This was a key message conveyed and emphasized at the workshop "Technology Governance in the Digital Age: Outstanding Policies in Vietnam". The workshop was organized by the Hanoi City Media Association in collaboration with the Technology for the Community Research Institute (TFGI) in Hanoi on May 27, 2025.
The workshop attracted the attention of experts from international and domestic organizations: the Technology for Community Research Institute (TFGI), the Department of E-commerce and Digital Economy (Ministry of Industry and Trade), as well as ministries and experts in the field of digital transformation and technology governance. Speakers shared insights on digital transformation trends in Southeast Asia and the need to develop flexible policies to promote technological innovation, business models, and the development of the digital ecosystem in Vietnam.
Technology plays a key role.
According to Citra Nasruddin, Program Director at the Technology for the Community Research Institute (TFGI), the application of digital technology and digital transformation is not only a trend in economic development but also a decisive factor in creating new products and services, expanding markets, and driving growth.
Citra Nasruddin, Program Director, Technology for the Community Research Institute (TFGI)
"Especially in the context of rapidly changing digital economic models, technology plays a crucial role. In Vietnam, in 2023, the digital economy contributed 18.3% to GDP. The goal is to increase this rate to 25% by 2025. To realize this, the Vietnamese government is implementing a series of policies to support and promote the development of digital infrastructure," Ms. Citra stated.
However, Ms. Citra Nasruddin also noted that alongside opportunities, digital technology also brings with it numerous risks and challenges. Therefore, the policy and legal regulatory systems need to be adjusted and supplemented promptly to optimize benefits and prevent problems arising from this development. The workshop also clarified trends in technology governance in Southeast Asia and emphasized that, to effectively manage the digital economy, countries in the region, including Vietnam, need flexible policies that are ready to adapt to the rapid changes in technology.
The demand for skilled workers in new technologies is increasing sharply.
Agreeing with the view of most speakers at the Conference that technology plays a key role in the current digital economy, Mr. Nguyen Huu Tuan, Director of the Center for E-commerce and Digital Technology Development, Department of E-commerce and Digital Economy (Ministry of Industry and Trade) - eComDX, stated that e-commerce in Vietnam is experiencing strong growth, with the e-commerce market size exceeding US$25 billion, a 22% increase compared to 2023 and accounting for approximately 9% of the total retail sales of goods and consumer services nationwide. This also means an increased demand for highly skilled human resources. With the strong development of e-commerce in Vietnam, the application of new technologies plays a crucial role in promoting innovation and improvement of current business models.
Mr. Tuan also emphasized that as the digital economy expands, the demand for human resources with skills and knowledge in new technologies is increasing. E-commerce training programs are becoming increasingly diverse and undergoing positive changes thanks to the application of new technologies. Some universities have begun integrating subjects related to new technologies into their curricula, such as: AI applications in e-commerce, Blockchain and cryptocurrencies, Artificial intelligence in finance, and Big data management and analysis…
The Department of E-commerce and Digital Economy has also implemented numerous digital technology training programs for businesses and localities to raise awareness and improve the capacity to apply technology to e-commerce activities.
One major issue that Mr. Tuan addressed at the seminar was the shortage of high-quality human resources in the e-commerce industry. To address this situation, Mr. Tuan suggested that a "custom-ordered" training model between the State and businesses is a potential solution. This model can flexibly meet market needs, providing both theoretical knowledge and practical training, and effectively connecting labor supply and demand.
However, for this model to be effective and sustainable, clear and transparent coordination between the State and businesses is necessary. Even "commissioned" training programs need to ensure the provision of foundational knowledge and core skills, helping trainees adapt to the ever-changing e-commerce environment in the long term.
Overview of the Conference
The Ministry of Industry and Trade is implementing a plan to improve the quality of e-commerce human resource training through revising curricula, updating learning materials, and increasing internships and practical training for students, aiming to prepare high-quality human resources for the development of the digital economy. This will not only help improve online management and business capabilities but also promote technological innovation and business models, thereby building a strong and flexible digital ecosystem.
One of the key initiatives in promoting technological innovation, business models, and building a digital ecosystem in e-commerce is the Go Online Program, implemented by the Center for E-commerce and Digital Technology Development. This program will be held in all six economic regions nationwide, aiming to provide in-depth training on core e-commerce issues, including the legal framework, business development strategies, tax regulations, and digital advertising solutions.
In particular, the program will focus on promoting technological innovation and improving business models, helping businesses apply new technologies to their operations, enhancing competitiveness, and achieving sustainable development in the digital economy.
Through this, the program not only equips businesses and young workers with practical knowledge and skills, but also contributes to building a digital ecosystem in localities, creating a favorable environment for domestic businesses and organizations to connect, cooperate, and develop more strongly in the digital age.
