Radical reforms can facilitate the convergence of favorable factors, promising the potential for a leap in national standing and the realization of a long-term strategic vision.
Prof. Dr. Vu Minh Khuong, lecturer of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (Singapore).
Viet Nam is entering a pivotal moment in history, where the nation’s great aspirations and the foundations built over decades of reform can converge to create a leap forward.
Prof. Dr. Vu Minh Khuong, a lecturer at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, likens this moment to a “watershed moment”—a point where the powerful currents of opportunity and challenge can propel the country to new heights.
However, the pressing question remains: Are we truly ready? The journey ahead demands not only long-term vision but also concrete, well-structured, decisive, and persistent actions—from each individual to the entire system.
This is not merely a challenge but a call from history—an urgent summons for the entire nation to harness its collective strength and momentum, driving Viet Nam toward its rightful place on the global stage in the next two decades. Speaking from Singapore, Prof. Dr. Vu Minh Khuong shares his insights on Viet Nam’s potential rise in this new era.
Although Viet Nam still faces many challenges, and the gap between the country and developed nations remains significant, you have always maintained strong optimism and unwavering belief in the nation’s ability to rise and prosper. What has shaped this steadfast optimism, and what are the key factors you believe will enable Viet Nam to realize its aspirations?
Prof. Dr. Vu Minh Khuong: My belief stems from the profound and enduring aspiration of the Vietnamese people, passed down through generations, for a bright future—one where the nation stands strong and united as one, unwavering in its collective will.
With this unyielding national ambition, Vietnamese people, wherever they may be or in whatever roles they assume, inherently possess a deep sense of national pride, a strong dedication to the greater cause, and a courageous determination to act when called upon by the nation. As history has repeatedly demonstrated, these qualities have the power to drive national resurgence, opening glorious new chapters that future generations will forever take pride in.
Viet Nam is now at an exceptionally fortunate juncture, where multiple favorable factors are converging at once. Over 40 years of reform and development, we have built a solid foundation—from digital technology and high-quality human resources to an increasingly mature pool of experts. Geopolitically, Viet Nam is positioned at the heart of Southeast Asia, between two rapidly advancing global giants—India and China—both on their way to becoming superpowers. This strategic landscape, combined with the rapid advancements in technology, particularly in the digital revolution and green transition, is creating unprecedented opportunities and challenges—forcing Viet Nam to accelerate its progress significantly in the coming decades.
I have always believed in the nation’s ability to rise, but I have also pondered deeply about the turning point that would mark the beginning of a new era of resurgence. Fortunately, by the end of 2024, we have witnessed remarkable shifts, with breakthrough initiatives aimed at laying the groundwork for Viet Nam to make extraordinary strides in development.
International experience has shown that after an initial period of preparation, a nation typically requires at least two decades of takeoff to achieve a developmental breakthrough. Viet Nam’s ability to take off between 2025 and 2045, to become a developed nation, is therefore both a bold aspiration and an urgent imperative—a mission that every Vietnamese, regardless of circumstances or position, must wholeheartedly commit to.
Failing to seize this invaluable opportunity to create a developmental miracle within the next two decades would leave this generation forever ashamed before our predecessors and deeply regretful toward future generations.
To achieve this goal, we must establish a truly solid foundation. During the first phase of Doi Moi (Reform), beginning in 1986, we experienced an awakening in thought and perception, learning from the world, embracing globalization, and adapting to changes with agility. However, the “second phase of Doi Moi”, initiated in recent years and especially emphasized in 2024, demands a resurgence in vision. Most importantly, we must be able to clearly envision what Viet Nam will look like in 2045.
The second phase of Doi Moi is not merely about removing constraints, as in the past—it requires us to lay the foundation for a truly modern nation. The Vision 2045 demands a clear, simple, effective, and efficient legal system—one that inspires trust and confidence. It must not be overlapping, overly complex, or stifling, as such inefficiencies would suppress creativity and the ability of society, citizens, and businesses to adapt to change. Rather than focusing heavily on bureaucratic management and reactive problem-solving, we must establish a governance and legal framework that future generations will look back on with pride and gratitude, recognizing the foresight and wisdom of today’s leaders.
Beyond domestic reforms, Viet Nam must establish a worthy position on the international stage. If we succeed, our country will become a hub for learning and collaboration, attracting nations worldwide. People will be drawn to Viet Nam to answer a profound question: “How did a nation that endured immense suffering from war and the consequences of flawed governance rise so powerfully—thriving in peace, cooperation, and prosperity?” Undoubtedly, Viet Nam’s success over the next two decades will carve out enduring lessons for humanity on the secrets of development. These lessons include: Harnessing the collective intelligence of humankind; Unlocking the nation’s potential by leveraging global trends and technological progress; and Turning adversaries into friends and transforming historical conflicts into genuine, trustworthy relationships.
