AI takes centre stage at Vietnam International Digital Week 2026

Organised by the Ministry of Science and Technology in coordination with the Quang Ninh Municipal People’s Committee and relevant agencies, the three-day event brings together representatives from nearly 30 countries, including government officials, international organisations, technology companies, research institutes, universities and experts.

A highlight of the programme is the Ministerial Roundtable on October 28, providing a platform for governments, international organisations, businesses and research institutions to examine the role of the state in promoting AI adoption, share policy experience and explore ways to strengthen capacity and expand the application of the technology.

In his opening remarks, Vietnamese Minister of Science and Technology Vu Hai Quan highlighted the three areas as strategic priorities for AI development and international cooperation.

According to the minister, smart connectivity serves as the foundation for AI development, requiring next-generation telecommunications networks, data centres, and robust computational capacity. Given their limited resources, countries need to widen access to connectivity while investing in high-performance technology infrastructure, mobilising private-sector resources and developing green, energy-efficient systems.

AI governance, meanwhile, plays a role in building trust, requiring a balance between regulatory flexibility, legal frameworks and public protection. As AI and data increasingly transcend national borders, countries need to coordinate on compatible governance mechanisms and ensure trusted data flows.

The minister also stressed that AI-driven transformation must deliver tangible results rather than remain confined to isolated projects.

“The value of AI should not be measured by the number of strategies, pilot projects or new models. It should be measured by better public services, higher productivity, stronger businesses and improved quality of life,” he said. “We need to move from individual AI projects to transformation across the entire economy and society”.

Taking the floor, Nguyen Van Cong, vice chairman of the Quang Ninh Municipal People’s Committee, said the locality regards science and technology, innovation and digital transformation as key drivers of productivity, growth quality and sustainable development.

Quang Ninh is orienting its development towards digital infrastructure, data utilisation and AI applications in urban management, tourism, industry, logistics, the border-gate economy and environmental protection.

The locality also aims to attract investors, technology companies, research organisations and international partners to develop new products and services, transfer technology and train highly skilled workers. Initiatives such as smart border gates, concentrated digital technology zones and special economic zones are expected to create further opportunities for the digital economy.

VIDW 2026 features a series of conferences, forums and thematic workshops on priority areas for cooperation, including an interregional dialogue on strengthening AI capacity, the ASEAN-EU Digital Innovation Forum; the Vietnam-Australia Digital Cooperation Forum; and the ASEAN 5G Conference.

A two-day exhibition of outstanding strategic technology products and solutions, running on October 28-29, showcases research outcomes, products and technology applications. It also aims to connect demand with the solutions offered by businesses, research institutes and technology organisations.

Furthermore, bilateral meetings between leaders of the Ministry of Science and Technology and international partners alongside various networking and exchange activities will help foster dialogue, expand partner networks, and identify opportunities for collaboration in the research, development, application, and commercialization of technology.

At the event, the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) presented its Government Leadership Award to the Government of Vietnam, recognising policies and regulatory approaches that have supported the development of the mobile industry while promoting connectivity and the wider economic and social benefits of digital technology.

Quang Ninh to host Vietnam International Digital Week 2026

VOV.VN - Northern Quang Ninh province will host Vietnam International Digital Week 2026 (VIDW 2026) from October 28 to 30, providing a platform for policymakers, technology experts, businesses and research institutions to explore cooperation in science, technology, innovation and digital transformation.