. To achieve this, Vietnam will continue to prioritize large-scale foreign direct investment (FDI) projects, particularly in technology, energy, and digital economy sectors.

He assured Singaporean business leaders that Vietnam remains committed to cutting administrative red tape, improving investment regulations, and ensuring a stable macroeconomic environment to attract and retain high-quality investments.

The meetings between General Secretary To Lam, Vietnamese intellectuals, and Singaporean business leaders underscored a shared vision for strengthening Vietnam-Singapore cooperation in the fields of technology, investment, and sustainable development. As Vietnam moves toward its 2045 economic goals, collaboration with global experts, innovative enterprises, and forward-thinking investors will play a critical role in shaping the country’s economic future.

General Secretary To Lam concluded his engagements in Singapore with a call for greater engagement from the overseas Vietnamese community, urging intellectuals and business leaders to actively contribute to Vietnam’s innovation-driven growth and global economic integration.