Vietnamās Bold Bid to Become Asiaās Next Tech Talent & Startup Powerhouse
Vietnam just put its startup ambitions on full display.
At TechFest Vietnam 2025 in Hanoi, Prime Minister Phįŗ”m Minh ChĆnh laid out a sweeping vision to transform the Southeast Asian nation into a magnet for global tech talent and innovation-driven startups ā not just within the region but on the world stage. (Nhan Dan Online)
āIf we are to unlock the full potential of Vietnamās young and dynamic workforce, we must make the country irresistible to innovators and builders,ā the Prime Minister said, underscoring the Governmentās commitment to strengthening the ecosystem that nurtures them. (Nhan Dan Online)
Why Vietnam Is Betting Big on Tech
Vietnamās tech journey isnāt happening by accident. The Government has rolled out a series of strategic policy frameworks and national growth programs that steer science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation to the center of the countryās economic progress. (Nhan Dan Online)
In recent years the country has:
- climbed the Global Innovation Index ranking (now 44th globally), reflecting stronger innovation outputs; (Nhan Dan Online)
- expanded mobile connectivity (95% 3G/4G coverage, and rolling out 5G); (Nhan Dan Online)
- hosted one of its largest tech festivals ever, drawing over 60,000 participants, investors, and global delegates; (Nhan Dan Online)
- and shaped policy around digital transformation, with key resolutions affirming tech and innovation as national priorities. (vietnam.vn)
These efforts are part of a broader push to reposition Vietnam from a manufacturing-and-outsourcing economy into a homegrown innovation hub that attracts talent and capital alike. (Vietnam+ (VietnamPlus))
What This Means for Startups & Talent
The Prime Ministerās call at TechFest was more than rhetoric. He urged ministries, universities, research institutes, and private firms to deepen cooperation, remove legal and bureaucratic obstacles, and accelerate the commercialization of research outcomes ā essential steps if Vietnam wants to compete with the regionās top ecosystems. (Nhan Dan Online)
Particularly notable were his points on:
- strengthening startup education ā from general schooling to postgraduate training; (Nhan Dan Online)
- fostering an entrepreneurial culture that embraces risk and learning from failure; (Nhan Dan Online)
- and incentivizing investment, incubation, and acceleration activities to fuel homegrown innovation. (Nhan Dan Online)
All this builds on recent government plans to attract talent, with broader talent strategy frameworks targeting increased training, retention, and global competitiveness. (Vietnam Briefing)
Where Vietnam Fits in the Regional Tech Map
Vietnamās tech ecosystem is rapidly maturing. With thousands of startups, rising venture capital activity, and ambition to be a gateway between global markets and Southeast Asiaās booming digital economy, itās positioning itself as a central node in Asiaās innovation corridor. (nextstars.io)
But challenges remain. Talent gaps ā especially in deep tech areas like AI and advanced R&D ā need continued focus, and competition from regional hubs like Singapore and Bengaluru means the race is on. (VnEconomy)
Still, with strategic policy, growing global integration, and a youthful workforce, Vietnamās vision isnāt just talk ā itās shaping into a tangible growth story for the next decade and beyond.
Glossary (Quick Terms Explained)
Tech ecosystem ā The community of startups, investors, incubators, universities, and policies that support innovation and tech business growth.
Global Innovation Index ā An annual ranking that assesses countries on their innovation capabilities and results.
Startup incubation/acceleration ā Programs that help early-stage companies grow by providing mentorship, funding access, and operational support.
Digital transformation ā The integration of digital technologies into society and economy to improve performance, efficiency and customer experience.
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