Quantum computing: friend or foe?

As this technology advances, it raises both excitement and concern: Will it drive innovation or create security risks? Dr Jeff Nijsse, Senior Lecturer in Software Engineering, School of Science, Engineering & Technology at RMIT Vietnam, shares his insights on the potential impacts on Vietnam.

Google’s Willow and Microsoft’s Majorana

In December 2024, Google achieved a quantum computing breakthrough – solving a problem only a quantum computer could handle. More striking was its efficiency – Willow completed a benchmark test in under five minutes, whereas classical computers would take longer than the age of the universe.

Willow’s standout feature is its ability to correct computational errors, a key challenge in quantum computing. Quantum states are fragile and easily disrupted, requiring additional qubits to detect and correct errors. However, Willow’s error correction improves as qubits scale, making real-world applications more viable.

In February 2025, Microsoft announced they have developed new quantum computing architecture. Their qubits are more stable as they are built using a state of matter called a topoconductor. From particle physics, a Majorana is a quasiparticle that emerges in extreme conditions and is easier to isolate and manipulate without accidentally exciting other states. In quantum computing, this clarity helps define clean qubit operations, reducing errors during calculations. 

Microsoft is optimistic the design can scale up to a million qubits, however the breakthrough was announced with just eight and they still have a long way to go.

The encryption threat: Are we ready? 

One major concern with quantum computing is its ability to break encryption. Protocols like RSA rely on factoring large prime numbers, a process that takes classical computers millions of years. Quantum computers, however, could crack them in minutes.

Though limited, quantum advancements pose risks to financial transactions, e-commerce, and cryptocurrency security. Vietnam’s financial institutions must begin testing post-quantum cryptography (PQC) to protect customer data, while fintech startups need to adopt new encryption standards to stay competitive.

History has shown that tech predictions are often inaccurate. Ten years ago, Elon Musk claimed Teslas would be autonomous by 2017, and today we’re at level two or three on a scale of five. AI was once thought to be near human intelligence in the 1980s, but artificial general intelligence (AGI) is still distant. Quantum computing will follow a similar path – while Google’s Willow is a breakthrough, mainstream adoption faces hardware stability, high costs, and error correction challenges.

Should we worry about another quantum breakthrough this year? Not yet – governments and businesses are preparing for computing risks. In August 2024, the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) introduced PQC standards after eight years of research. Apple and Google have begun implementing quantum-resistant encryption. Vietnamese tech firms should follow suit, upgrading cybersecurity systems to prepare for the quantum era.

What it means for Vietnam?

Beyond Google’s success, quantum computing could transform Vietnam’s key industries. 

In agriculture, it could optimise supply chains, forecast demand, and improve logistics. In healthcare, it could accelerate drug discovery, especially traditional herbal medicine. It could also enhance renewable energy efficiency, maximising solar and wind power output. 

Vietnam’s digital economy stands to gain significantly. Quantum computing could strengthen cybersecurity, financial optimisation and analysis, and AI-driven analytics, supporting Vietnam’s rapid tech growth. 

Can Vietnam catch up in the quantum race?

Quantum computing is still in its early stages, but global powers are investing heavily in its development. While Vietnam is not yet a leader, international partnerships could accelerate progress. Collaborating with research institutions in the US, China, and the EU, while strengthening domestic research through institutions like the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, will be key to building local expertise.

Education is critical. Vietnam must integrate quantum computing into university curricula. Educational institutions should lead in training the next generation of quantum scientists. Investing in STEM education, scholarships, and research grants will create a strong foundation for future growth. The government should prioritise infrastructure development and expand global collaborations to close the technology gap with leading nations.

With the right investments and policies, Vietnam can move from being a technology consumer to an active innovator. The choices made today will shape its role in the global digital economy of the future.

Story: Dr Jeff Nijsse, Senior Lecturer in Software Engineering, School of Science, Engineering & Technology, RMIT Vietnam.

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