Vietnam promotes ASEAN digital cooperation: From thinking to action
Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung suggested that instead of chasing the "AI first" slogan, ASEAN needs to approach artificial intelligence (AI) from practical development problems, taking "problem first" as the foundation for innovation. Additionally, the Minister emphasized that ASEAN needs its own approach to digital transformation and AI, in which Vietnam is ready to take the lead in testing, sharing experiences, and accompanying the region in the new stage of development.
In the framework of side activities of the 6th ASEAN Digital Ministers' Meeting, on 14 January, Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung held a bilateral meeting with ASEAN Secretary General Kao Kim Hourn.
The meeting focused on exchanging strategic orientations to promote digital transformation, AI development, and strengthening ASEAN's central role in regional technological cooperation.
Digital transformation and AI: From regional vision to ASEAN's own thinking
Exchanging at the meeting, Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung expressed appreciation for the coordination and support of the ASEAN Secretariat during the process of Vietnam assuming the role of Chairman of the ASEAN Digital Ministers' Meeting in 2026.
The Minister believed that the innovations in the organization and content of this year's ADGMIN clearly reflect ASEAN's determination to make digital technology and AI the main axis of regional cooperation.
According to the Minister, the ASEAN Digital Transformation Master Plan for the 2026-2030 period serves as a "strategic blueprint" for the region's digital future.
For the first time, ASEAN has clearly identified the shift from telecommunications infrastructure to digital infrastructure, considering AI as "intellectual infrastructure", moving from e-government to digital government, and placing the digital economy and digital innovation at the center of growth.
Emphasizing the requirement for a unique identity in AI development, Minister Nguyen Manh Hung affirmed: “ASEAN needs to have its own approach to AI. If we only follow the approach of others, it will be very difficult to create a competitive advantage”.
According to the Minister, this is not just a story of technology, but a strategic issue related to the autonomy and position of the region in the global value chain.
From Vietnam's practice, the Minister shared the "problem first" approach, taking specific development problems as the starting point for AI application.
“In many places, people say AI first, but Vietnam says problem first. Identify the problem correctly and then use AI to solve it”, the Minister emphasized, adding that this is a suitable direction for the conditions of ASEAN nations, where development needs and social problems remain significant.
Vietnam's leading role in ASEAN digital cooperation
Highly appreciating the shares of Minister Nguyen Manh Hung, ASEAN Secretary General Kao Kim Hourn believed that this year's ASEAN Digital Ministers' Meeting holds special significance as it is the first Ministerial Meeting of ASEAN in 2026.
ASEAN Secretary General Kao Kim Hourn remarked: “Under Vietnam's leadership, ADGMIN 6 is expected to create important marks, shaping ASEAN's digital cooperation in the coming period”.
The ASEAN Secretary General expressed his impression of Vietnam's long-term vision in promoting AI and new technologies to become the heart of the regional agenda.
He emphasized that ASEAN should not stop at the role of technology consumers but must actively create and master: “We do not want to just become users, but must be the ones who create value from AI”.
Exchanging further at the working session, Minister Nguyen Manh Hung affirmed that Vietnam is ready to play the role of a “sandbox” for ASEAN in the digital and AI fields.
“Vietnam is ready to be a testing site, a testbed for new ideas on digital technology and AI. If successful, the experiences and lessons from Vietnam will be shared with ASEAN countries”, while the Minister also stated that Vietnam is ready to proactively allocate resources to implement these trials.
ASEAN Secretary General Kao Kim Hourn highly valued Vietnam's proactive spirit and responsibility, noting that in the context of limited resources for individual countries, having member states ready to lead in testing and sharing experiences is a key factor for ASEAN to create collective strength.
The ASEAN Secretary General affirmed that the ASEAN Secretariat will continue to accompany and support Vietnam's initiatives as well as those of other member countries in the process of building a digital ASEAN.
The exchange demonstrates a shared vision between Vietnam and the ASEAN Secretariat in approaching digital transformation and AI as structural development drivers of the region. Instead of chasing external technology trends, ASEAN is facing an opportunity to shape its own path, suited to its conditions, needs, and advantages.
In that process, Vietnam emerges as a nation that is not only actively participating but is ready to take a step ahead, testing new models and sharing experiences with the region.
The approach of taking practical problems as the center, linking technological innovation with sustainable and inclusive development, is contributing to affirming Vietnam's facilitating role in ASEAN digital cooperation, while opening up important premises for a common digital future for the region./.
Copyright belongs to the Vietnam Journal of Science and Technology (VJST-MOST).