Vietnam’s digital future in the spotlight as GSMA Summit tackles trust, inclusion, and scam prevention

Julian Gorman, head of Asia Pacific, GSMA

Vietnam is experiencing remarkable growth in mobile-led services and could soon become a leading digital nation in Asia Pacific, powered by high smartphone penetration, strong connectivity, and supportive policies. Vietnam’s National Digital Transformation Programme aims to position the country among the world’s top 30 digital nations by 2030, with bold goals including nationwide 5G and fibre access, the development of over 100,000 digital technology businesses, and a workforce of 1.5 million people skilled in digital technologies.

Vietnam is also a global leader in IPv6 adoption, with over 55 per cent of users connected via the newer protocol - a sign of strong digital infrastructure readiness. Emerging technologies such as AI, 5G and GSMA Open Gateway are reshaping industries, improving public services, and narrowing the urban-rural digital divide. Yet alongside this progress, a surge in digital scams threatens to undermine public confidence and limit the transformative potential of mobile innovation.

The summit builds on insights from GSMA’s Mobile Economy Asia Pacific and Digital Nations reports, as well as findings from the recent “Towards an Inclusive Digital Nation: Addressing the Scam Economy and Preserving Trust in the Digital Ecosystem” report, which highlights growing concerns across the region. In Vietnam,74 per cent of consumers now use e-wallets, yet 89 per cent say they fear account hacking, and95 per cent are concerned about the misuse of their personal data online.

“Vietnam stands at a defining moment in its digital journey,” said Julian Gorman, head of Asia Pacific, GSMA. “On one hand, high mobile adoption and a flourishing e-wallet market are unlocking incredible opportunities for economic growth and financial inclusion. On the other, rising scams and identity threats are putting consumer trust at risk. This summit brings industry and government leaders together to take meaningful action - from smarter regulation to innovative fraud solutions - so that Vietnam’s digital future remains secure, inclusive, and built on trust.”

Delegates explored practical measures to combat digital fraud, including real-time transaction verification, multi-factor authentication, Silent OTP solutions, and closer collaboration between mobile operators, banks, and fintech players. Sessions also addressed the threat of SIM-swap fraud - a concern for 78 per cent of Vietnamese consumers, well above the regional average - and how API-driven security tools, such as those enabled by the GSMA Open Gateway initiative, can be effectively integrated across sectors.

A dedicated session focused on the broader “scam economy” challenge, highlighting how unchecked fraud could stall adoption of digital services and erode the foundations of the digital ecosystem. Speakers emphasised the need for coordinated action on consumer protection, from enhanced fraud monitoring to public education campaigns.

Viettel, one of Vietnam’s leading operators, has strongly championed the development of 5G use cases, which now make up nearly a third of the main stage agenda at the Summit. From smart manufacturing and precision agriculture to enhanced public services, these real-world applications of 5G are beginning to deliver tangible societal and economic benefits. This reflects the rapid rise of Vietnam as a regional 5G leader and reinforces the country’s commitment to innovation-led growth.

Despite Vietnam’s strong digital uptake, challenges persist around digital literacy and extending connectivity to underserved communities. Attendees stressed the importance of public-private partnerships to expand mobile coverage, improve digital skills, and support a regulatory environment that promotes both innovation and safety.

Throughout the summit, discussions returned to a central theme: trust. Whether enabling e-wallets, protecting data, or delivering public services, the success of Vietnam’s digital transformation depends on maintaining consumer confidence. Stakeholders called for cross-sector collaboration to create a secure and user-friendly digital environment, rooted in transparency and resilience.

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