On March 12, at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy under the National University of Singapore (NUS), Party General Secretary To Lam delivered a policy speech on “Viet Nam’s Science, Technology, Innovation, and Digital Transformation Policy in the New Era and Opportunities for Viet Nam-Singapore Cooperation.”
Please find below the full text of his speech.
Party General Secretary To Lam delivered a policy speech at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore (NUS).
Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean,
Professor Tan Eng Chye,
Distinguished Professors, Faculty Members, and Students,
Today, I am delighted to visit the National University of Singapore (NUS)—one of the leading academic and innovation hubs in Asia and the world. NUS has made significant contributions to Singapore’s dynamic and sustainable development, spanning fields such as corporate governance, science and technology, artificial intelligence, medicine, and international studies.
I am especially pleased to meet again with Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean, as we witness the remarkable achievements of our close cooperation over the years, which have played an active role in deepening the Viet Nam-Singapore Strategic Partnership in a comprehensive, profound, and effective manner.
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean for his kind remarks and deep affection for Viet Nam, as well as for the warm reception extended to me and the high-level Vietnamese delegation.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The remarkable development and outstanding achievements of Singapore serve as a symbol of aspiration, innovation, and strategic vision that has shaped the country’s journey over the past half-century. From a small nation with limited natural resources, Singapore has transformed itself into one of the world’s leading financial, technological, and educational hubs—a model of prosperous and sustainable development admired by many countries.
This journey not only reflects the resilience and determination of the Singaporean people but also serves as a strong source of inspiration for many countries in the region, including Viet Nam. Iconic landmarks such as Marina Bay Financial District, Singapore’s world-class seaports, smart urban systems, and cutting-edge underground infrastructure are not just symbols of economic progress but also demonstrate long-term governance, scientific advancement, and a commitment to sustainable development. More importantly, Singapore’s strength extends beyond physical infrastructure. The country has been a pioneer in knowledge infrastructure, home to prestigious universities and research institutions that play a leading role in the regional innovation ecosystem. Singapore is globally recognized as one of the top nations in digital transformation and smart nation development. The Singaporean government launched the Smart Nation Initiative in 2014, achieving impressive milestones in integrating technology across all aspects of society.
What we deeply admire is not only Singapore’s extraordinary achievements but also its strategic mindset and remarkable adaptability in the face of global challenges. Singapore has set ambitious goals to become a global leader in artificial intelligence, digital finance, and green development, while also spearheading the digital economy, digital governance, and smart city initiatives. These efforts not only reinforce Singapore’s global position but also help shape the future of Southeast Asia and Asia as a whole, creating tremendous opportunities for cooperation with neighboring countries, including Viet Nam.
Ladies and gentlemen,
After nearly 100 years under the leadership of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, 80 years since the founding of the nation, and almost 40 years of Doi Moi (renewal), Viet Nam now stands at a historic turning point, determined to enter a new era—the era of national prosperity.
The great achievements Viet Nam has attained originate from the right path chosen under the leadership of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, coupled with the efforts and determination of the entire nation. Overcoming numerous challenges and hardships, Viet Nam has transcended its past of colonial subjugation and wartime devastation to achieve independence and economic growth, gradually affirming its position as a dynamic and developing economy.
From a nation once isolated and embargoed, Viet Nam has now established diplomatic relations with 194 countries and Strategic Partnerships and Comprehensive Partnerships with 30 nations, including all major powers and all five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. Viet Nam is also an active member of ASEAN and more than 70 regional and international organizations, maintaining trade relations with 224 markets across continents. The United Nations has recognized Viet Nam as a shining example in achieving the Millennium Development Goals.
With a spirit of independence, self-reliance, confidence, and national pride, Viet Nam is preparing to enter a new era with its top priority being the successful realization of the two centennial goals set by the 13th National Congress of the Communist Party of Viet Nam: By 2030, marking the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam’s founding, Viet Nam aims to become a developing country with modern industry and upper-middle-income status. By 2045, celebrating 100 years since the nation’s establishment, Viet Nam aspires to become a developed country with high income.
Viet Nam strives to overcome the middle-income trap, building a peaceful, unified, independent, democratic, and prosperous nation, standing shoulder to shoulder with global powers while making meaningful contributions to regional and global sustainable development.
Viet Nam’s development path is inseparable from global trends and human civilization. Achieving these lofty aspirations is impossible without genuine international solidarity, valuable support, and effective cooperation from the global community. We will continue to deepen reforms, expand openness, and pursue comprehensive and profound international integration. Viet Nam will remain a stable, trustworthy, and attractive destination for investors, businesses, and international visitors.
The key to Viet Nam’s success in overcoming the middle-income trap lies in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation—powered by a spirit of self-reliance, confidence, and national pride, as well as by maximizing the strength of national solidarity in combination with the driving forces of the modern era.
