Minister of Science and Technology Vu Hai Quan made the remarks at the opening of Vietnam International Digital Week 2026 (VIDW 2026) in Quang Ninh on October 28, attended by 500 delegates from nearly 30 countries.

Organized by the Ministry of Science and Technology in cooperation with the Quang Ninh authorities, the event runs from October 28 to 30.

Its centerpiece is a ministerial roundtable themed "Developing Smart Connectivity, Governing AI and Enabling AI Transformation."

The program also includes an interregional dialogue on AI capacity building in cooperation with the United Nations, the ASEAN-EU Digital Innovation Forum, the Vietnam-Australia Digital Cooperation Forum, the ASEAN 5G Conference and an exhibition of strategic technology solutions.

Vietnam outlines three AI priorities and commitments

In his opening address, Quan emphasized that artificial intelligence is no longer simply an emerging technology. It is fundamentally changing how economies grow, how governments serve their citizens, and how countries compete and cooperate.

He identified three closely connected priorities for this year's event: smart connectivity as the foundation, effective governance to build trust, and AI transformation that delivers measurable results.

According to the minister, AI cannot develop without secure digital infrastructure, modern telecommunications networks, computing capacity and high-quality data.

"These resources should not be reserved for large corporations or developed economies. They must be widely accessible, affordable, secure and energy-efficient," he said.

Quan stressed that without trust, AI cannot achieve widespread adoption, while without international cooperation, building a reliable global AI ecosystem would be impossible.

"The value of AI should not be measured by the number of strategies, models or pilot projects. It must be reflected in better public services, higher labor productivity, stronger businesses and improved quality of life for citizens," he said. "We need to move beyond isolated AI projects toward comprehensive AI transformation across the economy and society."

Outlining Vietnam's national direction, the minister described the country's vision as "AI for humanity, AI for everyone, AI mastered by Vietnam and developed together with the world."

To turn that vision into reality, Vietnam is focusing on three commitments.

The first is strengthening national AI capabilities, including digital infrastructure, computing resources, high-quality data, Vietnamese-language AI models and, most importantly, human resources.

The second is creating a trustworthy and open environment for innovation.

Vietnam is promoting risk-based regulation, regulatory sandboxes and policies supporting research, startups and responsible AI applications.

The third commitment is expanding international cooperation.

Quan said Vietnam stands ready to work with governments, international organizations, universities and businesses on joint research, workforce development, technical standards, trusted data flows and practical AI deployment.

During the event, the GSMA, the global mobile industry association, also presented its 2026 Government Leadership Award to Vietnam for the first time.

The award recognizes governments demonstrating sustained policy leadership, strategic vision and the ability to create an effective regulatory environment for mobile and digital development.

The expert panel, together with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), highlighted Vietnam's ability to translate policy ambitions into practical outcomes across three areas: expanding broadband and 5G infrastructure to support economic growth, turning strategies into concrete results, and placing people at the center of digital development by improving access to technology.

A GSMA representative said the recognition could provide a platform for Vietnam to strengthen its international standing, maintain long-term investment in AI and digital security, and expand into global markets.

Quang Ninh seeks practical AI solutions to accelerate digital development

Representing the host locality, Nguyen Van Cong, Vice Chairman of the Quang Ninh municipal People's Committee, described VIDW 2026 as an important opportunity to access new technologies, attract resources and strengthen cooperation in the digital era.

Quang Ninh has maintained strong economic momentum, with gross regional domestic product (GRDP) estimated to have grown by more than 12% in the first nine months of 2026, the highest rate nationwide. The locality also welcomed more than 20.3 million visitor arrivals during the period.

Quang Ninh aims to become a modern, smart urban center, developing high-tech industries and a marine economy alongside the Tuan Chau concentrated digital technology park and a special economic zone model, with AI and data playing increasingly important roles.

To ensure digital technologies and AI deliver practical benefits, Cong proposed three major areas for cooperation: applying AI to governance, accelerating development in the locality's key industries, and building a skilled digital workforce.

The first priority involves strengthening digital infrastructure connectivity, improving data sharing and deploying AI in urban management, decision-making and public service delivery, while ensuring information security and data protection.

The second focuses on introducing digital solutions into sectors where Quang Ninh has significant advantages and demand, including seaports, logistics, tourism, border trade and environmental protection.

Rather than pursuing technology for its own sake, the locality intends to identify practical solutions that can be successfully implemented and replicated.

The third priority is training and improving technological capabilities among public officials, civil servants and local businesses, enabling them to master new technologies and operate digital services effectively.

Cong reaffirmed Quang Ninh's willingness to facilitate cooperation, strengthen connections and create favorable conditions within its authority for international partnership programs and technology companies to implement projects effectively and in compliance with Vietnamese law.

Du Lam - Pham Cong