Ho Chi Minh City Department of Science and Technology strengthens cooperation to promote digital transformation and innovation

DNVN - Within the framework of the International Forum and Exhibition on Innovation - InnoEx 2025, on the morning of August 21, the Department of Science and Technology (KH&CN) of Ho Chi Minh City had an official working session with the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC).

According to the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Science and Technology, the meeting is considered an important step to open up opportunities for strategic cooperation in the fields of digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI) development and innovation between the two dynamic economic centers of Southeast Asia.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Tran Trong Tuyen - Deputy Director of the Department of Science and Technology of Ho Chi Minh City - emphasized the development orientation of the City after adjusting its administrative boundaries, aiming to become the leading economic - scientific - technological - innovation center in the country, while aiming to become a regional leader in the field of AI and digital economy. Choosing MDEC as a strategic partner is considered a step that clearly demonstrates Ho Chi Minh City's international vision.

Scene of the meeting between the Department of Science and Technology of Ho Chi Minh City and the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC).

In response, Mr. A. Balasubramaniam (Bala) - Director of MDEC Digital Export Board - affirmed that Malaysia has many similarities with Ho Chi Minh City in its digital economic development strategy. He emphasized that Malaysia has been and is a pioneer in the region in digital infrastructure, especially in the fields of data centers, cloud computing and cybersecurity.

With more than two decades of operation, since its name Multimedia Development Corporation (1996), MDEC has contributed to making Malaysia an attractive destination for the world's leading technology corporations.

According to shared information, Malaysia is currently leading ASEAN in data center development with a total capacity of 1,900 MW, increasing by 429 MW in 2024 alone. Large investments from Microsoft ($2.2 billion), Google ($2 billion) and ByteDance ($2.1 billion) are creating strong momentum for the country's digital economy.

Mr. Bala also emphasized the role of an open legal framework, high-quality human resource training programs and a network connecting businesses and universities that Malaysia has successfully implemented, considering this an important foundation to promote innovation.

Representatives of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Science and Technology highly appreciated MDEC's digital human resource training initiatives such as the Data Star program, especially in developing skills in AI and big data.

From that experience, Ho Chi Minh City proposed that the two sides build a cooperation program in training and exchanging human resources in the fields of AI, data, cybersecurity, fintech and IoT, connecting universities, high-tech parks and industrial parks with MDEC's partner network to form a regional digital workforce.

Another important topic discussed was supporting businesses, especially small and medium enterprises, to participate in the digital transformation process. MDEC representatives shared experiences from programs such as Malaysia Digital (MD), Saya Digital and Digital Creative Ecosystem (DICE), which have helped thousands of Malaysian businesses change their business models and expand into e-commerce, fintech and hi-tech agriculture.

The two sides also agreed to outline specific cooperation directions, including implementing a startup acceleration program in the fields of AI, fintech, e-commerce and digital education; organizing intensive training courses for Ho Chi Minh City officials; receiving Vietnamese students for internships in Malaysia; and planning to establish a joint cooperation center in Ho Chi Minh City to connect startups from both countries with international investment funds. Testing new technologies in a controlled environment will also be considered to expand sustainable development opportunities for businesses.

The leaders of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Science and Technology affirmed that the cooperation with MDEC is a strategic step, promising to create a big boost for the city's innovation ecosystem. In return, Malaysian businesses will also find in Ho Chi Minh City a dynamic, large market with many opportunities to test and develop technology.

At the end of the meeting, the two sides agreed to soon establish a joint working group to implement specific projects, while maintaining a regular exchange channel. MDEC representatives expressed their desire to accompany Ho Chi Minh City for a long time, initially through human resource exchange programs, bilateral digital business forums and activities connecting startups with international investment funds, contributing to bringing the cooperative relationship between the two technology centers of the region to new heights.

Tue Tam (synthesis)

Source: https://doanhnghiepvn.vn/cong-nghe/so-kh-cn-tp-ho-chi-minh-tang-cuong-hop-tac-thuc-day-chuyen-doi-so-va-doi-moi-sang-tao/20250822025637783