The Vietnamese digital technology sector has reached a significant milestone on the global stage, marking a historic achievement at the ASEAN Digital Awards (ADA) 2024 held in Singapore. This success serves as a clear indicator of the maturity and competitive edge of domestic technology firms, validating the government’s strategic push to transform Vietnam into a high-income developed nation by 2045. As domestic companies increasingly venture beyond national borders, the "Make in Viet Nam" initiative has evolved from a policy aspiration into a tangible driver of international economic growth.
A Historic Triumph at the ASEAN Digital Awards 2024
During the ASEAN Digital Awards 2024, held between January 31 and February 1 in Singapore, Vietnam secured a leading position in the medal tally. In a competitive field featuring entries from all 10 ASEAN member states, as well as guest participants from Japan, China, and South Korea, Vietnamese enterprises walked away with two Gold and two Silver awards.
The awards spanned six categories, including Digital Content, Digital Inclusivity, and Digital Innovation. Vietnam’s dominance was particularly evident in the innovation and content sectors, where solutions like VinBrain’s "DrAid" for liver cancer detection and Galaxy Education’s "ICANKid" platform received the highest honors. Additionally, MobiFone’s "MobiAgri" platform and FPT IS’s "VioEdu" online education system were recognized with Silver awards, underscoring the diversity and technical sophistication of Vietnam’s digital ecosystem.
This performance represents the strongest showing by a Vietnamese delegation since the inception of the competition—formerly known as the ASEAN ICT Awards (AICTA)—in 2012. The jury, comprised of distinguished international experts, praised the scalability and real-world applicability of the winning solutions, marking a departure from purely theoretical entries toward products with clear market viability.
The Strategic Vision of "Make in Viet Nam"
The success at ADA 2024 is deeply rooted in the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) strategic program launched in February 2023 to support digital enterprises in their international expansion. Minister Nguyen Manh Hung has repeatedly emphasized that going global is both a difficult mission and a glorious duty. In his address at the program’s inaugural conference, he noted that this global ambition is the "mission" that will help Vietnam reach its developmental goals by 2045.
Data from the 2023 fiscal year confirms that this strategy is yielding results. Vietnam currently boasts approximately 1,500 digital technology firms with revenue derived from foreign markets, an increase of over 7% compared to 2022. The total revenue from these international operations reached $7.5 billion, representing a 4% year-on-year growth. These figures suggest that the "Make in Viet Nam" branding is not merely a slogan but a market-tested reality that is gaining traction in international trade.
Chronology of Recognition: From AICTA to ADA
The evolution of Vietnam’s digital prowess can be traced through its history of participation in regional awards. Since 2012, Vietnamese entities have consistently performed well, winning six Gold awards over the past decade. Notable milestones include:
- 2012: FPT’s "FPT.eHospital" system.
- 2015: Da Nang City’s e-Government solution and BeOnline’s "Tienganh123" website.
- 2016: Early Start’s "Monkey Junior" software.
- 2019: ViettelStudy’s online learning social network.
- 2021: VinBrain’s "DrAid" for Covid-19.
The transition from AICTA to the rebranded ASEAN Digital Awards reflects a shift in regional priorities toward fostering a "trusted and inclusive digital ecosystem." The rigorous assessment process, which now involves expert evaluators from both ASEAN and partner nations, has set a higher bar for success, making Vietnam’s recent sweep even more significant.
Expert Analysis: Why Vietnam is Emerging as a Digital Powerhouse
Dr. Nguyen Thanh Tuyen, Deputy Director of the Department of ICT Industry under the Ministry of Information and Communications, served as a member of the final jury for the ADA 2024. According to Dr. Tuyen, international judges were particularly impressed by the "digital emerging" status of Vietnam.
During the presentation of the "DrAid" liver cancer detection solution, which utilizes advanced AI and machine learning to identify early-stage tumors from diagnostic images, jurors expressed intense interest. The level of sophistication shown by VinBrain prompted several judges to inquire about the technical underpinnings and the potential for applying these models in their own jurisdictions.
"Thai and Cambodian judges explicitly identified Vietnam as a frontrunner in the practical application of Artificial Intelligence," Dr. Tuyen stated. "Our model of integrating AI into public health and education is being viewed as a benchmark for other developing nations in the region."
The Role of Government Support in Market Entry
The success of these companies is not purely organic; it is the result of a meticulously coordinated effort by the Ministry of Information and Communications. The support mechanism for the ADA 2024 began six months prior to the event, with the ministry assisting enterprises in navigating the complex submission and selection process.
Representatives from FPT IS noted that the ministry’s involvement went beyond administrative support. "The experts from the Department of ICT Industry provided critical feedback on our presentation slides, refined our pitch to match the jury’s criteria, and even coached us on how to handle Q&A sessions," a representative said. This "hand-holding" approach ensured that Vietnamese firms were able to articulate the global value proposition of their products effectively.
This support structure includes:
- Media Outreach: Promoting digital products through national and international channels.
- Investment Promotion: Facilitating business-to-business (B2B) connections.
- Consulting Services: Providing guidance on trade liberalization and market entry strategies.
- Proof of Concept: Introducing solutions to ministries and local governments for pilot testing, which builds the credibility needed for international export.
Broader Implications for the National Economy
The success at ADA 2024 serves as a validation of the "Make in Viet Nam" policy, which aims to move the country up the global value chain. By shifting focus from outsourced manufacturing to high-value intellectual property, Vietnam is building a digital economy that is resilient to external shocks.
The implications are threefold:
- Brand Authority: Winning at a regional level acts as a "seal of approval," making it easier for Vietnamese firms to penetrate markets in Southeast Asia, Japan, and beyond.
- Knowledge Transfer: The attention received by platforms like VioEdu and MobiAgri encourages the cross-pollination of ideas, as international partners look to collaborate with Vietnamese firms on regional projects.
- Economic Diversification: As the government continues to provide support for branding and trade facilitation, the digital sector is poised to become an even larger contributor to national GDP, helping to alleviate the "middle-income trap."
Looking Ahead: The Path to 2045
As Vietnam looks toward its 2045 goal of becoming a high-income nation, the trajectory of its digital sector is crucial. The current momentum suggests that the country is moving in the right direction. However, industry experts caution that maintaining this lead will require continuous investment in R&D and a sustained commitment to nurturing human capital.
Minister Nguyen Manh Hung’s vision of a "glorious" path is being realized through the hard work of these digital pioneers. With the backing of a proactive government and the validation of international peers, Vietnamese technology is no longer an outlier—it is an emerging leader in the digital transformation of the ASEAN region. The success at the 2024 ASEAN Digital Awards is a testament to this progress, providing a solid foundation for the next decade of growth and innovation.
In conclusion, the recognition of Vietnamese products at the regional level is not just a collection of medals; it is an economic indicator. As more firms follow in the footsteps of VinBrain, FPT, and Galaxy Education, the "Make in Viet Nam" brand will continue to carry weight, proving that Vietnam possesses the talent and the vision to shape the future of the global digital landscape. The ministry’s commitment to supporting these companies through every stage of their lifecycle—from initial conceptualization to final international deployment—remains the backbone of this success, ensuring that the country’s digital future is both bright and sustainable.
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