Digital society in Vietnam: Bridging progress and potential

Digital society in Vietnam: Bridging progress and potential

Joint research by the Ho Chi Minh City Digital Transformation Centre and RMIT University examines Vietnam's progress in building a digital society while underlining critical challenges.

Highlights from the research paper, ‘The Role of Digital Society in Vietnam's Sustainable Development: Policy Implications for a New Era’, were presented at the recent Smart and Sustainable Cities Forum 2024 organised by RMIT University in collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh City Digital Transformation Centre and the Ho Chi Minh City Institute of Development Studies.

According to Vietnam’s ‘National Strategy for Digital Economy and Digital Society Development up to 2025, with orientation to 2030’, the concept of a digital society revolves around seamlessly incorporating digital technology into all aspects of life. People are connected and adept at using digital services, thereby forming new relationships, digital habits, as well as a digital culture.

"Vietnam's digital society development has been apparent in three key aspects – digital citizenship, digital life, and digital commerce," said Ms Vo Thi Trung Trinh, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Digital Transformation Centre and co-author of the research paper.

Ms Vo Thi Trung Trinh, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Digital Transformation Centre Ms Vo Thi Trung Trinh, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Digital Transformation Centre spoke at RMIT’s Smart and Sustainable Cities Forum 2024.

She highlighted the recent launch of Ho Chi Minh City's Digital Citizen App as an example that reflects a broader national trend toward digital citizenship. In recent years, the government has focused on providing more access to online public services. These include accessing medical records, applying for passports or business licenses, paying taxes, and more – all with a view to enhance interaction between the government and citizens.

Citizens have also embraced a more digital lifestyle. Internet usage in Vietnam continues to show strong growth, more than doubling from 36 million in 2014 to 87 million 2024, with projections by Statista indicating users will surpass 100 million by 2029.

Ms Trinh said, “The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated this digital adoption, with citizens readily embracing remote work and learning platforms, as well as using social media platforms for communication and virtual interactions. Internet of Things technology has enabled smart connections between devices and household items. Meanwhile, digital consumption of movies, music, shows, and games has further enriched the digital lifestyle.”

Citizens are also actively participating in digital commerce through online selling and shopping on social media platforms such as Zalo, Facebook, and others. Even farmers have started to engage in e-commerce platforms in the country. This growth was particularly notable during the COVID-19 

Audiences at RMIT’s Smart and Sustainable Cities Forum 2024 Audiences at RMIT’s Smart and Sustainable Cities Forum 2024, themed ‘Smart Citizens and Digital Society – Leading Vietnam’s Sustainable Future’

Despite these achievements, the research identifies several challenges that need addressing, including an incomplete institutional and legal framework, and a digital workforce that does not yet meet the development needs of the digital economy and society.

According to the 2023 Global Talent Competitiveness Index report (INSEAD, 2023), Vietnam ranked 75th globally, down one step year on year and trailing far behind other Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore (2nd) and Malaysia (42nd). This highlights the need for enhanced digital skills development.

“Although Vietnamese people are known for being flexible and adapting quickly to digital technology, there is a significant shortage of high-level experts who can lead the digital transformation process," said Dr Vu Thi Kim Oanh, RMIT lecturer and co-author of the study.

Moreover, while the digital society brings new, modern conveniences to life, it also poses challenges that threaten basic human rights and personal safety in both the physical and digital worlds. These include issues such as cyber security, fraud, high-tech crime, and privacy protection.

Two women look at a laptop Vietnam’s digital society is driven by a growing number of internet and smartphone users who are embracing technological advancements swiftly.

There are also rapid and profound shifts in the hierarchy of values and cultural-social norms. Notably, some segments of society, especially young people, are developing distorted perceptions of ethical values and family and national cultural values.

“The path forward requires a delicate balance. Digital transformation must not be viewed as a purely technological challenge but as a comprehensive societal evolution. This means investing not just in infrastructure and skills, but in creating a digital ecosystem that preserves cultural values while embracing global technological innovations,” Dr Oanh said.

Looking ahead, the research points to exciting developments in artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), and 6G connectivity that will shape Vietnam's digital future.

"The rapid progress in technology frequently outpaces the establishment of guidelines. We need a unified and comprehensive digital policy framework to ensure that digital advancements have a positive impact on individuals and communities," Ms Vo Thi Trung Trinh concluded.

Story: Ngoc Hoang

12 December 2024
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