In my view, the most effective way for Viet Nam to transition from a developing to a developed nation is to establish a deep, strategic partnership with a highly developed yet complementary country. That country is none other than Singapore. From my time in Singapore, I have observed several remarkable qualities worth emulating: A relentless commitment to learning and self-improvement; Strategic vision and long-term planning; and Unwavering determination in execution. These are precisely the qualities Viet Nam needs to embrace in this era of rapid change and transformation.
What are the key similarities and differences between the two phases of Doi Moi—the first in 1986 and the ongoing transformation efforts today?
Prof. Dr. Vu Minh Khuong: Both phases of Doi Moi share one fundamental trait: they are matters of survival. The first Doi Moi was about survival through overcoming isolation and hardship. The second Doi Moi is about survival in the sense that it is a decisive turning point for Viet Nam to secure a worthy position in the 21st century.
This century is defined by the rise of Asia, often referred to as the “Asian Century”. If Viet Nam succeeds in its mission to become a developed nation by 2045, when the country celebrates the 100th anniversary of its Declaration of Independence, the Communist Party of Viet Nam will have truly fulfilled its historic mission of national leadership. This is also a matter of survival for the entire political system. If the Party fails to leave behind a grand legacy that future generations can take pride in, I believe its leadership mission will remain incomplete.
The most significant difference is that Viet Nam today is far stronger than it was during the first Doi Moi period. Digital and green technologies have created unprecedented opportunities, enabling Viet Namto leap forward in extraordinary ways. In the past, we had ambition but had to navigate blindly, seeking knowledge from abroad. Today, with a population of 100 million, even those in remote areas can access education, learn foreign languages, and engage in global interactions through livestreaming. The capacity for societal synergy has expanded tremendously.
The key challenge is building a solid foundation and setting the right course. But beyond that, we need individuals and teams who can achieve extraordinary feats—turning ordinary people into history-makers.
As someone who closely follows Viet Nam’s development within the international context, how do you assess the vision, capabilities, and determination of the country’s leadership as they guide Viet Nam through the “Second Doi Moi” period?
Prof. Dr. Vu Minh Khuong: I have a profound sense of admiration for Viet Nam’s current leadership team. They demonstrate dedication and decisiveness in steering the country forward. General Secretary To Lam stands out for his strategic vision, ability to listen, and capacity to make historic decisions.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh is an untiring leader, working selflessly and wholeheartedly for the people. The leadership of the National Assembly has displayed practical thinking and action, deeply attuned to the realities of life and society, particularly in reforming the legal system.
The Vietnamese people do not expect their leaders to be extraordinary in academic credentials or personal reputation—instead, they seek leaders who are extraordinary in national aspiration, unwavering dedication, the ability to listen, and the capacity to unite and empower talented individuals to drive the nation’s transformation and development.
In your opinion, are the seven strategic directions currently being implemented (i.e. improving the Party’s leadership methods, building a socialist rule-of-law state of the people, by the people, for the people; streamlining the administrative apparatus; accelerating digital transformation; combating wastefulness; enhancing the quality of officials; and promoting economic development) sufficient to lead Viet Nam into a new era of nation’s rise? What priorities should be emphasized to effectively realize these objectives?
Prof. Dr. Vu Minh Khuong: Fundamentally, these strategic directions are highly appropriate. Particularly, emphasizing institutional reform as the core priority is entirely correct. However, the journey from strategy to execution is long and requires meticulous, methodologically grounded, and highly practical design.
For example, we need to approach the issue holistically—not only focusing on restructuring the administrative apparatus but also urgently reforming and fine-tuning the legal system. If laws remain cumbersome and overly complex, even the most efficiently organized apparatus will still be constrained and unable to achieve the desired effectiveness.
In reconstructing the administrative system, three key factors must be prioritized in this order: synergy, motivation, and capability. First, we must generate overall synergy—the ability to coordinate, integrate, and merge systems effectively. From my experience in management, if we focus solely on selecting competent individuals without fostering collective synergy, the system will not function smoothly. A team lacking mutual trust and shared motivation will struggle to maximize talent, and without a unified driving force, success will be difficult to achieve.
Regarding synergy, I greatly admire the management and leadership approach of former head coach Park Hang-seo in building Viet Nam’s national football team. He consistently prioritized players who could coordinate and connect well within the team, rather than focusing solely on exceptional individual talents who lacked teamwork skills. It was precisely this emphasis on collective strength that led to outstanding performance, far surpassing the sum of individual abilities.
The second key factor is motivation. In any organization, people must feel valued, fairly compensated, and recognized for their contributions. Fair assessment and promotion policies not only foster cohesion but also inspire individuals to give their best. At the same time, each person must also demonstrate a strong personal commitment to contributing.
