Vietnam News Today (Jan. 14): Vietnam Seeks Stronger Partnership with Singapore
	Vietnam News Today (Jan. 15): Vietnam, Laos Foster Strategic Connectivity in New Context

Vietnam pledges continued active, responsible role in ASEAN digital cooperation

Vietnam remains firmly committed to being a proactive, active and responsible member of ASEAN’s digital cooperation, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed while addressing the opening ceremony of the 6th ASEAN Digital Ministers' Meeting (ADGMIN 6) and related meetings in Hanoi on January 15.

The PM called for more comprehensive regional collaboration built on transparency, mutual trust and respect to help shape a united, resilient and prosperous ASEAN digital community.

Hosted by Vietnam, the event brought together ASEAN ministers in charge of information technology, telecommunications and digital transformation, heads of delegations of dialogue partners, ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn, UN Under-Secretary-General and Secretary-General's Special Envoy on Technology Amandeep Singh Gill, ambassadors, along with representatives of international organisations and technology enterprises.

ASEAN: From infrastructure connectivity to intelligent connectivity

In his opening remarks, Vietnam’s Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung, who chairs ADGMIN 6, said the conference theme “ASEAN Adaptive: From Infrastructure Connectivity to Intelligent Connectivity” reflects a defining shift in ASEAN’s digital development thinking.

ASEAN is moving beyond a focus on expanding connectivity infrastructure toward harnessing intelligence, data and the added value generated from digital connections. This transition from “infrastructure connectivity” to “intelligent connectivity” is not a matter of choice but an inevitable step in the digital era, he noted.

ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to advancing comprehensive digital cooperation, narrowing digital divides and building a safe, trusted and inclusive digital space.

Meanwhile, UN Under-Secretary-General and Secretary-General's Special Envoy on Technology Amandeep Singh Gill called for a balanced, human-centred approach to digital transformation and AI governance to ensure technology contributes meaningfully to sustainable development.

Digital transformation – new growth driver

Addressing the conference, PM Chinh stressed that ASEAN and the world are undergoing profound and comprehensive transformations, with digital transformation, digital government, the digital economy and digital society emerging as new growth drivers and pillars of sustainable development.

The rapid development of digital ecosystems is profoundly changing the way people and nations connect and interact, creating both an urgent and long-term strategic need for a synchronised digital infrastructure, inclusive digital institutions, and high-quality digital human resources.

The PM said data has become a new strategic resource. The ability to master and connect data is critical not only to national governance and competitiveness, but also to expanding the cooperation space within ASEAN and between ASEAN and the wider world.

On AI, he urged ASEAN to promote regulatory sandboxes for new technologies and business models, while ensuring AI development adheres to ethical standards, remains human-centred, and serves the goals of peace, cooperation and development.

Reaffirming that ASEAN remains a strategic priority in Vietnam’s foreign policy, PM Chinh said Vietnam’s sustainable development in the digital era is closely linked to peace, stability and prosperity within the ASEAN Community.

He highlighted Vietnam’s strong progress in national digital transformation, including the issuance of major policy frameworks on science – technology development, innovation and digital transformation that emphasise international cooperation. Vietnam’s digital infrastructure has made significant strides, with 5G coverage reaching 91.2% of the population and mobile internet speeds ranking among the world’s top 20 in 2025, up 50 places from 2020.

Vietnam has also strengthened digital government with the expansion of online public services toward a paperless administration, and seen the digital economy emerge as a new growth engine. E-commerce has grown by around 25% annually, reaching an estimated 36 billion USD in 2025, three times its size in 2020.

Aside from the widespread development of digital society, he added, cybersecurity has received particular attention. Vietnam successfully hosted the signing ceremony of the UN Convention against Cybercrime, known as the Hanoi Convention, and now ranks 16th globally and third in ASEAN on the Global Cybersecurity Index.

Looking ahead to the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, PM Chinh proposed three overarching directions for regional digital cooperation.

First, ASEAN should strengthen digital trust and adaptive governance by building a human-centred digital ecosystem guided by ethical norms and balanced interests. He called for effective implementation of the ASEAN Guide on AI Governance and Ethics, as well as gradually effective operation of the regional AI safety network.

Second, ASEAN should develop modern digital infrastructure and boost smart, synchronised and sustainable digital connectivity. It should upgrade submarine and terrestrial cable systems and data centres, and step up cooperation in satellite development to support disaster monitoring, resource management and internet access in remote and island areas. He also underscored the importance of building a green, clean and secure power grid to ensure sustainable energy for digital infrastructure and connectivity.

Third, the PM continued, ASEAN should enhance cybersecurity cooperation and develop a high-quality digital workforce. This includes stronger information sharing, joint exercises and trust-building to counter cyberattacks; enhance ties to combat online fraud and cybercrime; and promote the development of high-quality digital manpower, particularly in the fields of big data, AI and cloud computing. Efforts to provide digital skills for all should also be strengthened like Vietnam’s “Digital Literacy for All" movement under the principle that no one is left behind.

