Vietnam–Australia forum launches platform for technology partnerships

A platform intended to connect companies and organisations across the Vietnam–Australia technology ecosystem was launched at a forum in Hanoi on October 12. Called V-Bridge, it is intended to help participants find partners as the two countries seek to turn cooperation commitments into practical projects.

The Digital Technology and AI Authority, part of Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology, organised the meeting with the Vietnam-Australia Scholars and Experts Association (VASEA). Participants included regulators, researchers, universities and technology companies from both countries.

Nguyen Khac Lich, the authority’s general director, said the forum marked a move towards implementing cooperation agreements through activities involving digital technology, AI, semiconductors and innovation. He said businesses, academic institutions, experts, investors and market partners all needed to participate.

Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Le Xuan Dinh proposed choosing projects grounded in practical needs, combining research and development with workforce training, making effective use of V-Bridge, and assigning clear responsibilities with transparent milestones for evaluation.

VASEA president Professor Nghiem Duc Long called for closer integration through exchanges of knowledge, talent and resources, alongside joint technology development. He cited VietNest, an AI-powered platform for learning Vietnamese, and V-Bridge as examples.

Renee Deschamps, chargé d’affaires at Australia’s embassy in Vietnam, said Australia prioritised the digital economy, AI and semiconductors under its Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040. She expressed a commitment to cooperation with Vietnam on digital infrastructure, cybersecurity and connections between Australian businesses and the Vietnamese market.