Vietnam and Singapore should move beyond economic ties to forge deeper cooperation in technology, innovation and digital transformation, Minister of Science and Technology Vu Hai Quan said at the first Vietnam-Singapore Strategic Dialogue in Singapore on August 25.

The event was held as part of the official visit to Singapore by  Politburo Member and Permanent Member of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee’s Secretariat Tran Cam Tu. 

Minister Quan highlighted the potential impact of linking Vietnam’s VNeID electronic identification system with Singapore’s Singpass digital identity platform, an initiative aimed at strengthening digital connectivity between the two countries.

The minister proposed three priorities for a new phase of bilateral cooperation.

First, he called for upgrading Vietnam Singapore Industrial Parks (VSIP) from industrial zones into technology ecosystems. Next-generation VSIPs should not only be greener and smarter but also serve as hubs for developing technological capabilities and innovation.

Second, he proposed a “triple helix” model involving the governments, VSIP and leading national universities. Under the model, VSIP would provide businesses, real-world challenges and markets, while Singapore’s National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) would contribute international expertise, research capacity and global networks. Vietnam National University, Hanoi, and Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, would provide skilled talent, research capabilities and domestic innovation ecosystems.

The two governments would establish supportive institutions and provide initial resources, while businesses from both countries would participate from the outset, he said.

Third, Mr. Quan called for joint leadership in digital transformation, noting that Party General Secretary and State President To Lam had proposed promoting connectivity between VNeID and Singpass.