‘Vietnam and Singapore will continue writing the success story of Southeast Asia in the 21st century, one of continuous innovation, economic and technological resilience, and sustainable development for the happiness of our people,' he emphasized.

Addressing hundreds of professors, lecturers, and students at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy under NUS, the Party chief highlighted Singapore’s remarkable development and achievements. He described the country as a symbol of aspiration, innovation, and strategic vision.

Despite its modest land area and limited natural resources, Singapore has grown into a global financial, technological, and educational hub, a model of sustainable prosperity. He added that Singapore’s journey is not only a testament to the resilience and determination of its people but also a source of inspiration for many countries in the region, including Vietnam.

Reviewing Vietnam’s tremendous achievements over nearly a century under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, 80 years since national independence, and almost 40 years of reform, Party General Secretary To Lam stated that Vietnam is now entering a new historical phase, determined to achieve national prosperity in the new era.

In this context, he shared Vietnam’s strategic vision for science, technology, and innovation, as well as its philosophy of cooperation and development in the digital era. He also highlighted the lessons learned from Vietnam-Singapore cooperation and the long-term significance of this relationship.

Science, technology, and innovation as key drivers

The Party chief underscored that Vietnam considers science, technology, and innovation as critical drivers of national development. For decades, Vietnam has regarded science and technology as a top national policy and a strategic pillar for industrialization and modernization.

'We understand that for a nation to be strong and prosperous, it must be built on a foundation of knowledge and innovation. Vietnam aims to become a modern industrialized country by 2030 and a high-income developed nation by 2045,' he stressed.

To achieve this, he outlined key approaches, including prioritizing science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation as top breakthroughs. These are seen as the main driving forces for advancing modern production forces, refining economic relations, innovating national governance, boosting socio-economic development, preventing stagnation, and propelling Vietnam forward.

Vietnam will also strengthen the comprehensive leadership of the Party, leverage the combined strength of the political system, and actively involve businesses, entrepreneurs, and the public in promoting science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation.

The Party chief further emphasized that this is a deep and comprehensive revolution across all sectors, requiring determined, persistent, coordinated, and long-term efforts with groundbreaking and transformative solutions.

'People and businesses are at the center, the main actors, resources, and driving forces; scientists play a pivotal role; and the State provides leadership, facilitation, and the most favorable conditions for the development of science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation,' he noted.

Key priorities for the future

Party General Secretary To Lam outlined Vietnam’s immediate priorities, focusing on institutional reform, human resources, infrastructure, data, and strategic technologies. Institutional frameworks must be fine-tuned ahead of time, with legal reforms that balance governance needs and encourage innovation.

He laid stress on the importance of high-quality human resources and the need for special policies to attract and nurture talent. Infrastructure, especially digital and technological infrastructure, must be developed with the principles of modernity, security, safety, efficiency, and sustainability. Additionally, Vietnam aims to harness data as a key production asset, accelerating the growth of big data, data industries, and the digital economy.

Furthermore, Vietnam seeks to achieve rapid and sustainable technological advancement, gradually mastering key strategic technologies. The country will maximize its intellectual potential while quickly assimilating, adapting, and applying global scientific and technological advancements. Vietnam will also focus on fundamental research and aim for technological self-sufficiency and competitiveness in selected fields where it has demand, potential, and advantages.

Call for ASEAN youth to unite

During the event, the Party leader engaged directly with students, responding to questions about the role of ASEAN youth in contributing to national and regional development in an era of rapid global change. He said that the world is experiencing unpredictable shifts, requiring ASEAN youth to remain resilient, self-reliant, and proactive while reinforcing unity and cooperation.

'If ASEAN stands united, it will be strong. Our region, with nearly 700 million people and the world's fifth-largest economy, holds huge potential. Unity and cohesion will enable us to thrive. Young people, with their intellect, vision, capabilities, and ambitions, can overcome unforeseen challenges,' he affirmed.

Concluding the dialogue, Party General Secretary To Lam reiterated that with strategic vision, strong political will, and deep cooperation, Vietnam, Singapore, and other regional nations will achieve even greater milestones in the future.

He reaffirmed that the two countries will continue to write Southeast Asia’s success story in the 21st century, one driven by relentless innovation, economic and technological resilience, and sustainable development for the well-being of the people.

Welcome ceremony for Party General Secretary To Lam in Singapore

VOV.VN - Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on March 12 hosted a solemn welcome ceremony for Party General Secretary To Lam, his spouse, and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation at Singapore’s Parliament House.