“On the spirit of harmonised benefits and shared risks, Vietnam is committed to remaining a proactive, active and responsible member of ASEAN’s digital cooperation,” the PM affirmed, adding that Vietnam is ready to share experience and support less-developed partners to narrow digital gaps and achieve shared development.

PM Chinh expressed confidence that ADGMIN 6 will mark an important milestone in ASEAN’s transition from digital infrastructure connectivity to intelligence connectivity and trust connectivity.

Commitments made at the meeting, he said, will help shape a coherent institutional framework, interoperable digital infrastructure and a safe digital space, laying a solid foundation for inclusive growth, enhanced competitiveness and a stronger global standing for ASEAN.

With unity as the binding force and “unity in diversity” as ASEAN’s defining identity, he stressed that deeper cooperation, strengthened dialogue and mutual trust will guide the region toward a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable future in the digital era.

Representatives from Laos and Vietnam sign the agreement at the ceremony. (Photo published by VNA)

Vietnam, Laos step up coordination in border management, protection

The Military Command of the central province of Quang Tri on January 15 announced that its Defence Command Region 5 - Khe Sanh and the Military Commands of Se Pon and Nong districts under the Military Command of Savannakhet province, and the Military Command of Sa Muoi district under the Military Command of Salavan province of Laos established their twin relations and signed an agreement on operational coordination regulations.

At the signing ceremony, the participating units agreed on a coordination mechanism aimed at further strengthening solidarity, friendship and close cooperation in border management and protection.

Under the agreement, the sides committed to focusing on key areas, including regular and ad hoc exchanges of information on hostile forces’ activities and transnational crimes, particularly drug trafficking and weapons smuggling; and coordinated efforts to prevent illegal encroachment, unlawful settlement, spontaneous cross-border migration, and illegal exploitation of forest and mineral resources.

Alongside close coordination in defence tasks, the units will step up communications and outreach to encourage border residents to strictly comply with the laws of each country and remain vigilant against distorted propaganda from hostile elements.

The agreement also includes mutual support in disaster prevention and response, mitigation of natural disaster and epidemic consequences, as well as the organisation of cultural, artistic, sports and exchange activities on major national occasions of both countries. The sides will hold biannual rotating meetings to review coordination results and outline directions for future cooperation.

Colonel Thieu Dang Anh, Deputy Commander of the Quang Tri Military Command, stressed that the signing of the twinning and cooperation regulation marks an important milestone, translating the political determination of the armed forces on both sides into concrete action to build a border of peace, friendship, cooperation and sustainable development.

The Quang Tri Military Command pledged to closely monitor, effectively implement and direct the execution of the signed commitments, while instructing relevant agencies and units to translate the twinning agreement into practical, effective and long-term activities.

Minister of Public Security General Luong Tam Quang (R) and Singapore’s Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo in Hanoi on January 15 (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Singapore promote cooperation in cybersecurity, digital transformation

Minister of Public Security General Luong Tam Quang on January 15 held talks with Singapore’s Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo, who is in Hanoi to attend the 6th ASEAN Digital Ministers' Meeting (ADGMIN).

Quang welcomed the increasingly substantive, effective and in-depth development of bilateral relations, and noted the two countries’ shared commitment to promoting the digital economy and building a safe and reliable digital environment.

In the field of cybersecurity, based on their memorandum of understanding on cybersecurity cooperation, combating cybercrime and protecting personal data signed in 2022, the Vietnamese and Singaporean ministries have actively implemented agreed contents. Regular exchanges of expert delegations and participation by Vietnamese officers in conferences and seminars on combating cybercrime and high-tech crime organised by Singaporean law enforcement agencies have been maintained.

The two sides have also signed a memorandum of understanding on digital transformation, facilitating the sharing of experience through expert exchanges, training programmes and cooperation in developing technological solutions for the public good, in line with the specific conditions and needs of each country.

The ministers agreed to continue effectively implementing the commitments reached by the two countries’ leaders during Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lam’s visit to Singapore in March 2025, as well as an action programme to implement the countries’ Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for 2025–2030. Cooperation will focus on supporting national digital transformation and jointly building a safe, stable and sustainable cyberspace in each country, they said.

Informing Teo that the UN has assigned the Vietnamese ministry to establish a UN cybercrime prevention centre in the country, Quang called on Singapore to actively support and assist Vietnam in the process, and to consider joining the UN Convention against Cybercrime, whose signing ceremony took place in Hanoi last October.

He also proposed stepping up expert-level exchanges to share experience in developing applications for digital transformation, protecting personal data and ensuring data security, preventing cyber-attacks and safeguarding critical information systems, managing and controlling cross-border data flows, and combating cybercrime and high-tech crime, thereby making practical contributions to innovation and national digital transformation in both countries.

In addition, the two ministers agreed to enhance cooperation in training and capacity-building for specialised forces in digital transformation, cybersecurity and personal data protection, while sharing experience in developing legal frameworks on personal data protection and data storage. It is also necessary to improve the legal basis for mutual recognition of electronic identification for basic information displayed on applications in both countries, and to promote controlled cross-border data sharing, they added.

