On the morning of April 9, 2026, the Academy of Policy and Development, in collaboration with the Tech for Good Institute (TFGI, Singapore), co-organized the international conference "Trends in Technology Governance in Southeast Asia: Policies for Pioneering Technology Development". The forum provided a good opportunity to share and discuss current policies for building a digital economy.
The workshop was organized to create a forum for policy exchange, sharing international experiences, and discussing pioneering technology governance solutions in the context of regional digital transformation, with a focus on policies related to data, artificial intelligence (AI), digital platforms, and new business models.
The workshop was attended by a full complement of domestic and international experts and managers.
In his opening remarks at the workshop, Associate Professor Dr. Tran Trong Nguyen – Director of the Academy of Policy and Development – emphasized the strategic significance and importance of the event in the context of Vietnam's efforts to realize its digital economy and digital society goals. A consistent and humane message he stressed was the philosophy of "putting people at the center" of all technology policies, according to which technological development must go hand in hand with protecting social values, ensuring a balance between innovation and ethics and responsibility, aiming towards a sustainable and prosperous digital future for all citizens.
Agreeing with the opening remarks by Associate Professor Tran Trong Nguyen on the significance of the workshop in strengthening policy dialogue and promoting regional cooperation in the field of technology governance, Ms. Arifah Sharifuddin - Director of the Technology for the Community Research Institute (TFGI) - affirmed that this is an important forum for policymakers, experts, and researchers to share experiences, update trends, and discuss emerging issues in technology governance in Southeast Asia.
Mr. Nguyen Huu Tuan - Director of the Center for E-commerce and Digital Technology Development, shared at the Workshop.
The in-depth discussion session at the conference attracted considerable attention from the delegates, with presentations from representatives of international organizations, government agencies, experts, and researchers.
Following the presentations was a roundtable discussion on the topic "Trends in Technology Governance in Southeast Asia: Policies for Pioneering Technology Development," with the participation of experts and managers: Mr. Nguyen Huu Tuan - Director of the Center for E-commerce and Digital Technology Development, Department of E-commerce and Digital Economy, Ministry of Industry and Trade; Dr. Pham Hoang Mai - Former Director of the Department of Foreign Economic Relations; Dr. Nguyen Nhat Quang - Vice President, Founding Council of the Vietnam Software and IT Services Association (VINASA); Mr. Nguyen Xuan Hoai - Founding Director of Artificial Intelligence Joint Stock Company, Director of the Vietnam Artificial Intelligence Institute; Mr. Nguyen Quang Dong - Director of the Institute for Policy and Development Studies (IPS); Dr. Nguyen Quoc Viet - Public Policy Expert, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
The discussion was lively, with many frank and diverse opinions exchanged from experts, managers, and business representatives. The discussions focused on common issues in the current development and management of technology, particularly the need to further improve the policy system, enhance implementation efficiency, and strengthen coordination among management agencies, research organizations, and the business sector.
In addition, delegates shared many practical perspectives on the opportunities and challenges in the context of rapidly developing technology, emphasizing the importance of promoting innovation, expanding cooperation, and building a favorable environment for businesses to participate more deeply in the digital transformation process.
The discussions were not only academic but also linked to practical implementation, thereby contributing to clarifying the issues raised and suggesting appropriate policy directions to serve Vietnam's technological integration and development process in the future.
Delegates pose for a commemorative photo at the workshop.
The international conference "Trends in Technology Governance in Southeast Asia: Policies for Pioneering Technology Development" concluded successfully, leaving a lasting impression both academically and practically. Beyond being a forum for knowledge exchange, the event also contributed to strengthening connections between management agencies, research organizations, and the business community both domestically and internationally.
