Vietnam and Google hold forum to promote youth role in digital transformation

At a forum on November 30, experts shared insights into the role of digital transformation and offered advice on safeguarding online information. They also highlighted the pivotal role youth and students play in spearheading digital transformation and ensuring cyber security.

These activities helped young people gain valuable skills in digital transformation, promote the role of youth in combating harmful information and guide other groups, including the elderly, in protecting personal information on the internet.

The event also implemented an interactive experience site that showcased Google's comprehensive suite of internet security tools, guiding participants in practising security checks, identifying scams, and navigating the web safely. It served as a platform for fostering a more informed and empowered digital citizenry.

Hoang Tuan Viet, a member of the Presidium of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Youth Federation and Head of Thánh Gióng Knowledge Portal, said, “When each young person understands their pioneering role in digital transformation, they will help the entire community ensure information security and prevent harmful information on the internet. This will help the entire community to be more confident in using the internet and sharing their life experiences and work experiences, thereby taking the good, getting rid of the bad, and making the internet a greener place."

Marc Woo, managing director for Vietnam at Google Asia Pacific, added, “As more people turn to the Internet for everyday tasks, it’s important that everyone is aware of cyber threats such as scams and the steps to protect against bad actors. Vietnam boasts a vibrant youth population who are savvy digital natives."

"Our collaboration with the Youth Federation provides training to young people on digital safety and online fraud prevention, and empowers youth leaders with the knowledge to combat cyber threats and serve as online safety champions in their communities, paving the way for a safer digital world for all,” he added.

A comprehensive online safety training program for Vietnamese youth was launched in August 2023. In the three months since its inception, the program has successfully trained more than 9,000 young people nationwide on essential online safety practices.

Additionally, youth volunteers in 10 provinces and cities have trained over 6,700 elderly people on online safety through local community activities. The program is supported by Google, with the “Online Safety Handbook” being used as the training material.

To help young people become more prepared for work in the cybersecurity field, Google will also provide 500 Cyber Security Career Certificates to members of the Vietnam Youth Federation.

Developed by Google cybersecurity experts, this certificate helps learners identify potential risks and security vulnerabilities, and gives them hands-on experience with Linux, Python for automating cybersecurity tasks, and other advanced security tools.

Learners will also be prepared for the CompTIA Security+ exam, a leading industry certification for cybersecurity roles.

To help young people interact more safely and proactively online, Google awarded 500 scholarships for cybersecurity training to Vietnamese youth. Recipients of this comprehensive program will gain access to cutting-edge cybersecurity content developed by Google's esteemed experts.

This hands-on training will help them identify potential risks and security vulnerabilities, as well as experience Linux, Python, and other advanced security tools to automate cybersecurity tasks. Learners will also be prepared for the CompTIA Security+ exam, a leading industry certification in cybersecurity.