As artificial intelligence makes information more accessible than ever, journalism's greatest value no longer lies in delivering information alone but in earning public trust, providing verified knowledge and fostering meaningful communities, Vietnam's Minister of Science and Technology Vu Hai Quan has said.

Speaking at the 25th anniversary celebration of VnExpress on June 22, Quan praised the pioneering role played by the online newspaper in adopting new technologies, advancing digital transformation in Vietnamese journalism and bringing scientific and technological knowledge to wider society.

Reflecting on his personal connection with the publication, the minister recalled leaving Vietnam for Italy in late 2001 to pursue advanced study and research.

While living thousands of kilometers away from home, he said, VnExpress became an important source of information that helped him stay connected with developments in Vietnam.

"Being able to follow economic, social, scientific and technological developments quickly and reliably from overseas was extremely meaningful," he said.

Looking back over the past quarter-century, Quan noted that launching a newspaper designed entirely for the internet was a bold and visionary decision at a time when internet access in Vietnam was still in its infancy.

Over the years, VnExpress has evolved into one of Vietnam's leading digital news organizations while also becoming a symbol of innovation, technological adaptability and a continuous commitment to improving how it serves readers.

Throughout its development, the publication has been among the country's earliest adopters of emerging technologies, digital platforms and interactive media formats, integrating technological advances into journalism and communications.

According to the minister, these efforts have not only improved the quality of information available to readers but have also helped accelerate the digital transformation of Vietnam's media sector and establish new standards for journalism in the digital age.

Building a leading knowledge and community platform

Quan argued that the world is now entering a new phase in which artificial intelligence can summarize reports, process vast amounts of data and answer many common questions within seconds.

"Information is no longer scarce," he said. "If information becomes increasingly abundant, what will be the most valuable asset? It is trust. It is verified knowledge. It is meaningful dialogue. And above all, it is community."

Drawing lessons from major international news organizations and digital platforms with hundreds of millions of users, Quan said audience loyalty today depends on more than content alone.

The strongest platforms, he argued, succeed because they create meaningful connections between people.

Against that backdrop, he believes the next chapter presents a significant opportunity for VnExpress.

"If the first 25 years were about building one of Vietnam's leading online newspapers, then the next 25 years could be about building the leading knowledge and community platform for Vietnamese people," he said.

Also speaking at the event, Le Quoc Minh, chairman of the Vietnam Journalists Association, said speed is no longer journalism's defining competitive advantage in an environment increasingly shaped by social media platforms and emerging technologies.

Instead, he argued, social responsibility has become the profession's most important core value.

"Journalism must certainly be fast," Minh said. "But speed is no longer the only defining factor. Responsibility is even more important, and that is the core value of journalism today," he said.

Vu Diep