As the world undergoes rapid changes driven by the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Vietnam is seizing the opportunity to integrate digital transformation into all aspects of life.

Experts believe that with the right institutional foundation, skilled workforce, and technological infrastructure, Vietnam can position itself alongside global leaders in the digital age.

A strong foundation for digital growth

Rikkeisoft announces a $30 million investment in the U.S.

Dr. Nguyen Quan, former Minister of Science and Technology, supports the view that "Vietnam is entering the digital era, a time for national advancement."

Unlike previous industrial revolutions that required extensive physical infrastructure, the Fourth Industrial Revolution prioritizes human intelligence, adaptability, and digital readiness - areas where Vietnam has strong potential.

A key challenge remains the lack of a comprehensive national digital database, which is essential for any digital economy. Dr. Quan emphasizes the urgency of establishing a national data infrastructure and implementing standardized regulations to integrate data across industries and localities. Encouragingly, the National Assembly is currently reviewing a Digital Data Law, a critical step toward enabling a seamless digital transition.

Investment in digital infrastructure and human capital

The government must take the lead in guiding major technology corporations to develop fundamental digital platforms for sectors such as taxation, finance, tourism, and logistics.

These shared platforms will serve as a foundation for businesses and local authorities, ensuring consistency and interoperability. At the same time, individual businesses should be encouraged to develop specialized digital solutions tailored to their operations.

Equally important is the need to train a skilled workforce for the digital age. Vietnam's economy is dominated by small and micro enterprises, many of which lack in-house digital expertise. This dependency on external IT specialists slows down digital adoption.

To address this, the government and major tech firms must spearhead training initiatives, establish expert teams, and provide businesses with essential digital tools.

Financing remains another critical challenge. Digital transformation requires significant investment, which small enterprises often struggle to afford. Long-term policies, such as tax incentives and financial support for high-impact digital projects, are necessary to facilitate the transition.

Self-reliance in technology: The case of Viettel Post

Da Lat becomes one of the first cities to implement a Smart Operations Center.

In the logistics sector - an industry vital to Vietnam’s economic competitiveness - self-reliance in technology has become a priority.

According to Hoang Trung Thanh, CEO of Viettel Post, rapid and efficient logistics services require in-house technological capabilities rather than dependence on foreign solutions.

To achieve this, Viettel Post has heavily invested in automation and smart logistics. In early 2024, the company launched a state-of-the-art automated sorting facility at Quang Minh Industrial Park in Hanoi, introducing cutting-edge technologies such as Wheel Sorter Matrix, Cross-belt Sorter, and AGV robots.

By mid-2024, Viettel Post had successfully developed and deployed its own AGV robots - an innovation labeled "Made by Viettel Post" - in logistics centers nationwide.

This move represents Vietnam’s growing ability to lead in technological innovation rather than merely serving as a manufacturing hub.

In December 2024, Viettel Post will inaugurate one of Vietnam’s largest and most advanced logistics hubs, further strengthening the nation’s digital infrastructure.

Vietnam’s global tech ambitions: Rikkeisoft’s bold move

Vietnamese tech firms are increasingly seeking to expand beyond domestic markets. In 2023, Rikkeisoft, a leading technology company, made a strategic move by establishing RKTech in Dallas, Texas.

While the company had already built a strong presence in Japan and other Asian markets, its entry into the U.S. signaled an ambition to position Vietnam on the global technology map.

AGV robots developed by Viettel Post operating in logistics facilities.

Despite global economic challenges, Rikkeisoft achieved remarkable growth in 2024, especially in Japan, the U.S., and Korea. In a major breakthrough, the company secured a strategic partnership with Sumitomo, one of Japan’s largest conglomerates and a Fortune 500 company. This partnership marked a significant milestone, reinforcing Vietnam’s role in the global tech industry.

Looking ahead to 2025, Rikkeisoft aims to increase its growth rate by over 50%, with a strong focus on AI-driven solutions and high-quality workforce development.

The company envisions evolving from a unicorn startup (valued at $1 billion) to a decacorn (worth over $10 billion), setting a new benchmark for Vietnam’s tech industry.

Digital transformation in healthcare: Bach Mai Hospital’s success story

Healthcare is another sector undergoing a digital revolution. Bach Mai Hospital, Vietnam’s leading medical institution, has successfully transitioned to electronic medical records, eliminating paper-based documentation.

Doctors now rely on tablets for patient management, and all medical records, prescriptions, and test results are stored digitally.

This transformation was achieved despite initial challenges, including outdated IT infrastructure and limited resources. The hospital’s leadership prioritized digitalization, focusing on three key pillars: IT workforce development, server infrastructure, and seamless data integration.

Beyond digitizing patient records, Bach Mai Hospital has also implemented AI-driven diagnostics. In a recent case, AI technology successfully detected early-stage lung cancer in a patient whose initial X-ray appeared normal. This breakthrough demonstrates AI’s potential to enhance medical accuracy and improve patient outcomes.

As Vietnam continues its digital transformation journey, investments in infrastructure, talent development, and strategic policies will be essential in shaping the country’s future in the digital age.

Tien Phong