Vietnam News Today (Jan. 16): Vietnam Shows Leading Role in ASEAN’s Digital Strategy

	Vietnam News Today (Jan. 15): Vietnam, Laos Foster Strategic Connectivity in New Context
	Vietnam News Today (Jan 16): Vietnam Pledges Continued Active, Responsible Role in ASEAN Digital Cooperation

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) and Japanese Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications Hayashi Yoshimasa, Hanoi, January 15, 2026. Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

Vietnam seeks Japan’s support in science and technology infrastructure development

During a reception in Hanoi for Japan's Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications Hayashi Yoshimasa, the Prime Minister expressed satisfaction with the strong, comprehensive and increasingly substantive development of the Vietnam-Japan bilateral ties, built on a high level of political trust.

He noted that Japan remains Vietnam's leading partner in official development assistance (ODA) and labor cooperation, its third-largest foreign investor, and its fourth-largest partner in trade and tourism. Cooperation between localities of the two countries continues to expand, while Japan is also among Vietnam's most important strategic partners in science and technology, digital transformation, innovation, and high-quality human resource development.

Pham called on Minister Hayashi to further promote bilateral cooperation and strengthen political trust through increased exchanges of high-level and all-level delegations. He also asked the minister to convey his invitation to Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae to visit Vietnam in 2026.

The Prime Minister said Vietnam is targeting double-digit economic growth in the coming period, pursuing rapid and sustainable development based on science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation, which it considers an objective requirement, a strategic choice, and a top priority. Vietnam is accelerating national digital transformation, developing modern digital infrastructure, and promoting artificial intelligence and big data.

Pham proposed that Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications continue close coordination with Vietnamese ministries and agencies in governance and management, and support Vietnam in planning and developing science and technology infrastructure, including digital infrastructure, technology transfer, and training high-quality human resources such as managers, experts, scientists, and skilled workers.

He also suggested both countries share experience in governance, strengthen information security and safety, build policy frameworks, expand cooperation in high-tech agriculture, create more favorable conditions for Japanese enterprises to invest in research and development (R&D) in Vietnam, and promote stronger cooperation between localities, cited VGP.

The Prime Minister underscored the need for the two sides to sign cooperation documents to implement specific projects in a timely, decisive and efficient manner. He also called on the Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam to help advance bilateral agreements and commitments.

Pham also expressed hope that Japan would continue to create favorable conditions for approximately 600,000 Vietnamese people living, studying and working in Japan.

For his part, Minister Hayashi expressed sympathy over the losses Vietnam has suffered from recent natural disasters, and praised Vietnamese workers in Japan for their positive contributions to the development and prosperity of both countries.

Sharing the Prime Minister's views, the minister agreed on the critical role of science and technology, innovation and digital transformation, commending the Vietnamese Government's strong management capacity and decisive efforts, particularly in database development. He voiced confidence that Vietnam would continue to grow strongly and successfully realize its goal of becoming a powerful and prosperous nation.

Minister Hayashi affirmed his commitment to promoting cooperation in the areas highlighted by the Prime Minister. He added that Japan wishes to continue working with ASEAN countries, including Vietnam, on digital transformation and the development of safe and secure artificial intelligence, expressing confidence that bilateral cooperation in digital transformation and information technology will continue to deepen.

Developing ties with China a strategic priority in Vietnam’s foreign policy: Deputy PM

Deputy PM Bui Thanh Son highlighted the strong progress made in the Vietnam – China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, marked by enhanced political trust, more substantive security and defense cooperation, robust growth in economic, trade and investment ties, and increasingly dynamic people-to-people exchanges.

The Party, State, and people of Vietnam consistently views the development of relations with China as a strategic choice and a top priority in its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, and multilateralisation and diversification of external relations, Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son has affirmed.

He made the statement while addressing a banquet hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Vietnam on January 16 to celebrate the 76th founding anniversary of Vietnam – China diplomatic relations (January 18, 1950–2026).

Son noted that over the past 76 years, the two Parties, States and peoples have extended each other invaluable support and assistance, contributing significantly to national liberation and socialist construction in each country, according to VNA.

Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son (seventh from left) and other delegates attending the reception marking the 76th anniversary of the establishment of China–Vietnam diplomatic relations on January 16. (Photo: VNA)

He highlighted the strong progress made in the Vietnam – China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership over the recent past, marked by enhanced political trust, more substantive security and defense cooperation, robust growth in economic, trade and investment ties, and increasingly dynamic people-to-people exchanges.

The Deputy PM expressed confidence that under the guidance of high-ranking leaders, and with concerted efforts by ministries, sectors, localities and the peoples of both countries, Vietnam – China relations will continuously develop in a stable, sustainable and in-depth manner, contributing to the well-being of both peoples and to peace and progress worldwide.

For his part, Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam He Wei praised the significant achievements in bilateral relations over the past 76 years. He noted that in 2025, the two sides worked closely to generate new highlights in their connections, including frequent high-level exchanges, effective cooperation mechanisms, record-high trade turnover, and China’s continued position as Vietnam’s largest trading partner and leading source of tourists.