Lastly, capability comes into play. Once the organizational structure enables synergy and creates a driving force for motivation, talented individuals will not only maximize their own abilities but also uplift their teammates, achieving collective success.
One crucial lesson from Singapore is its approach to building synergy. Singapore’s success does not rely solely on exceptional individuals; rather, it stems from the seamless, efficient coordination of its entire governance system. This is precisely what Viet Nam must adopt to achieve sustainable reform and long-term development.
What has Singapore done to successfully apply the three key factors—synergy, motivation, and capability—in management and development?
Prof. Dr. Vu Minh Khuong: To stay focused, I will delve into synergy—Singapore’s most valuable and instructive lesson in building an elite public administration system.
First, leaders in Singapore have a deep awareness of the critical importance of synergy and regard it as a breakthrough factor. This approach significantly enhances efficiency and saves time for both citizens and businesses. For government officials, waiting a few weeks may seem trivial, but for business leaders, reducing even an hour or a day of waiting time can be incredibly valuable. Moreover, synergy enhances the ability to anticipate trends and prepare for the future. When agencies and ministries share a unified vision and strategy, they develop a high degree of alignment in prioritizing actions and coordinating execution efforts.
Second, synergy strengthens policy effectiveness. When the government designs and implements policies with synergy in mind, those policies truly resonate with businesses and citizens, leading to high feasibility and successful implementation. In contrast, if policies are crafted to serve narrow interests or contain embedded self-serving provisions, the consequences can be severe. Not only would this erode public trust, but it would also make policy execution far more complex and ineffective.
Third, synergy within the public administration system must go hand in hand with relentless efforts to simplify administrative procedures. Singapore places great emphasis on streamlining processes and communicating reform initiatives clearly.
One notable example is their driver’s license regulations. Upon review, they realized that limiting the license validity to five years primarily served as a fee collection mechanism and a display of regulatory authority. As a result, they revised the rule: If a driver has no violations, their license remains valid until age 65. After turning 65, the license is renewed every three years, based on periodic health check-ups.
This policy adjustment benefits law-abiding citizens while also incentivizing responsible behavior. At the same time, it allows authorities to focus on managing violators rather than over-regulating the entire population. The goal should be to enable the vast majority of citizens to participate in self-governance, ensuring that society improves collectively every day.
To apply the principle of synergy to Viet Nam’s context, we should reflect on the historic Dien Bien Phu campaign. It is a remarkable lesson in achieving extraordinary feats through the mobilization of collective strength. This victory was the result of three fundamental pillars that define true synergy: A groundbreaking vision; Unwavering unity—from top leadership to the masses; An unrelenting aspiration to make history. When these elements come together, they create an extraordinary force capable of astonishing the world.
The sight of thousands of laborers transporting supplies on bicycles, emerging from a nation recently freed from oppression, where millions had died of starvation, to secure victory at Dien Bien Phu—this is a testament to the immense power of national synergy. For today’s and future generations of Vietnamese, this moment must always serve as a reminder of our roots and the monumental achievements that can be realized when the entire nation unites its strength.
Prof. Dr. Vu Minh Khuong delivered lectures at the Excellence in Governance Programme for Vietnamese Public Sector Leaders from Tay Ninh.
In your opinion, what other areas still require change in Viet Nam?
Prof. Dr. Vu Minh Khuong: I hope to see strategic innovations, which I refer to as “five Dien Bien Phu battles” over the next five years.
First, we must build an elite, exemplary public administration system—one that embodies national aspirations, leadership capability, and true representation of the Vietnamese people. This begins with reforming cadre training institutions, turning them into beacons of guidance for the nation’s future.
Second, Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City must rapidly advance their public transportation infrastructure, particularly subway systems and green urban spaces, to enhance quality of life. A well-developed metro system does more than solve traffic congestion—it fosters social equality and human dignity. When professors, officials, and ordinary citizens sit together in the same subway car, it demonstrates respect for all people and cultivates social unity. If society becomes too stratified—where the poor are confined to overcrowded, deteriorating areas while the wealthy enjoy luxurious high-rises—then sooner or later, the consequences will be severe.
Third, state-owned enterprises (SOEs) must be reformed to become a true source of national pride and public trust. They must serve as pillars of support for private enterprises, providing confidence and encouragement for all citizens to contribute to economic growth.
Fourth, the digital revolution must be more comprehensive. Viet Nam has strong potential, but the level of digital adoption remains weak, especially in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The government must clarify the tangible benefits of the digital revolution, ensuring it directly adds value to both citizens and businesses. For instance, in Singapore, businesses receive consulting support and financial assistance to adopt digital technologies, and these expenses can even be deducted from taxes.
