Mini Davos in Ho Chi Minh City: Advancing Smart Governance Together

Mini Davos in Ho Chi Minh City: Advancing Smart Governance Together

RMIT contributed to the Autumn Economic Forum 2025 convened by the Government of Viet Nam and Ho Chi Minh City authorities in collaboration with the World Economic Forum.

On 26 November 2025, RMIT contributed to the Autumn Economic Forum 2025 (formerly the Ho Chi Minh City Economic Forum), often described as a “mini WEF Davos” in Viet Nam. Convened by the Government of Viet Nam and Ho Chi Minh City authorities in collaboration with the World Economic Forum, the Forum welcomed over 1,500 participants, including senior government leaders, international delegations, business executives, investors, young leaders, and the Prime Minister.

RMIT Vietnam’s Pro Vice-Chancellor and General Director Professor Scott Thompson-Whiteside and HCMC C4IR Deputy Director Mr Pham Phu Truong announce the strategic collaboration between the two parties. RMIT Vietnam’s Pro Vice-Chancellor and General Director Professor Scott Thompson-Whiteside and HCMC C4IR Deputy Director Mr Pham Phu Truong announce the strategic collaboration between the two parties.
Alt Text is not present for this image, Taking dc:title 'undefined' Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh delivered the opening speech in the Autumn Economic Forum 2025

Professor Trung Nguyen,Co-Lead of the RMIT Smart and Sustainable Cities Hub, and a member of the Forum’s Content Committee, served as Moderator for Parallel Session 3: “Smart Governance in the Digital Era.” 

The session brought together government officials, academics, international experts, private-sector leaders, and business associations to discuss how digital transformation, transparent data governance, and cross-sector collaboration can shape the future of smart governance in Ho Chi Minh City and across Viet Nam. Discussions emphasised the importance of predictable regulation, trusted data systems, and citizen-centred public services as foundations of effective smart government.

Professor Trung Nguyen moderated the panel discussion in the Autumn Economic Forum 2025 Professor Trung Nguyen moderated the panel discussion in the Autumn Economic Forum 2025

Key topics included real-time decision-making, modernising public services, and governance challenges arising from recent administrative reforms. Comparative insights from Singapore, Australia, China, Canada, and Viet Nam highlighted practical pathways toward secure, efficient, and inclusive digital government.

As part of the session, the RMIT team presented a Smart Government Model, generating strong interest from government leaders, academics, and the business community. The model offered a structured framework integrating technology, governance, and institutional capacity, and prompted further discussion on its potential application in Ho Chi Minh City and scaling across Viet Nam.

Speakers and panellists included Professor Vu Minh Khuong (Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, NUS), Mr Warrick Cleine MBE (Chairman & CEO, KPMG), Mr Sam Conroy (President, AusCham), Madam Trinh Vo (Director, Ho Chi Minh City Digital Transformation Centre), Mr Tu Dang (Vice President, CMC Group), Professor Yuan Feng (Chinese Academy of Sciences), and Ms Julia Le (Cyber Security Centre of Excellence).

A clear message emerged: smart government is not solely about advanced technologies. It requires transformational leadership, strong data foundations, capable institutions, and sustained collaboration across government, industry, academia, and communities. These elements are critical as Ho Chi Minh City advances toward a more transparent, resilient, and sustainable urban future.

All the Autumn Economic Forum 2025 speakers and panellists took a group photo with the organisers All the Autumn Economic Forum 2025 speakers and panellists took a group photo with the organisers

RMIT looks forward to continuing its engagement with city and national authorities to support smart governance strategies aligned with Viet Nam’s digital and green transformation goals.

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