Prof. Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum (WEF), held a talkshow with young entrepreneurs, innovative startups, students, and outstanding young citizens of Ho Chi Minh City on October 6, as part of his working visit to the southern metropolis.

Addressing the event, Chairman of the municipal People's Committee Phan Van Mai stated the knowledge economy is the future of the world, stressing that young people is the core force, playing a decisive role in forming and developing the knowledge economy in Vietnam, and that every startup idea and every innovative initiative contributes to the common prosperity.

Schwab said that along with global trends, Vietnam, a country with a rich culture and rapidly growing economy, is standing at the threshold of a transition into the Age of Intelligence. He noted that the younger generation is the future of Vietnam, and the technological, economic, and social transformations are the factors that will shape their careers, opportunities, and lives.

According to Schwab, new technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, the Internet of Things, and biotechnology are opening up spaces for innovation and entrepreneurship that have never existed before. Vietnam's young people have unique advantages to seize these opportunities. With a growing digital economy and the Vietnamese Government's commitment to promoting innovation, young people are given an unprecedented access to resources, guidance, and markets.

With their remarkable flexibility and creativity, young people will be the leaders of Vietnam's innovation wave in the coming years, he said, adding that they will also play a key role in ensuring that the benefits gained from the Age of Intelligence are shared equitably in the society.

Through global digital platforms, Vietnamese young people can collaborate, learn, and contribute to addressing the world's greatest challenges, from climate change and poverty reduction to innovation in health care, he stressed.

After the talkshow, the WEF chief visited the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in HCM City (C4IR), which was launched on September 25 marking the collaboration between HCM City and the organisation after more than two years of partnership.

In his earlier meeting with Mai, Schwab expressed his joy at witnessing the dynamic development of the souhthern economic hub, a symbol of the spirit of creativity and entrepreneurship of Vietnam.

HCM City needs to focus on developing three pillars of infrastructure, ecological balance, and investment for people in the future, he said, affirming that the WEF is honoured to be part of the city's development, and stands ready to support the city in green energy transition, AI, and human development.

He urged the two sides to collaborate more closely to tackle challenges, adding that the forum is committed to supporting and cooperating with the Vietnamese locality for sustainable development in the future.

For his part, Mai thanked Schwab for his dedication and support to help HCM City realise its desire to set up C4IR, expressing his hope that the centre will not only serve as a bridge between HCM City and the WEF, but also make practical contributions to the development of the city and the southeast region in general.

HCM City hopes for advice of Prof. Schwab and the WEF on key priorities and suitable solutions for the city's economic transformation process to ensure it is on the right track, towards effective and sustainable development; as well as experiences shared by and specific collaborations from the forum in human resources development, he stressed./.VNA