Vietnam has taken another major step toward professionalising its esports industry after the Vietnam Sports Administration and VTC Mobile signed a strategic cooperation agreement aimed at developing the sector between 2026 and 2030.

The memorandum of understanding was signed on the morning of May 14 in Hanoi and is expected to create a more structured and sustainable direction for esports development in Vietnam.

Under the agreement, the Vietnam Sports Administration and its partner will jointly implement programmes designed to promote esports alongside the country’s broader goals in cultural industries, sports economics and digital transformation.

Both sides agreed to deepen their strategic cooperation by combining social investment resources, technological capabilities and organisational expertise to build a professional esports ecosystem capable of long-term growth.

Vietnam’s esports sector has expanded rapidly in recent years, with local players increasingly competing at regional and international tournaments while domestic gaming audiences continue to grow.

The new cooperation framework will focus on three major areas.

The first involves developing esports tournaments and events with stronger cultural and entertainment value.

The second aims to promote sports-related economic activity in digital environments.

The third focuses on building a more formal esports ecosystem by improving professional standards, media development and international integration.

Officials said the agreement reflects Vietnam’s broader ambition to position esports not only as a competitive activity but also as part of a modern digital economy connected to technology, entertainment and youth culture.

The partnership is also expected to strengthen the country’s capacity to organise larger-scale esports competitions and improve pathways for Vietnamese players and teams to compete internationally.

Vietnam has emerged as one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing gaming markets, with esports increasingly recognised as a legitimate competitive and commercial sector.

In recent years, Vietnamese teams and athletes have delivered strong performances at regional events including the SEA Games and major international tournaments, helping raise the profile of the country’s esports industry.

Authorities hope the new strategy will further modernise the sector while encouraging more sustainable investment and professional management models.

The agreement also signals growing cooperation between state agencies and private technology companies in shaping the future of Vietnam’s digital sports landscape.

Dai Nam