Fifth, the green revolution must be accelerated. While Viet Nam has made positive strides, power planning has yet to fully harness the potential of wind and solar energy. Looking ahead, artificial intelligence will demand enormous amounts of energy. Without sufficient energy resources, digital transformation and other key sectors will also be constrained. This is a major challenge that requires the involvement of visionary and highly capable individuals.
I deeply resonate with the image of Thanh Giong, as it symbolizes breakthroughs and the power of internal strength. To create a modern-day “Thanh Giong”, we need three key elements: Thinking beyond conventional limits; Mobilizing the collective strength of the people; and above all, the ability to listen. At the heart of Viet Nam’s progress lies trust. Without trust, success is impossible.
From an international perspective, how does the world perceive Viet Nam’s potential for growth?
Prof. Dr. Vu Minh Khuong: For a long time, the world has regarded Viet Nam as a nation with enormous potential—not just in terms of size or current position, but also because it is a country with thousands of years of history. The question remains: Why has China been able to rise so powerfully, while Viet Nam has yet to achieve a similar transformation?
China has chosen the path of becoming a global superpower, rivaling the United States. Meanwhile, Viet Nam faces two choices: Becoming a developed nation on par with countries like Canada, or remaining at the level of Mexico. This is the challenge for today’s generation. If we fail to take decisive action, Viet Nam could find itself in a much weaker position compared to China in the next two decades, much like Mexico’s relationship with the U.S.
In this moment of both great hope and immense pressure, Viet Nam is fortunate to be experiencing transformative breakthroughs, driven by strong reform efforts. I hope that in 2025, Viet Nam will deliver a powerful message to the world, signaling the beginning of a new era of nation’s rise, fueled by unprecedented breakthroughs.
From its own experience, Singapore is perhaps one of the countries that holds the highest expectations for Viet Nam’s potential to achieve remarkable success over the next two decades. However, this remains a journey ahead, and the final outcome will depend entirely on the concrete efforts we make from now onward.
Prof. Dr. Vu Minh Khuong (L) co-chaired a seminar.
What lies ahead that the world is collectively striving toward, and how does this create opportunities for Viet Nam?
Prof. Dr. Vu Minh Khuong: The key is building a deeply connected and cohesive global community, based on three fundamental principles: peace, cooperation, and prosperity.
Through this interconnectedness, peace will be sustained, and Viet Nam serves as a powerful example of this vision. More importantly, we possess a crucial strategy: turning adversaries into friends, and transforming past conflicts into sincere partnerships. This approach lays the foundation for a more inclusive and compassionate society, something the world must aspire to—rather than focusing solely on competition or conflict.
This is what makes Viet Nam’s global positioning so unique—it offers a profound solution, turning the suffering and struggles endured over centuries into a wise and forward-looking choice for development and progress.
Prof. Dr. Vu Minh Khuong and participants of the Excellence in Governance Programme for Vietnamese Public Sector Leaders from Tay Ninh.
What challenges does Viet Nam still need to overcome?
Prof. Dr. Vu Minh Khuong: My greatest concern is practicality. Vietnamese people have an incredible determination to achieve what seems impossible. This is a remarkable strength, but at the same time, it is a critical weakness—a lack of strategic thinking and practical mindset. This shortcoming often leads to avoidable risks at all levels of society—from ministries to local governments, from businesses to families. As a result, we sometimes turn advantages into difficulties, opportunities into traps, and resources into vulnerabilities, ultimately weakening our ability to create value.
I believe we must start with small, impactful actions to unleash greater strength and build trust in society. People should feel excited—perhaps even astonished—by the decisions of the Party and Government, even if they are small, as long as they are practical, aligned with modern trends, and widely supported by the public. For example, eliminating outdated loudspeakers in neighborhoods or systematically cleaning up rivers by investing in proper wastewater treatment—these are seemingly minor actions but can have a profound impact on public perception and trust.
Regarding external challenges, the world is constantly changing and becoming increasingly complex. Viet Nam must create value and benefits that make international partners seek us out. Every nation is competing for progress, and our strength lies in synergy—in our ability to generate value not only for ourselves but also for our partners. If we succeed in doing this, regardless of global uncertainties, Viet Nam will continue to adapt and advance with confidence.
As we prepare to enter a new year and a new decade of nation’s rise, I hold an unwavering belief in the potential of our nation. However, the moment when this strength fully manifests to drive a true breakthrough is still ahead, waiting to be realized. This is where the responsibility of every individual comes in—to accelerate this transformation and bring it closer to reality.
I believe Viet Nam is approaching a ‘watershed moment’—a tipping point when reforms reach a level deep and strong enough to align efforts and favorable conditions, generating powerful, self-sustaining growth at an exponential pace. We have every reason to hope that this moment will arrive very soon—perhaps as early as 2025.
Thank you very much!
