Vietnam-Singapore Technology Cooperation

The relationship between Vietnam and Singapore is demonstrating remarkable vitality, driven by a deepening economic and technological partnership and the increasingly proactive role of intellectuals from both nations. Vietnamese intellectuals in Singapore are not only generating new knowledge locally but also channeling expertise and technology back to support Vietnam's long-term development.

Associate Professor Duong Minh Hai from the National University of Singapore identifies strategic complementarity as a key strength of the Vietnam-Singapore model. Vietnam possesses a young, dynamic workforce and a rapidly digitizing market, while Singapore excels in governance, finance, technology, and innovation. Crucially, both countries share robust political trust and a mutual desire for development over short-term competition. Hai believes that recent high-level visits will usher in a new era of deeper cooperation in science-technology and the knowledge economy.

Hai points to significant potential in artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, green technology, and the circular economy. He stresses the urgent need for Vietnam and Singapore to transition from merely "buying technology" to "co-creating technology." Joint research, development, and commercialization of strategic technologies could elevate their bilateral relationship beyond an economic model for ASEAN to a symbol of innovation and sustainable development in the region.

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The next phase, Vietnam and Singapore need to move from 'buying technology' to 'co-creating technology'.

Edward Lim, Country Director of BLOCK71 Vietnam, echoes this sentiment, noting that in a fragmented global landscape with restructuring supply chains, reliable partners are essential. Lim proposes three initiatives to solidify shared achievements: establishing a regional corridor connecting Japan, Singapore, and Vietnam (leveraging Japan's technology, Singapore's capital and global connectivity, and Vietnam's manufacturing base and testing grounds); concretizing existing agreements; and building relationships from the grassroots, starting with the youth.

Ta Thuy Lien, head of the Vietnamese community liaison in Singapore, emphasizes the contribution of Vietnamese intellectuals residing in Singapore. In the digital age, these individuals are actively contributing their expertise and intellectual capital to their homeland, playing a vital role in bilateral projects and national development.

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First, the two sides can promote a regional connectivity corridor between Japan - Singapore - Vietnam. In which, Japan has technology and precise engineering. Singapore has capital, legal framework, global connectivity capabilities; and Vietnam is a manufacturing base and practical testing environment.