Australia-Vietnam Business Forum advances smart, sustainable urban development

The Australia-Vietnam Smart Cities Business Forum 2025, as part of The Smart City Asia 2025 in Ho Chi Minh City marks a milestone in strengthening the bilateral relationship between Australia and Vietnam—particularly in the context of digital transformation—following the elevation of their diplomatic ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2024.

The forum's discussions and outcomes are grounded in the insights derived from the Smart City Focus Group - Vietnam Market Deep-Dive, conducted on April 25, in Ho Chi Minh City. This focus group, led by Austrade in collaboration with Startup Vietnam Foundation and Dear Our Community, played a crucial role in establishing a foundational understanding of Vietnam's smart city landscape, the inherent challenges it faces, and the potential avenues for collaboration between the two countries.

Jonathan Saw, Trade and Investment Commissioner – Austrade, made the opening speech. Photo courtesy of Astrade

In his opening remarks, Jonathan Saw, Trade and Investment Commissioner for Vietnam, emphasized the growing importance of cooperation in the digital economy.

"Austrade Vietnam's Landing Pad initiative is designed to introduce Australian innovation to Southeast Asia and accelerate digital transformation. We are supporting Australian businesses in forming partnerships with Vietnamese enterprises, government bodies, and institutions to co-develop solutions tailored to local needs," Saw stated.

He noted that the participation of 13 Australian companies at the forum underscores both the country's digital innovation capabilities and its commitment to long-term collaboration.

Smart city development: a pivotal opportunity for Vietnam

With rapid urbanization, a rising middle class, and internet penetration nearing 80%, Vietnam is positioned at a "golden moment" for smart city development. However, growing urban populations also present significant challenges: infrastructure stress, environmental pollution, aging demographics, and public service demands.

Forum discussions highlighted the need to enhance city resilience, sustainability, and livability through integrated smart solutions. A sustainable smart city was defined as one that leverages information and communication technologies (ICT) and other innovative tools to improve quality of life, operational efficiency, service delivery, and urban competitiveness—while balancing economic, social, environmental, and cultural dimensions.

Key priorities outlined include: citizen-centered urban design, long-term planning frameworks, data security and privacy protocols, robust infrastructure for internet and energy, supportive regulatory and governance environment

Participants acknowledged challenges such as the high initial cost of smart city infrastructure and the need for improved coordination across agencies to ensure sustainability and resilience.

Pham The Hung, Partnership and Project Management lead of Startup Vietnam Foundation delivered the keynote speech on a deep dive into challenges and gaps in Vietnam Smart Cities landscape. Photo courtesy of Astrade

Australia's experience and expertise

Australia brings significant capabilities to the smart city landscape, including advanced infrastructure, clean energy solutions, water management, cybersecurity, and ICT development. The country ranks among the global leaders in 5G connectivity, data center deployment, and telecommunications investment. It also offers a supportive innovation environment with incentives for research and development.

Additionally, Australia has a strong track record in green economy transition, spanning areas such as climate finance, sustainability consulting, carbon accounting, workforce training, and ESG integration.

During the forum, Australian companies showcased a range of smart city technologies and services—from clean energy and new materials to traffic safety systems, infrastructure efficiency tools, and digital transformation platforms across sectors such as tourism, sustainability, and green transition.

The Australian business delegation's visit to HCMC from May 7–9 is part of Austrade's Landing Pads initiative, designed to help Australian tech companies enter and scale in key international markets. Activities during the visit include participation in Smart City Asia 2025, business matching sessions, field visits, and networking events.

The forum also underscored the value of multi-stakeholder collaboration—across governments, businesses, academia, and communities—as well as the importance of developing human capital and improving digital awareness to unlock the full potential of smart cities in Vietnam.

Speakers in the panel discussion about opportunities and challenges. Photo courtesy of Astrade

During the panel, experts from both countries exchanged insights on the current situation and future potential of smart city development. Panelists from Vietnamese German University & UN-Habitat, i.Value Corporation, Golden Gate Ventures, EVN HCMC, and the Australian Trade and Investment Commission discussed the importance of public-private partnerships. Discussions emphasized the need for governments to provide an enabling framework, ensure people-centric design, and establish technical standards for sustainability and interoperability.

As the event concluded, delegates expressed strong confidence in the growing opportunities for Australia-Vietnam cooperation in smart urban development, with shared goals of achieving sustainable, inclusive, and technologically advanced cities.

Landing Pads is a flagship initiative by the Australian Government to support export-ready tech businesses expanding into global markets. The Ho Chi Minh City Landing Pad was inaugurated in June 2024. It offers tailored, in-market support for Australian startups and scaleups to connect with partners, refine go-to-market strategies, and contribute to Vietnam's digital transformation ambitions.