As part of his state visit to Singapore, Party General Secretary, President To Lam attended the Vietnam-Singapore Technology Connect Forum on the afternoon of May 29. The forum was held under the theme “From Strategic Partnership to Next-Generation Industrial Platforms, Innovation and Sustainable Development.”

The event was attended by members of the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation, representatives of ministries and sectors, and business representatives from both countries.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Tan See Leng, Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry of Singapore, overseeing energy and science and technology affairs, affirmed that the second visit to Singapore by Party General Secretary, President To Lam, his spouse and the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation within just over a year reflects the strong and steadily growing relationship between the two countries.

Minister Tan See Leng stressed that the foundation of bilateral relations is very solid but must continue to evolve in line with the rapidly changing global environment. He noted that the forum provides an opportunity for both sides to consider how to move further and achieve more together in advancing science, technology and innovation, with a focus on smart and sustainable advanced manufacturing, the development of startup ecosystems in both countries, and talent exchange.

Minister of Science and Technology Vu Hai Quan emphasized that Vietnam and Singapore have identified science, technology and innovation as a pillar of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, including efforts to promote the State-Business-Researcher connectivity model, linking research with practical applications.

The forum is expected to strengthen connections between the innovation ecosystems of the two countries, particularly in strategic technology sectors; promote deeper cooperation among universities, research institutes and enterprises; develop programs for high-quality human resource training to serve the digital economy; and facilitate cooperation among technology startups and innovation centers, enabling them to participate more actively in global value chains.

Addressing the forum, Party General Secretary, President To Lam highly appreciated the initiative of relevant agencies and organizations from both countries in organizing the event. The strong presence of scientists, businesses, universities, research institutes and technology experts demonstrated the shared aspiration of both sides to promote a new model of cooperation - one that is more substantive, deeper and capable of generating long-term value for both countries.

The General Secretary stressed that the world is entering a period of profound transformation in which science, technology and innovation are not only drivers of growth but are increasingly becoming decisive factors in national competitiveness and the position of economies within global value chains.

Artificial intelligence, semiconductors, big data, biotechnology, quantum technology, clean energy and the digital economy are fundamentally reshaping production methods, business models and the operation of the global economy. Countries that master strategic technologies will be better positioned to shape the future. Against this backdrop, many nations are adjusting their development strategies by placing science, technology and innovation at the center of long-term growth and strategic autonomy.

The General Secretary noted that Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on the development of science, technology, innovation and digital transformation clearly identifies science and technology as a central driver of development. Vietnam is making efforts to improve institutions, develop high-quality human resources, foster the innovation ecosystem and create favorable conditions for enterprises to participate more deeply in digital transformation and technological development.

In this process, Vietnam attaches importance to expanding international cooperation in science, technology, innovation and human resource development. Technological self-reliance does not mean isolation; rather, it should be built on the foundation of open cooperation, intellectual connectivity and the joint development of technological capabilities.

Acknowledging the significant achievements recorded in bilateral relations over the years, the General Secretary stated that both countries are now presented with major opportunities to expand cooperation into sectors with higher technological and knowledge content. While numerous forums, seminars and promotion activities have been organized, the greatest challenge today is not a lack of connections but rather the absence of mechanisms to transform those connections into tangible outcomes.

The General Secretary emphasized that the most important task at present is not merely to promote more networking activities, but to establish mechanisms capable of turning connections into substantive cooperation and concrete projects. Therefore, the spirit of “Tech Connect” should not be limited to a networking forum but should evolve into a new cooperation model in which the State serves as an enabler, scientists act as pioneers and businesses take the lead, jointly participating in co-research, co-development and co-production.

From the “Three Pillars” model within a single country, both sides should gradually work toward establishing a “Three Pillars of Two Countries” model, thereby creating a cross-border cooperation network linking enterprises, universities, research institutes and innovation centers of Vietnam and Singapore.

The General Secretary expressed confidence that the forum would not only facilitate exchanges of ideas but also open up concrete avenues for cooperation among enterprises, universities, research institutes and technology partners from both countries. More importantly, it would contribute to the gradual formation of a Vietnam-Singapore technology cooperation space, where knowledge, data, technology and high-quality human resources are effectively connected to create technological products and solutions with regional and international value.

At the forum, Party General Secretary, President To Lam witnessed the exchange of memoranda of understanding between ministries, sectors, localities and enterprises of the two countries.