Chairing a meeting on May 21 of the Standing Committee of the Central Steering Committee for Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Transformation, Mr. To Lam reviewed a proposal on the research, application and development of quantum technology for socio-economic development, national defense and security.

He described quantum technology as a highly complex and rapidly evolving field closely linked to science and technology, national security, digital transformation, strategic industries and the country’s long-term competitiveness.

According to To Lam, Vietnam needs deeper, more systematic and more strategic research to finalize the national quantum technology proposal.

He stressed that quantum technology must be viewed as a national strategic issue rather than merely a scientific research topic.

The Party chief said quantum technology development should be integrated into the implementation of Politburo Resolution 57 and Vietnam’s broader national development strategy in the new era.

He emphasized the need to connect quantum technology with national security, national data infrastructure, semiconductors, artificial intelligence and space technology.

“If separated from these goals, quantum technology could easily become an expensive research program with limited contribution to national strength,” he said.

Mr. To Lam said Vietnam must maintain the right mindset by “moving late but not slowly,” avoiding both impatience and hesitation.

He also warned against inferiority complexes, trend-driven thinking, superficial projects and fragmented investment with unrealistic goals.

Instead, Vietnam should identify development directions suitable to national conditions and gradually build real capabilities in areas where the country can participate and achieve mastery.

“The spirit is to move early in awareness, firmly in foundations and accurately into areas capable of creating real capability and real value,” he said.

Party Chief To Lam added that Vietnam should prioritize research directions closely linked to practical domestic needs.

He stressed that national security and digital sovereignty must remain top priorities, ensuring Vietnam can respond proactively to future risks and challenges.

At the same time, he called for strong but selective and practical international cooperation that strengthens Vietnam’s technological self-reliance rather than creating new forms of dependency.

The Party General Secretary and President also urged concentrated investment in key research centers, laboratories and elite research groups instead of spreading resources thinly across multiple institutions.

He called for stronger coordination mechanisms among research institutes, universities, businesses and defense-security agencies.

Mr. To Lam said Vietnam must also reform how scientific research outcomes are evaluated, emphasizing that high-level science cannot develop through short-term achievement-oriented thinking.

He said authorities should accept controlled risks in scientific research and distinguish honest scientific failure from wastefulness, formalism or irresponsibility.

Highlighting the importance of human resources and innovation ecosystems, Mr. To Lam proposed a national program to train quantum technology specialists and special mechanisms to attract top talent and international scientists.

He stressed that quantum technology should not remain confined to laboratories, research proposals or inventions, but must be translated into practical products and applications.

According to Mr. To Lam, a successful national quantum program must be built upon a scientific culture rooted in integrity and strong academic discipline.

He also called for inspiring younger generations to pursue advanced scientific knowledge and fostering a new generation of scientists with strong expertise, academic ethics and international thinking.

Mr. To Lam requested the Party Committee of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology to continue refining the proposal to ensure it is strategic, scientific and closely aligned with practical realities before submitting it to the Secretariat for review.

Tran Thuong