However, he stressed that the country must look beyond conventional digital transformation and prepare for the era of artificial general intelligence, autonomous robotics, synthetic biology, quantum computing and other emerging technologies.

After a year of operating the two-tier local government system, the delegation of authority and decentralisation of powers, improvements in public service delivery, and the acceleration of digital transformation have brought about positive changes in state governance, contributing to a more streamlined, efficient and effective administration.

Nevertheless, reality also presents challenges that are far from easy to resolve. Although digital transformation is being implemented nationwide with important initial results, the country’s digital infrastructure remains unevenly developed. The gap between urban and rural areas has yet to be narrowed, while remote and mountainous regions continue to face limited internet access and unreliable electricity supply.

The key tasks required for the country’s development through science, technology and innovation, as directed by the General Secretary and State President, are now being implemented. However, building data centres, expanding 5G networks and developing cloud computing infrastructure require enormous investment and demand highly skilled human resources, as well as the coordinated efforts of various agencies, ministries and sectors.

At the same time, the country faces challenges in safeguarding cybersecurity and protecting critical systems, including those serving the banking, healthcare and government sectors. Cybercriminals using advanced technologies can conceal themselves, penetrate deep into networks and launch sophisticated, unpredictable attacks at any time.

Against this backdrop, beyond the challenge of mobilising investment resources, Viet Nam is also facing a serious shortage of highly qualified information technology and digital transformation professionals, including AI specialists, data scientists and cybersecurity experts.

Moreover, the country continues to experience a “brain drain”, as many talented individuals in these fields choose to work abroad in search of higher incomes and more advanced working environments.

More than a year after the implementation of the Politburo’s Resolution 57 on science, technology, innovation and digital transformation, people across the country have become increasingly accustomed to the digital environment.

However, progress remains uneven. Many workers have yet to acquire the necessary digital skills and continue to struggle to participate in the digital economy. Elderly people, low-income groups and ethnic minority communities also face the risk of being left behind during the digital transformation process, while many workers across different industries risk losing their jobs.

Another task that requires more decisive action from the relevant authorities is the continued improvement of the legal framework governing artificial intelligence, personal data and digital assets, with the aim of eliminating overlapping or outdated regulations that no longer serve the country’s reform agenda.

Government agencies and local authorities should continue listening to and heeding the views of citizens and businesses in order to review and remove cumbersome administrative procedures that are holding back technology start-ups.

Relevant authorities should also introduce preferential policies and provide financial support, including concessional loans, to help small and medium-sized enterprises overcome the challenges of adopting new technologies, given that the cost of digital transformation remains extremely high.

The responsibilities, commitment and dedication required of the entire political system and of every citizen in the nation’s development are considerable. The Party has affirmed that Viet Nam’s core development philosophy in the new era is to cultivate national self-reliance, creativity and adaptability.

The new development model must place people at its centre, making them the objective, driving force and principal actors of development. Every citizen should have fair access to public services and equal opportunities for development.