Addressing the event, Prof, Dr. Mac Quoc Anh, President of the Institute of Economics and Enterprise Development, highlighted the Republic of Korea’s leadership in core technologies and its potential to serve as a model for Vietnam.

“Through the CICON 2025, Vietnamese enterprises can access cutting-edge technologies, from software to infrastructure, supporting the development of creative, sustainable urban areas,” Dr. Anh said.

“In the spirit of international integration, we must strengthen cooperation, promote science and technology, and foster innovation. Our goal is to build green, clean, creative, and modern cities that align closely with the vision of this event”, he stressed.

Dr. Anh also pointed out that Vietnam’s Resolution 68 on private sector development and Resolution 57 on science-technology development and innovation have established important policy frameworks, enabling businesses to adopt new technologies, move toward sustainable production, and deepen their integration into global supply chains.

Speakers at the forum engaged in in-depth discussions on a wide range of topics related to artificial intelligence, including smart cities and future urban models, emerging technologies shaping new living environments, adaptation and growth in the AI era, regional cooperation, and industrial convergence through cultural exchange.

Other key themes included future finance and Decentralized Finance (DeFi), smart urban agriculture, and education startups, all of which are timely, high-impact areas with strong potential for real-world application.

Through CICON 2025, Vietnamese enterprises had the opportunity to access advanced technologies, from software solutions to infrastructure systems, supporting the country’s vision for innovative and sustainable urban development. The forum also provided a platform for local firms to learn from successful global models, helping them chart strategic directions amid digital transformation and international integration.

CICON Ambassador, Designer Quynh Paris emphasised that the forum promotes culture and art as “emotional diplomacy,” fostering understanding and sustainable collaboration between nations. She highlighted Vietnam’s potential to develop a vibrant cultural industry by combining traditional values with modern technology.

A highlight of the event was an art gala night, which featured a fusion of Vietnamese and Korean fashion and music performances.

HCM City, Guangzhou step up cooperation in urban infrastructure development

Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Bui Xuan Cuong and visiting Vice Mayor of China’s Guangzhou City Lai Zhihong discussed measures to strengthen cooperation in urban infrastructure development and modern transport on September 26.