Ladies and gentlemen,
We are living in an era of unprecedented rapid changes driven by the digital revolution. The Fourth Industrial Revolution, with breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, big data, and the Internet of Things, is reshaping how we live, work, and connect. In this context, I would like to share with you three key points: (1) Viet Nam’s strategic vision for science, technology, and innovation; (2) Our philosophy on cooperation and development in the digital age; (3) Lessons from Viet Nam-Singapore cooperation and the long-term significance of this relationship.
Viet Nam has identified science, technology, and innovation as the key driving forces for national development. For decades, we have regarded science and technology as a top national priority, serving as a strategic pillar for industrialization and modernization. Today, in the face of globalization and intensifying competition, this principle holds true more than ever. We firmly believe that a nation’s strength and prosperity must be built on a foundation of knowledge and innovation.
Viet Nam’s goal is to become a modern industrialized country by 2030 and, by 2045—the 100th anniversary of our nation’s founding—to become a developed, high-income country. To achieve these ambitions, there is no alternative but to accelerate the development of science and technology, foster innovation, and implement a comprehensive digital transformation strategy. This is the “golden key” that will enable Viet Nam to overcome the middle-income trap, avoid the risk of falling behind, and advance alongside the world’s leading nations. Developing science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation is not merely an option; it is a vital path for realizing our national aspirations.
Throughout our development journey, science and technology have played a crucial role, contributing significantly to economic and social progress and enhancing Viet Nam’s global standing. Our scientific and technological capacity has continuously improved. Advancements in science and technology have boosted agricultural productivity, transforming Viet Nam into one of the world’s leading exporters of rice and key agricultural and seafood products. Science and technology now contribute over 30% to agricultural value-added and 38% to the breeding of new plant and animal varieties. Vietnamese scientists have made remarkable progress in mastering technologies across various fields, including hydropower, oil and gas, shipbuilding, satellite technology, remote sensing, medicine, and vaccines. Meanwhile, social sciences and humanities have provided critical insights for policy-making, legal reforms, and economic transformation, while also preserving Viet Nam’s cultural identity and historical heritage.
Despite significant achievements in science and technology, Viet Nam faces intensifying challenges in the global technological revolution, necessitating urgent reforms in governance models, policies, and national development strategies. Geopolitical competition among major powers is fragmenting the global technology market, creating trade barriers and hindering technology transfers. Developed nations are making substantial investments in research and development (R&D), STEM education, and digital infrastructure, while many developing countries struggle to access new technologies, remain overly reliant on imported technology, and lack the capability to localize and develop core technologies. Additionally, the “brain drain” phenomenon sees talented scientists from developing countries migrating to work in more advanced economies.
In response, Viet Nam has undertaken a comprehensive, serious, and objective assessment of its shortcomings and limitations, leading to bold, strategic, and revolutionary policy decisions aimed at creating new momentum for breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation. The goal is to propel the nation forward into a new era—the era of Viet Nam’s rise. I would like to share a few key perspectives and approaches:
First, Viet Nam considers the development of science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation as a top strategic breakthrough and the primary driving force for rapidly modernizing the productive forces, refining economic relations, and enhancing national governance. This approach is essential for socio-economic development, preventing stagnation, and positioning Viet Nam for dynamic and sustainable growth.
Second, Viet Nam seeks to strengthen the comprehensive leadership of the Communist Party and mobilize the combined strength of the entire political system, along with active participation from entrepreneurs, businesses, and the public, to advance science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation. This is a profound and all-encompassing revolution, requiring consistent, determined, and synchronized implementation with long-term, groundbreaking, and revolutionary solutions. In this transformation, people and businesses are at the center, serving as both drivers and beneficiaries. Scientists are key enablers, while the State plays a guiding role, fostering an environment that maximizes opportunities for scientific, technological, and digital advancement.
Third, institutions, human resources, infrastructure, data, and strategic technologies are the core pillars, with institutions being the prerequisite that must be developed ahead of other factors. Legal frameworks must be reformed to balance effective governance with fostering innovation. Special emphasis must be placed on ensuring a high-quality workforce for science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation, with specific policies and mechanisms to attract and retain talent.
Infrastructure development, particularly digital and technological infrastructure, must adhere to the principles of being modern, synchronized, secure, safe, cost-effective, and efficient. Maximizing the potential of data is crucial—data must become a primary production resource, driving the rapid development of big data, the data industry, and the data economy.
