The journey of MK Group and Nguyen Trong Khang began in a 28 sq m room in Vietnam, where he lived during his early struggles, driven by burning ideas and a desire to master technology.

More than two decades ago, as a student at Boise State University in the US, Nguyen Trong Khang was captivated by the multifunctional student ID card which could be used as a library pass, a bus ticket, and a canteen meal voucher.

The bold idea to bring smart cards to his homeland began to take shape, laying the groundwork for MK Group, now a pioneer in digital security and national defense technology in Vietnam.

The story of MK Group’s chip-based ID card began in 2003 when the company was still a distributor of magnetic cards from the US. Recognizing the potential of chip cards in Vietnam, the young director Nguyen Trong Khang submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Public Security, proposing electronic identification in Vietnam.

At that time, the idea seemed almost impossible. Yet he knew that without electronic identity, there could be no digital citizen, and no real digital government.

The 2003 proposal marked the start of nearly two decades of perseverance amid countless obstacles, from technical skepticism and institutional barriers to doubts about feasibility.

But Khang remained firm in his conviction that the ID card was more than just a plastic card; it was the backbone of digital infrastructure and the key to Vietnam’s technological advancement.

He said that if electronic ID cards could save tens of trillions of VND in printing, notarization, and travel costs every year, investing in this technology would be a bargain. 

“When Estonia introduced electronic ID cards, its GDP rose by 1 percent. If Vietnam could do this, we would gain nearly $4 billion annually. As costs drop, government policy planning will improve, while businesses operate more efficiently, and citizens receive faster services. That’s how a nation evolves,” he said.

The company also helped set technical standards for Vietnam’s ID system. They proposed, and got approval from the Ministry of Public Security on three cornerstone elements: compliance with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) standards; “match-on card” biometric technology for offline operation with optimal security; and integration of digital signatures to support electronic transactions.

Vietnam emerged as one of the regional leaders in digital identificiation, on par with developed countries.

In 2003, MK Group was merely a technology importer, but today the company independently designs, manufactures, and deploys card management systems.

To achieve this, MK recruited top global experts, including Matthias Duensser, founder of a company supplying 30 percent of the world’s chip-based ID cards and e-passports, and Graham McKay, a South African expert who supported MK’s early ventures in SIM and payment cards.

Mastering core technology is critical for national competitiveness and digital sovereignty, especially in a world racing toward AI, semiconductors, quantum computing, and big data. In Vietnam, many businesses struggle due to limited R&D foundations and resources, but some pioneering private enterprises have emerged, including MK Group.

MK Group has developed and mastered numerous core technologies, enabling successful projects like chip-based ID cards, digital identification solutions, VNeID integration at airports and ports, and AI camera systems for traffic management and automated fines.

This proves that with proper incentives and investment, Vietnamese businesses are fully capable of building independent technological capacity and deeply engaging in global value chains.

Defense industry: ambition for self-reliance and national stature

A standout achievement of MK Group is the $14 million coastal radar system project, approved by the Ministry of Science and Technology. 

After years of negotiations, MK Group brought South Africa’s Reutech to collaborate with Vietnam’s Military Institute and Nada Institute. South African engineers worked in Vietnam for 24 months, directly contributing to radar design tailored to specific requirements.

The result was two radar products: one manufactured in South Africa and one in Vietnam. Registered as national products by the Ministry of Science and Technology, they are considered among Vietnam’s most successful military technology transfer projects.

MK Group is developing advanced defense products, including missiles comparable to the US.Hellfire (50 kg, 40-50 km range, laser-guided), high-speed anti-drone missiles, and smart bombs dropped from aircraft.

Khang sees Vietnam’s defense industry at a historic turning point, with talented scientists seeking new opportunities. For him, exporting weapons is not just an economic matter but a question of national stature.

Thai Khang