The ambassador reaffirmed China’s readiness to work closely with Vietnam to further consolidate the foundations and enhance the effectiveness of building a Vietnam – China community with a shared future.

He also voiced his belief that the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam will be a great success, ushering in a new era of development for Vietnam and opening a new chapter in the bilateral friendship.

Vietnam shows leading role in ASEAN’s digital strategy: ASEAN Secretary General

Vietnam has taken a leading role in rallying stakeholders behind ASEAN’s priorities and initiatives, particularly in advancing the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2030, sustaining cooperation momentum and sharpening the focus on implementation, said ASEAN Secretary General Kao Kim Hourn.

The Secretary-General made the remarks in an interview with the Vietnam News Agency on the sidelines of the sixth ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting in Hanoi on January 15.

The goals set by Vietnam’s Party, State and Government for science and technology, innovation and digital transformation underscore the country’s long-term vision, strategic approach and agile thinking — also a path pursued by ASEAN, he said.

In practice, the bloc is working toward the ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future, a long-term strategic framework aimed at building a peaceful, prosperous and resilient ASEAN Community, advancing deeper integration and sustainable development while ensuring no one is left behind.

Vietnam has been actively involved in drafting the document, with a strong emphasis on science, technology, innovation and digital transformation, Kao said, noting his belief that Vietnam’s success in these strategic areas will make a significant contribution to ASEAN, reported VOV.

ASEAN Secretary General Kao Kim Hourn (right) (Photo: VNA)

Kao said that under Vietnam’s leadership this year, in its capacity as chair of the sixth ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting, the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2030 is being finalized and will be adopted.

It is a key blueprint that not only helps narrow development gaps among member states but also opens up new growth space, boosts competitiveness and strengthens ASEAN’s position in the global digital value chain, he noted.

ASEAN is also actively pushing ahead with negotiations on the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement, launched in September 2023, with the aim of concluding talks and moving toward signing later this year.

Beyond region-wide efforts, each member state, including Vietnam, is proactively rolling out strategies to enable broader public participation in the digital transformation process.

Kao said that the sixth ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting, held in Hanoi as ASEAN’s first ministerial-level meeting of the year, helped shape priorities for the year ahead and underscored digitalisation as one of the bloc’s top focuses.

He praised Vietnam for inviting dialogue partners, international organisations and the private sector to take part.

The key challenge now is translating policies and initiatives into concrete action, the Secretary General said, adding he is confident in Vietnam’s coordinating and leadership role in driving this process forward.

Vietnam emerges as rising tourism star for Philippine travelers

Vietnam is increasingly being seen as an attractive destination for Philippine travelers, with expanded direct air links expected to further boost visitor numbers to what qa.philstar.com has described as a rising tourism star in Southeast Asia.

The Philippine newswire reported that low-cost airline AirAsia Philippines will begin operating weekly direct flights from Manila to Hanoi and Da Nang starting March 20, 2026, marking the airline’s expansion into one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic travel markets.

Vietnam is becoming a dream destination for millions of travelers, particularly Filipinos, who are finding the Southeast Asian country attractive for its combination of budget-friendly pricing and cultural heritage.

According to the newswire, this is the reason AirAsia Philippines has chosen to add Vietnam to its international network. It will be linking Manila with Hanoi and Da Nang on a four times weekly schedule, with flights set in the afternoon-to-evening time slots for passenger convenience.

New direct flights are expected to boost tourism between Vietnam and the Philippines (Photo: Philstar)

With the launch of its new services to Hanoi and Da Nang, AirAsia Philippines will enter direct competition with other Philippine carriers already operating on these routes, including Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines, both of which offer regular direct flights from Manila to the two Vietnamese cities.

AirAsia Philippines president and CEO Suresh Bangah said the airline is heading into Vietnam to give Filipinos more options when flying. He also noted that AirAsia, as a group, is expanding its wings in Southeast Asia to improve regional connectivity.

“Our hope is to give the Filipino traveler more choices, better value and easier access to exciting destinations in Southeast Asia,” Bangah stressed.

Data from the Philippine Department of Tourism indicate that 308,679 Filipino tourists visited Vietnam between January and October 2025, making it the eighth most popular destination for Filipino travelers, surpassing traditional destinations such as the United States and the Republic of Korea. In contrast, only 28,058 Vietnamese tourists visited the Philippines during the same period, VOV reported.

Meanwhile, Vietnam’s National Statistics Office reported that the number of Filipino visitors to Vietnam in 2025 amounted to 482,173, representing a sharp increase of 181.3% compared to 2024.

Vietnam triumph over UAE in thrilling U23 Asian Cup quarterfinal

In a highly dramatic 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup quarterfinal match in the very early morning of January 17, the Vietnam U23 national team defeated their opponents from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the first time, winning by a narrow 3–2 scoreline after 120 minutes of play to secure a place in the semifinals.

Nguyen Le Phat brought the lead for the Golden Star Warriors early in the first half, before Junior Ndiaye equalized just before the break. Vietnam went ahead again in the second half through Nguyen Dinh Bac but Mansoor Saeed Al-Menhali forced the match to go into extra time, where Pham Minh Phuc found the winning goal that woke up millions of Vietnamese fans.

