(MPI) - The Multi-Stakeholders Forum (MSF) 2024, themed “Empowering people and technology: Towards an inclusive digital Vietnam” took place on October 18 under the collaboration of Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI), Vietnam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL) and Samsung Vietnam.

Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Tran Quoc Phuong speaks at the event. Photo: MPI

MSF is an initiative launched by Samsung Vietnam to create a multilateral dialogue platform among domestic and international stakeholders on Vietnam’s socio-economic development issues. Since 2018, the forum has attracted thousands of delegates and experts from technology, economics, education, and public administration, all working towards a sustainably developed Vietnam.

Deputy Minister Tran Quoc Phuong stated that as the advisory body on socio-economic development strategies, the MPI has advised and presented numerous mechanisms, policies, programmes, and projects to promote digital transformation and ensure sustainable and equitable development.

The MPI also assigned the National Innovation Centre (NIC) to coordinate with relevant agencies to implement programmes of improving digital skills for the workforce and those who face difficulties in accessing to technology. This includes digital skills training through “New Opportunity” programme and basic artificial intelligence (AI) education for people.

According to a Google’s report, the annual economic impact of digital technologies in Vietnam could reach 1.733 quadrillion VND (74 billion USD) by 2030.

However, the deputy minister noted that achieving the goal of the national strategy for the development of digital economy and digital society by 2030, which is to universalise digital skills across all layers of society, with over 70% of the working-age population trained in basic digital skills, presents a significant challenge, especially for vulnerable groups.

Deputy Minister Phuong stated that narrowing the digital gap poses huge challenge since vulnerable groups are at risk of falling behind in the context of rapid development of digital technology. A large part of society, including the elderly, people with disabilities, children in remote areas, and those in difficult circumstances, still struggle to access digital technology.

Therefore, he emphasised that improving digital capacity is a long-term process requiring joint efforts of society. “By creating a supportive environment and providing necessary tools, people with disabilities, workers, and those in remote areas can integrate into the digital society and benefit from digital technology offers”.

Choi Joo Ho, General Director of Samsung Vietnam, said that Vietnam, with a dynamic and innovative vision, is quickly seizing opportunities to position itself as a leading digital nation. He assessed that Vietnam’s digital transformation strategy focuses on three main pillars: digital economy, digital government, and digital society, promising to transform many aspects of the nation.

Choi expressed his belief that digital transformation advances society only when everyone, especially vulnerable communities, can access and utilize advanced technology.

Samsung is committed to supporting efforts to realize the goal of becoming a prosperous, equitable, and sustainable nation. “Let’s together create an inclusive, sustainable digital future with a focus on people”, Samsung General Director added./.

Bao Linh

Ministry of Planning and Investment