Innovation means surpassing limits: Vietnam PM

The 5th anniversary of the National Innovation Center (NIC) and the opening of Vietnam Innovation Day 2024 (Innovate Vietnam 2024) took place at NIC in Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park in Hanoi on Oct. 1. Co-organized by NIC and VCCorp, the event was chaired by the Ministry of Planning and Investment.

The participation of 1,500 guests in person and tens of thousands online, along with numerous workshops and forums, reflected the public's keen interest in Vietnam Innovation Day.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaks at the event. Photo courtesy of NIC

According to the PM, a primary focus for the Party and the State in the coming period is to prioritize innovation as a critical policy for Vietnam's rapid and sustainable development.

"Innovation is crucial in all social activities; it's the key factor in enhancing production and competitiveness for businesses and individuals," he said.

Vietnam faces both significant opportunities and challenges on its innovation journey. The most daunting challenge is technological competitiveness, as the country has yet to master advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things.

Chinh outlined three perspectives to promote innovation: first, prioritizing industrialization and modernization; second, placing people and businesses, especially the younger generation, at the center; and third, fostering a spirit of daring to think, act, and take risks to surpass limitations for the nation's and people's benefit.

To achieve this, he stressed several actions: completing the institutional framework, improving infrastructure for transportation and digital systems, enhancing education and healthcare, cultivating high-quality human resources through partnerships between universities and businesses, attracting financial resources, improving governance efficiency, and strengthening international cooperation.

"Innovation is an endless process that must always evolve. Vietnam must advance in today's global and human innovation process," Chinh added.

Goal of training 50,000 semiconductor engineers

Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung said the event offers an opportunity to foster stronger connections between domestic and international businesses, tech groups, and research institutions. It also provides young people, students, and pupils with access to global technological trends.

Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung. Photo courtesy of NIC

Over the past five years, the NIC has focused on nine key technology sectors: smart manufacturing, smart cities, digital content, cybersecurity, environmental tech, medical tech, semiconductors, green hydrogen, and artificial intelligence.

One major initiative has been the center's semiconductor human resource development program, which aims to train 1,300 lecturers and 50,000 semiconductor engineers, alongside the construction of four national-level shared semiconductor labs and 18 standard labs.

Thanks to these efforts, Vietnam has consistently improved its ranking in the Global Innovation Index, currently placing 44th out of 133 countries and territories in 2024.

"The activities in this program will help technology companies and the innovation community connect, contribute, and share the values of innovation," Dung said.

Delegates attending the event. Photo courtesy of NIC

Expanding investments in Vietnam

Nick Clegg, Global Affairs President at Meta, announced the company's plan to expand the production of its mixed reality device, Quest 3S, in Vietnam by 2025, creating around 1,000 jobs. Meta also plans to introduce its "Meta AI" virtual assistant in Vietnamese to provide local businesses and individuals with advanced tools.

"Starting at the end of October, Meta will offer conversational AI and other AI tools in Vietnam, even before some European countries," Clegg said.

Raymond Teh, Senior Vice President at Nvidia, also expressed his intention to establish an R&D center in Vietnam, positioning the country as Nvidia's "second home in Asia."

During the event, five outstanding solutions from the "Vietnam Innovation Challenge 2024" (VIC 2024), organized by NIC and Meta, were honored by the prime minister. Additionally, 15 innovative solutions across three business groups—corporations, SMEs, and startups—were showcased. VIC 2024 attracted over 750 solutions from 20 countries, helping businesses optimize processes and add tangible value to society.

Chinh and Dung also presented certificates and commemorative medals to individuals and organizations that contributed significantly to Vietnam's innovation ecosystem.

Vietnam's booming AI and semiconductor sectors

Experts from Qualcomm, Samsung, and FPT gathered to discuss Vietnam's potential in artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductors, sectors expected to reach trillion-dollar valuations. Vietnam's young population, burgeoning tech demand, and government support position the country well for growth in these fields.

However, the development of a skilled workforce remains a challenge, as the number of AI and semiconductor engineers lags behind regional competitors. To address this, experts called for specialized training programs, knowledge exchange with international experts, and the establishment of state-of-the-art labs.

In conclusion, Dung emphasized the importance of leveraging technology, digital transformation, and human capital to build a prosperous Vietnam.