Almost no changes were made by coach Kim Sang-sik to the starting line up compare to the match against Saudi Arabia, where talismanic player Nguyen Dinh Bac still starts from the bench, with Le Viktor playing in his place at center-forward.

The match started slow with a cautious approach from both sides. Vietnam had, surprisingly, more possession in the early part of the first half, while UAE sat back and waited for counter-attacks.

In the 16th minute, UAE's Al-Menhali fired off a shot from a long ball into the back of Trung Kien's net. The goal however, was not given after intervention from VAR, which deemed Al-Menhali of handball before the shot was taken.

Both teams went tit-for-tat in the minutes after, and in the 32nd minute, Yousif Ahmed and Le Viktor both went for the ball and clattered into each other. Viktor was concussed and had to be subbed off, his replacement was no one else but the enigmatic Dinh Bac.

Vietnam’s No.7 wasted no time to show his impact. In the 39th minute, a through ball in midfield found Bac free inside the penalty area. The winger played a great low cross towards Le Phat, who tapped in the empty net and opened the score for Vietnam.

But just two minutes later, a cross towards the back post from UAE found Al-Memari, whose header rattled Trung Kien's bar and bizarrely rebounded to Junior Ndiaye. The former UEFA U17 Championship winner easily headed in the top corner of the net despite Trung Kien's best efforts to put the ball out.

With midfielder Xuan Bac also went down injured after the break, Coach Kim brought on Nguyen Thai Quoc Cuong in midfield.

The story of the second half was very much akin to the first, as Vietnam was the more active and dominant team, with a diverse range of attacking plays while UAE sought to capitalise on the physical advantage with long ball and crosses.

In the 63rd minute, the unlikely breakthrough came again for the men in red, as Pham Minh Phuc fired a perfect cross towards Dinh Bac. The starlet replicated his national team debut goal against Japan just two years ago with a backwards header towards the back post, leaving keeper Khaled Tawhid zero chance.

The UAE did not relent and pushed on forward after Vietnam’s goal. They soon found a reply just five minutes later with a towering header by captain Al-Menhali to equalize for the second time.

As extra time was looming for both teams, Vietnam had two golden chances to close off the game. In the 89th minute, a cross from substitute Nguyen Thanh Nhan found Vo Anh Quan free inside the penalty area. Quan's unmarked header however, was saved by the fingertips of Tawhid.

Just seconds later, Dinh Bac had a chance to shoot, but elected to pass for an unmarked Thanh Nhan, whose shot was blocked with a last-ditch tackle from an UAE defender.

The last time Vietnam U23 ended regulation time with a 2-2 scoreline, they scored in the first period of extra time to bring home the victory. The same script happened again in this match, albeit a little later than in the SEA Games final against Thailand.

In the 101st minute, from a header by Dinh Bac, the ball found center-back Nguyen Nhat Minh, who shocked the UAE defense with a skillful dribble inside the penalty area. Minh tried a shot but it was blocked, and the rebound went to Thanh Nhan whose shot was also stopped. But on the third time a shot was made by Vietnam, the charm came for Minh Phuc, who scored with a vicious shot that went through the legs of a center back, leaving Tawhid no chance at all, VNA reported.

Vietnam's Le Phat makes a determined dribble past a U23 UAE player. Photo: Nhan dan (People) newspaper.

Manager Marcelo Broli pulled out all the stops, and brought on as many strikers as he could but none could made the difference while Kim Sang-sik's defense stayed strong to end the match 3-2 in favor of Vietnam.

"We dedicate this victory to all Vietnamese football fans," said captain Khuat Van Khang in the post-match interview.

With this result, Vietnam advanced to their second-ever AFC U23 Asian Cup semifinal, and is one match away from repeating the famous 'Miracle of Changzhou' in 2018, where they advanced to the final.

Immediately after Vietnam U23’s dramatic 3–2 victory over the UAE, regional media published numerous articles praising the performance of coach Kim Sang-sik’s players.

Just minutes after the final whistle, CNN Indonesia described the match as highly dramatic, noting that Vietnam held the edge and dominated the closing stages and extra time, deserving the victory despite missing several chances.

Meanwhile, Thailand’s Siam Sport hailed that Vietnamese football is rising once again, writing that Kim Sang-sik’s men showed the heart of a lion, overcoming the UAE in a tense, dramatic and breathless match to reach the AFC U23 semifinals for the second time in history.

Thai football outlet Think Curve was particularly impressed by the stamina of the Vietnamese players, remarking that they ran relentlessly for 120 minutes without fading and played as if showcasing their physical strength in an extremely demanding match.

On its official website, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) recapped the game by stating that Vietnam U23 passed a severe test, maintaining their fighting spirit to find “third-time luck” after conceding quick equalizers on the first two occasions they took the lead.

Vietnam’s opponent in the 2026 AFC U23 Cup semifinals will be either Uzbekistan or China, with the match scheduled for 10:30 p.m. (Hanoi time) on January 20, three days after the quarterfinal between those two teams on January 17 (6:30 p.m., Hanoi time).

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