The number of internet users in Vietnam is expected to continue to grow from 2024. Estimates put the number at around 100 million by 2029.

Vu Hoang Lien, Chairman of the Vietnam Internet Association, speaks at the event. Photo: Nhat Linh - Nguyen Binh

Vu Hoang Lien, Chairman of the Vietnam Internet Association, cited this data from a Statista report at Internet Day 2024, themed "New Advances for Vietnam's Internet - Breakthrough with DC, Cloud, 5G & AI," held in Hanoi on November 27.

He noted that Vietnam has gone through different stages of Internet development. From 2004 to 2010, there was explosive growth in Internet and broadband access. Between 2011 and 2015, Vietnam focused on mobile Internet, while since 2016, the country has entered the era of broadband and IoT, highlighted by advances such as 4G and the testing and deployment of 5G.

"In 2008, there were 20 million Internet users in Vietnam, or about 24% of the population. By 2014, this figure had exceeded 40%. The future of the Internet in Vietnam promises more breakthroughs as technology rapidly evolves and the demand for digital transformation grows stronger," he said.

The chairman said that with robust infrastructure and the government's implementation of policies and strategies to manage and develop digital infrastructure, Vietnam is increasingly positioned to become a hub for innovation in AI and IoT.

"This presents significant opportunities for Vietnamese digital technology companies. However, the question remains: how can they meet the needs of over 100 million internet users by 2029?" Lien pointed out.

To achieve significant breakthroughs, strong collaboration among the government, businesses, and the technology community is essential. The Internet Day 2024 is expected to provide clear guidance to help Vietnamese digital technology companies find answers to this pressing question, the chairman said.

Nguyen Thanh Phuc, Director of the Department of Telecommunications. Photo: vtv.vn

To drive Vietnam's growth in the digital age, Nguyen Thanh Phuc, Director of the Department of Telecommunications under the Ministry of Information and Communications, outlined several strategic directions for the ministry. 

He added that the ministry is encouraging technology companies to invest in the expansion of fiber optic networks and ensure internet access for every household in Vietnam. In addition, the plan includes the establishment of large-scale data centers and the development of AI data centers.

The ministry is also facilitating the development of platforms that offer digital technologies such as IoT, AI, big data, blockchain, and cybersecurity as services. These platforms are intended to serve as essential soft infrastructure, facilitating the adoption of technologies by businesses and citizens while minimizing initial investment costs.

By 2030, the ministry aims for each Vietnamese citizen to have an average of four IoT connections, marking a significant advancement in device connectivity, data collection, and the implementation of smart automation in various sectors.

As part of Internet Day 2024, a roundtable discussion on cloud computing and data centers in Vietnam will focus on the theme of "DC for the AI Era" and will launch the Vietnam Cloud Computing and Data Center Report (VNCDC Report 2024).

Local insiders said that Internet Day 2024 offers a valuable opportunity to learn from and interact directly with leading experts in the information technology sector, enabling technology firms to network and share the latest technological insights.