Agreeing with Quang’s proposals, Teo affirmed that Singapore would work closely with Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security to effectively implement bilateral legal cooperation documents on cybersecurity and digital transformation, contributing to further deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in an increasingly substantive, practical and effective manner, for the benefit of the two peoples and for peace, stability and development in the region and the world.

Tet gifts are presented to workers facing hardship ahead of the Lunar New Year (Photo: VNA)

207,000 USD in aid to brighten Tet for Hanoi’s most vulnerable

The Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF)’s Hanoi Chapter, together with the city’s “For the Poor” Fund Mobilisation Committee, has approved a sum of over 5.4 billion VND (207,000 USD) to bring warmth and joy to those who need it most this Lunar New Year (Tet) festival.

The financial support, sourced entirely from the fund, will reach 126 wards and communes as well as the Hanoi Elderly Association (HEA). The aim is to ensure that every gift arrives promptly and precisely where it is needed, allowing near-poor households, those enduring extreme hardship, and elderly residents to greet Tet with greater comfort and cheer.

Under the allocation plan, 5.28 billion VND will fund 5,280 Tet gift packages for near-poor households and those living in difficult circumstances. Each package contains 1 million VND in cash, with wards receiving 30 each and communes receiving 50.

Separately, 150 million VND has been earmarked for Tet gifts worth 500,000 VND each, to be presented to 300 elderly citizens facing severe hardship. Distribution will be handled through the HEA, with deliveries expected to be completed ahead of the Tet holiday.

The VFF’s municipal chapter has instructed its ward and commune-level committees, together with the HEA, to use the funds precisely as intended, ensure transparency and efficiency, and avoid any risk of overlap during the distribution process.

An art programme at the opening ceremony.

Film screening programme celebrates the 14th National Party Congress

The Vietnam Film Institute officially opened a film screening programme in Hanoi, on January 14, to celebrate the 14th National Party Congress.

The event was a politically and culturally significant activity, as well as an emotionally resonant gathering for film professionals and audiences who cherish Vietnam’s revolutionary cinema.

Held at Ngoc Khanh Cinema (No. 523 Kim Ma Street, Hanoi), the event was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism; current and former leaders of cultural management agencies; representatives of international organisations and embassies; and generations of film artists. Among the notable figures present were Dr Ngo Phuong Lan, Vice Chairwoman of the Central Council of Literature and Art Theory and Criticism and President of the Viet Nam Film Development Association; People’s Artist Nhu Quynh; People’s Artist Nguyen Thanh Van; and Meritorious Artist Vu Dinh Than, among others.

In her opening speech, Le Thi Ha, Director of the Viet Nam Film Institute, highlighted the special significance of the 14th National Party Congress in the context of the country’s achievements after 40 years of renewal, during which Viet Nam has made major strides and steadily enhanced its international standing and prestige. Affirming the role of cinema in the revolutionary cause, she noted that films not only reflect history but also serve as a vanguard force on the ideological and cultural front, accompanying the nation through each stage of its development.

She further emphasised: “Through the truthful and vivid artistic lens of Vietnamese filmmakers, the selected films do more than recall the historical flow from the August Revolution of 1945 to national reunification on April 30, 1975. They also convey an enduring message: in all circumstances, the people have always maintained their trust and affection for the glorious Party and for the revolutionary path chosen by the nation.”

According to the Organising Committee, the film screening programme celebrating the 14th National Party Congress runs from January 14 to 17 at Ngoc Khanh Cinema, featuring 10 carefully selected feature and animated films drawn from the archives of the Viet Nam Film Institute, with support from film producers. These works are rich in ideological and artistic value, have left a lasting mark on Viet Nam’s cinematic life, and have been embraced by generations of audiences, earning recognition through domestic and international awards.

The highlight of the opening ceremony was the screening of the feature film “Den Hen Lai Len” (When the Time Comes Again), a classic of Vietnamese revolutionary cinema directed by Tran Vu in 1974.

The film vividly portrays rural life in northern Viet Nam during the resistance war, depicting ordinary yet deeply humane lives that embody loyalty, steadfastness and the aspiration for independence and freedom.

The presence of artists closely associated with the film, including People’s Artist Nhu Quynh and Meritorious Artist Vu Dinh Than, brought strong emotions to the audience, extending cherished memories of a period when cinema was inseparably bound to the nation’s history.

Vietnam News Today (Jan. 8): Vietnam Races Ahead in GDP Growth, Closing Gap with Southeast Asia’s Giants Vietnam News Today (Jan. 8): Vietnam signals strategic shift to elevate international integration; International financial institutions optimistic about Vietnam’s 2026 growth; Vietnam’s effective foreign policy ...

Vietnam News Today (Jan. 9): Vietnam Potentially Becomes Southeast Asia’s Third-Largest Economy Vietnam News Today (Jan. 9): Norway, Vietnam discuss ways to boost all-around cooperation; Vietnam maintains fine traditional relations with Venezuela: Spokeswoman; Chinese scholar praises Vietnam’s ...