Vietnam, Singapore push for digital ID integration toward ASEAN interoperability

This is expected to be an important step to simplify administrative procedures and immigration while boosting digital cooperation within ASEAN.

From Singapore, linking VNeID with Singpass is assessed to create a foundation for a bilateral digital corridor, while expanding cooperation opportunities in trade, investment, services, tourism, and finance. Singapore has operated its Singpass digital identity system since 2003, while Vietnam is spurring the development of its national population database and the VNeID application.

Professor Vu Minh Khuong from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy held that digital infrastructure connectivity, especially between Vietnam and Singapore, is a priority requiring a comprehensive approach.

According to him, the Vietnam-Singapore-Laos connectivity model can set a precedent to expand electronic interoperability in the region, ranging from customs and tourism to payments, banking, and finance. To realize this potential, active participation from businesses is needed to build platform models, identify demands, and coordinate implementation.

For citizens, digital ID integration helps simplify information verification, reduce repeated declarations, and shorten processing times. Businesses can also benefit from more convenient identity verification when opening bank accounts, registering business operations, or setting up cross-border legal entities.

However, the connection process faces many technical, security, and legal challenges. According to Le Anh Duc, an artificial intelligence expert and Vice Chairman cum Head of the Science and Technology Board of the Vietnamese Community Liaison Board in Singapore, the two countries must solve differences in data structures, build information mapping standards, and ensure stable connectivity.

Notably, cross-border data exchanges must meet requirements for privacy protection, information security, and the prevention of identity fraud and cyberattacks.

At the ASEAN level, hurdles also include technological disparities among member countries, differences in digital signature standards, and legal frameworks for personal data protection. Therefore, building compatible standards and legal data-sharing mechanisms plays a key role in expanding the model.

Testing the connection of VNeID with Singpass and LAeID can become a pilot model to check technical and legal solutions before replication. If implemented effectively, this initiative will contribute to promoting digital ID integration, facilitating cross-border transactions, and supporting ASEAN's digital integration process.

Vietnam plans to connect VNeID with ASEAN digital ID systems

Vietnam plans to connect its national digital identification application VNeID with the electronic identification systems of Singapore and Laos, with a view to expanding the connection to other ASEAN countries.