Fourth, Viet Nam aims for rapid yet sustainable development, gradually achieving technological self-sufficiency, especially in strategic technologies. The country must fully harness its intellectual potential while quickly adopting, absorbing, mastering, and applying global advancements in science and technology. Applied research must be accelerated, with a particular focus on fundamental research, ultimately enabling Viet Nam to become technologically independent and competitive in key areas where it has demand, potential, and advantages.
Fifth, ensuring national sovereignty in cyberspace is a non-negotiable priority. Cybersecurity, data security, and information safety for both organizations and individuals must be integral and inseparable from the development of science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation.
Ladies and gentlemen,
In 2003, the late Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew shared with university students in Singapore “What Singapore has achieved is the result of our country pioneering and maximizing the opportunities brought by changes in technology and global production models.” This statement reflects Singapore’s philosophy of continuous innovation under the leadership of the People’s Action Party (PAP) over the past 60 years. Despite having limited natural resources, Singapore has forged its own development path through science, technology, and innovation. This is also the path Viet Nam is determined to follow to propel the nation forward in the new era.
In the context of deepening globalization and economic integration, scientific and technological cooperation is a key foundation for strengthening the strategic partnership between Viet Nam and Singapore. The two countries share many similarities while complementing each other’s strengths. Singapore excels in advanced technology, management expertise, and investment capital, whereas Viet Nam possesses a large, dynamic workforce, a vast market, and significant growth potential. These factors form a solid foundation for mutually beneficial cooperation. With this in mind, I propose several key areas where Viet Nam and Singapore can enhance collaboration in the near future:
First, strengthening cooperation in scientific research projects between Singapore and Viet Nam to create opportunities for knowledge and technology exchange. There should be a comprehensive collaboration between internationally recognized research institutes and universities, allowing for the exchange of expertise and resources—particularly in artificial intelligence, digital technology, big data, and telecommunications. This synergy should aim to address practical challenges that both nations face, while also advancing each country’s individual technological landscape.
Second, fostering innovation-driven collaboration by leveraging each country’s unique strengths to generate breakthrough value. Singapore, with its vibrant startup ecosystem, cutting-edge research centers, and stable regulatory environment, has provided a solid foundation for technological advancements. Meanwhile, Viet Nam’s young, ambitious workforce and its rapidly growing domestic market are fueling digital transformation and public service innovation. This partnership could facilitate technology exchange, experience-sharing, and pilot projects in digital transformation, particularly in Fintech, smart cities, digital healthcare, and online education. By working together, Viet Nam and Singapore can establish a sustainable innovation ecosystem, enhance competitiveness, and drive economic growth within the regional and global integration framework.
Third, Singapore, with its success in digital transformation and the application of technology in urban management, has developed advanced systems for traffic management, energy efficiency, and cybersecurity, creating an effective smart city model. Meanwhile, Viet Nam is actively accelerating its digital transformation in administrative management to meet the growing demands of its citizens. This collaboration will not only allow Viet Nam to learn from Singapore’s experience and technology but also enable both countries to jointly research, experiment, and implement digital solutions that enhance the quality of life and improve public administration efficiency.
Fourth, strengthening cooperation in developing a skilled science and technology workforce between Singapore and Viet Nam to facilitate the transfer of advanced technologies. With its world-class education and research system, Singapore can share educational models, specialized training programs, and best practices in management.
Fifth, promoting technology transfer and the commercialization of scientific research between Viet Nam and Singapore to accelerate the adoption of new technologies. This will create opportunities for developing new products and services based on scientific research, thereby enhancing the global competitiveness of businesses in both countries.
In a world undergoing rapid transformation, science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation play an increasingly crucial role in all sectors. Human creativity is the key to unlocking future breakthroughs and advancements. As the late Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew once powerfully stated “There are no limits to human creativity and the potential of technology.” With your intelligence, passion, and thirst for knowledge, you— the talented young generation of the National University of Singapore—will continue to be leaders in this technological revolution.
Ladies and gentlemen,
History has shown that the future belongs to nations that nurture great aspirations and work together for the common good. Viet Nam is stepping into a new era with the mindset of a resilient, determined nation—one that is ambitious, ready to connect, and eager to cooperate for the goal of development. We highly value our partnership with Singapore and our friends around the world and will continue to contribute actively to building a cohesive, innovative, and prosperous ASEAN.
I firmly believe that with strategic vision, strong political will, and a spirit of deep cooperation, Viet Nam, Singapore, and the nations in our region will achieve even greater milestones in the future. Together, we will write the next chapter of Southeast Asia’s success story in the 21st century—a region of continuous innovation, economic and technological resilience, and sustainable development for the well-being of our people.
Once again, I sincerely thank you all for your attention. May the friendship between Viet Nam and Singapore continue to deepen, grow stronger, and yield lasting benefits. I wish the National University of Singapore continued success, and I wish all distinguished guests and students good health and great achievements.
