On August 25, at the first Vietnam-Singapore Strategic Dialogue, the two sides issued the Vietnam-Singapore Joint Statement on Technology Connectivity Strategy. This was one of the key outcomes of the dialogue, helping concretize the orientations of the Vietnam-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Building on the Action Programme for the Implementation of the Vietnam-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, signed on October 28, 2025, the two countries reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in science and technology, innovation, connectivity and the digital economy. The two sides shared a vision of making Vietnam and Singapore leading strategic technology partners in Southeast Asia, with the two countries enhancing their technological resilience through cooperation and connectivity.

Politburo member and Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung and Singaporean Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan exchange the Vietnam-Singapore Joint Statement on Technology Connectivity Strategy. (Photo: VNA)

To realize this goal, Vietnam and Singapore will continue to explore ways to promote cooperation, co-creation, joint research and co-development, with a view to establishing a regional innovation ecosystem that connects businesses, universities and research institutes.

Areas of mutual interest include the data economy, advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, biotechnology, quantum technology and other emerging technologies. The two countries also agreed to strengthen the exchange of knowledge, experience, technical expertise and best practices among government agencies, the business community and academia.

Deepening cooperation in AI and data

Recognizing the potential of digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to drive innovation, enhance productivity and support sustainable economic growth, Vietnam and Singapore agreed to deepen cooperation in the development, deployment and use of safe and responsible AI systems, with reference to regional guidelines such as the ASEAN Guide on AI Governance and Ethics. The two sides also identified the development of high-quality human resources as the foundation for sustainable technology connectivity.

According to the Joint Statement, the two economies have a number of complementary strengths. Vietnam has a dynamic market, a young workforce and increasingly strong manufacturing capabilities, while Singapore has strengths in research and development, data governance, AI and international connectivity. On this basis, the two sides seek to facilitate trusted data exchanges among organizations to accelerate the testing, application and commercialization of research outcomes.

Vietnam and Singapore will promote data-driven innovation and encourage the responsible use and cross-border flow of data through the implementation of the ASEAN Model Contractual Clauses (MCCs) under the ASEAN Framework on Digital Data Governance.

The two sides will also facilitate dialogue between Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority and Personal Data Protection Commission and Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security and Ministry of Science and Technology to exchange views on policies and best practices related to cross-border data flows.

At the regional level, Vietnam and Singapore will continue to support efforts to advance ASEAN digital economic integration, including the development of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA). The two sides said DEFA has the potential to facilitate trusted digital trade, enhance interoperability, strengthen digital connectivity and create new opportunities for businesses and people across the region.

Towards the development of “VSIP 2.0”

As 2026 marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment and development of the Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Parks (VSIP), the two sides reaffirmed VSIP as a symbol of bilateral economic cooperation, while setting out the direction for the development of “VSIP 2.0.”

Under the new model, smart technologies, advanced manufacturing, and sustainable and green systems will be integrated to enhance the parks’ appeal to investors.

This direction is being advanced through a Memorandum of Understanding between the Advanced Remanufacturing and Technology Centre of Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR ARTC) and Becamex on the establishment of the Vietnam Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (VAMRC), which was signed during General Secretary and President To Lam’s State visit to Singapore in May 2026.

VAMRC is envisioned as an industry-driven platform that will support the demonstration, deployment and scaling of advanced, smart and sustainable manufacturing technologies, while strengthening connections in technology, talent and businesses between the two countries.

Cooperation initiatives will be discussed and implemented through the Connectivity Ministerial Meeting (CMM), the Memorandum of Understanding on digital transformation between Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security and Singapore’s Ministry of Digital Development and Information, as well as the Memorandum of Understanding on digital development and innovation between Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology and Singapore’s Ministry of Digital Development and Information.

The two sides will regularly review progress and identify new priorities and initiatives through the CMM and existing bilateral mechanisms.

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