UK-Southeast Asia Tech Week explores new digital frontiers

The premier event was dedicated to catalysing digital innovation and fostering robust partnerships between the United Kingdom and Southeast Asia.

This year's edition built on the success of 2024's event and marked a significant milestone in the journey towards a more interconnected digital future between the two countries.

An MoU signing between the Ho Chi Minh City Digital Transformation Centre and the British Consulate General to enhance cooperation in science, technology, and innovation

UK-Southeast Asia Tech Week 2025 brought together government leaders, industry executives, technology innovators, and academic experts from both the UK and Vietnam.

The event featured a comprehensive agenda, including an MoU signing between the Ho Chi Minh City Digital Transformation Centre and the British Consulate General to enhance cooperation in science, technology, and innovation. This included digital transformation, smart city technology, fintech, transformational technologies, and healthcare technology. A discussion on the establishment of a UK Tech Centre of Expertise was also held to look at AI governance training in Vietnam, policy frameworks, and regulations related to technology and innovation and opportunities for increased cooperation in the future.

Speeches and policy discussion included topics such as AI's role in transforming global healthcare systems, women shaping tech in Southeast Asia, UK's tech success stories in Vietnam, and collaborative innovations between Thailand, Vietnam, and the UK.

According to Iain Frew, British Ambassador to Vietnam, the MoU marked a significant step forward in strengthening the partnership between the UK and Ho Chi Minh City in the digital and technology sector.

“By fostering deeper collaboration in digital transformation, we are paving the way for new opportunities that will drive economic growth and technological advancement,” said Frew.

He further added that UK-Southeast Asia Tech Week highlights the UK's commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration across the region.

“We are a global leader in science and tech, home to a $1.2 trillion tech ecosystem and over 180 unicorns. I am delighted that we have 12 cutting-edge companies in Vietnam this week to build long-lasting, productive relationships for mutual prosperity and growth. Whether in AI, fintech, or cybersecurity, the UK and Vietnam are stronger when we innovate together,” said Rhiannon Harries, deputy trade commissioner for Asia-Pacific (Southeast Asia).

As digital technologies continue to evolve at a rapid pace, UK-Southeast Asia Tech Week 2025 arrived at a pivotal moment. With the UK's tech sector valued at over $1 trillion and Southeast Asia's digital economy forecast to reach new heights, the event provided an ideal platform for insights sharing, driving collaborative projects, and building the networks essential for success in a digital-first world.

UK-Southeast Asia Tech Week 2025 was the latest instalment in a series of successful events that have strengthened the digital bonds between the UK and Southeast Asia. Hosted by the UK government with key partners including iProov and NashTech, and supported by the British Council and British Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam, the event showcased the full range of the UK tech on offer, and continued to foster dialogue, drive innovation, and unlock investment opportunities across the region.

After the UK - Southeast Asia Tech Week, Vietnamese companies will have more opportunities to research and consider joining the London Tech Week in June 2025 for further collaboration opportunities.

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