Last year’s woes resulted in a huge amount of work for digital technology groups, and 2021 marked a strong development of the digital technology industry as a whole. Many digital solutions, applications, and platforms were developed by Vietnamese digital tech firms, thus contributing to the prevention and control of COVID-19.

Shifting our economy to a sustainable state is the main objective of the 21st century, digital technology can play a part in the programme taking place at the scale of our civilisation.

According to Singapore venture capital firm Golden Gate Ventures, Vietnam is a rising star in Southeast Asia’s start-up scene and will be the region’s third-largest startup ecosystem by 2022. VIR’s Nha Linh discussed with Ngo Dinh Dat, managing director of ITI Fund, the future of Vietnam’s startup environment, highlighting potential opportunities for entrepreneurs and investment funds.

About 5,600 digital technology firms were established in 2021, raising the total number of such firms in Vietnam to around 64,000, according to the Ministry of Information and Communications.

On Vietnam Digital Technology Business Day on December 12, it was announced that the community of 64,000 Vietnamese digital tech businesses made revenues of over $135 billion this year.

Policymakers, businesses, and experts on December 11 gathered at the National Forum for Development of Digital Technology Businesses 2021 to discuss solutions that will enable digital transformation to be the driving force of economic recovery and development.

Across Asia, governments face the difficult task of delivering sustained economic recovery while managing the unpredictable transition of COVID-19 from a pandemic to an endemic disease. According to a study by the Asian Development Bank, economic losses for developing Asia were estimated at 6.0-9.5 per cent of regional GDP in 2020 and 3.6-6.3 per cent in 2021, largely from declines in domestic demand, tourism, and from global spillovers. In the early stages of the pandemic, cloud computing powered a rapid shift to remote work and distance learning. Now, digital technology – and the cloud computing services that underpin most digitisation – can catalyse economic recovery by enabling organisations to adapt nimbly to ever-changing circumstances.

People are always in need of new skills in order to adapt and adjust to more advanced work methods. Dr. Truong Anh Dung, general director of the Directorate of Vocational Education and Training under the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, explained VIR’s Hoang Oanh how digital technology can help Vietnamese workers.

MVV Entrepreneur Academy Corporation (MVV Academy) received the Top 10 Vietnam ICT Enterprises 2021 award in the edtech category. This award is given for businesses with outstanding growth in using technology for educational management and development. The programme was organised by the Vietnam Software and IT Services Association (VINASA) with the aim of supporting the Vietnamese government in forming 100,000 Vietnamese digital technology enterprises by 2030.

The 2021 edition of the Taiwan Expo will showcase innovations by Taiwanese manufacturers that are driving 4.0 development in the global heavy industry. Covering all facets of production, the exhibition will feature award-winning solutions like Sun Firm’s flat-bed computer numerical control lathes that provide unparalleled cutting precision and adaptability, and RenAn’s simulation workstation, which makes the training of lathe operators safer and more efficient.

Digital technology has already propelled the fast-moving consumer goods sector in Vietnam, as well as further afield, and reaped greater benefits for this market. Rahul Shinde, chief information officer at Coca-Cola Vietnam, dived into the advantages for the manufacturing process and customer engagement, and explains how to embed this tech culture into the industry in Vietnam.

Head of Vietnam's delegation to the United Nations Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy shared the country’s development experience via promoting digital technology at the 59th session of the UN Commission for Social Development that is underway virtually from February 8-17.

SCG has announced strong operating results despite COVID-19, attributable to employees' dedication, active approach, agility, and use of digital technology to fulfil market needs.

Vietnam has made impressive steps in its digital transformation journey in 2020, with strong aspirations and ambitious targets set through the launch of the Make in Vietnam programme. Nguyen Manh Hung, Minister of Information and Communications, writes about upcoming plans to realise the country’s digital orientations at the national forum on the development of Vietnamese digital technology enterprises.

As healthcare providers are seeking to improve the customer experience and satisfaction, digital technology provides a proven avenue to explore. In this context, the Zoop Care healthcare coordination platform with innovative solutions and user-driven approach is expected to elevate customer care in Vietnam into another level.