Vietnam-Singapore Technology Cooperation

During talks with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Won on May 29, General Secretary and President To Lam affirmed that Vietnam-Singapore technological cooperation will become an important pillar in bilateral relations in the coming time.

Báo Tuổi Trẻ•30/05/2026

Vietnam - Singapore - Photo 1.

General Secretary and President To Lam and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong - Photo: VNA

Speaking with Tuoi Tre newspaper , Singaporean experts and Vietnamese intellectuals and scientists in Singapore assessed that the vitality of this relationship lies in two pillars: a model of economic and technological cooperation that is gradually moving towards greater depth, and the increasingly proactive role of intellectual forces from both countries.

Vietnamese intellectuals in Singapore not only create new knowledge in their host country, but also help guide the flow of knowledge and technology to directly serve Vietnam's long-term development.

Associate Professor Duong Minh Hai

Strategic support

According to Associate Professor Dr. Duong Minh Hai (National University of Singapore), what makes the Vietnam-Singapore relationship a model is its very clear strategic complementarity. Vietnam has a young workforce, a dynamic market, and a rapid pace of digital transformation, while Singapore is strong in governance, finance, technology, and innovation ecosystem.

Most importantly, the two countries share a strong political trust and a spirit of mutual development rather than short-term competition. Based on this, Mr. Hai believes that the visit of General Secretary and President To Lam will usher in a new phase of deeper cooperation in science, technology, and the knowledge economy between the two countries.

Recognizing the enormous potential for cooperation between the two countries in artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, green technology, and the circular economy, Mr. Hai pointed out the urgent need: "In the coming period, Vietnam and Singapore need to shift from 'buying technology' to 'co-creating technology'."

As the two countries jointly research, develop, and commercialize strategic technologies, their bilateral relationship will not only serve as an economic model for ASEAN but also become a symbol of cooperation in innovation and sustainable development in the region.

Agreeing with this view, Edward Lim - Country Director of BLOCK71 Vietnam (a consulting and networking platform for Vietnamese technology startups) - assessed that in the context of global fragmentation and supply chain restructuring, the advantage lies with reliable partners who can grow together.

Mr. Lim put forward three proposals to transform Vietnam-Singapore relations into shared achievements that could create a cumulative effect over the next decade.

First, both sides could promote a regional connectivity corridor between Japan, Singapore, and Vietnam. Japan possesses precision technology and expertise; Singapore has capital, a legal framework, and global connectivity capabilities; and Vietnam serves as a manufacturing hub and a practical testing ground. Second, both countries need to concretize the signed agreements. Third, they should build relationships on a human foundation, starting with the younger generation.

Desire to contribute to the country

When discussing bilateral cooperation projects, the role of intellectuals from both countries cannot be overlooked. Singapore is currently a hub for the study and research of a large number of Vietnamese intellectuals. Over the past period, this intellectual force has actively contributed their expertise and intellectual resources to their homeland.

Ms. Ta Thuy Lien, Head of the Liaison Committee of the Vietnamese Community in Singapore, affirmed that in the digital age, Vietnamese intellectuals in Singapore position themselves as links in the "global brainpower network".

"The affection for our homeland is not just nostalgia, but has transformed into a genuine desire to contribute. Overseas intellectuals are not seeking comparisons in terms of material benefits, but most eagerly anticipate transparency in policies and a desire to be given opportunities as 'chief architects,' participating in planning and building long-term technological foundations for the country," Ms. Lien shared.

Those contributions have taken on a concrete form. According to Ms. Lien, on May 23rd, the Vietnamese intellectual community successfully organized the Vietnam Intellectuals and Innovation Forum in Singapore 2026 (VSIF).

Here, the V-NEXUS platform was introduced. This is a new generation knowledge connection model that uses a Big Language Model (LLM) to automate the "matching" between domestic technology needs and global experts.

"Through this model, we are gradually building a borderless knowledge infrastructure, helping agencies, localities, businesses, and research institutions in the country access the right experts, with the right capabilities, at the right time," Ms. Lien explained.

Training strategic personnel

During a meeting with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, General Secretary and President To Lam thanked Singapore and requested that Singapore continue to prioritize Vietnam in training cadres, especially strategic-level cadres; nurturing talents to serve national development in the new era, including supporting Vietnam in the operation and management of the National Data Center and the High-Performance Computing and Artificial Intelligence Center.

The Prime Minister of Singapore highly appreciated the more than 22,000 Vietnamese students currently studying in Singapore, affirming his support for Vietnam's human resource development.

NGOC DUC - THANH HIEN

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/hop-tac-cong-nghe-viet-nam-singapore-20260530082547919.htm