Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung has emphasized that Vietnam’s second wave of innovation is characterized by the transition from traditional telecommunications infrastructure to a comprehensive digital ecosystem, a move critical to the nation’s continued digital transformation.

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Director General Dang Van Than signed a joint venture contract for digital microwave production between the General Department of Post and Telecommunications and AWA (Australia), marking the beginning of the digitization of Vietnam's transmission system (in 1989). Photo: Archives.

In the late 1980s, Vietnam found itself in the throes of a severe crisis, compounded by the lingering effects of war and a centrally planned economy.

Amid these challenges, the telecommunications sector made a groundbreaking decision to leapfrog the prevailing analog technology and embrace the digital future.

This bold move was initiated in 1989 with a joint venture agreement between the General Department of Post and Telecommunications and AWA (Australia), marking the beginning of Vietnam's digital transformation in telecommunications.

Reflecting on this pivotal moment, Mai Liem Truc, former General Director of the General Department of Post and Telecommunications, recounted the daunting circumstances: economic sanctions, technological embargoes, and a telecommunications network still rooted in analog systems. D

espite these obstacles, the sector's leadership, notably General Director Dang Van Than, made the courageous choice to transition directly to digital technology, a decision that would propel Vietnam toward modernization.

Minister Nguyen Manh Hung highlighted the significance of this decision, pointing out that at the time, 98% of global telecommunications networks were still analog, with only a handful of nations experimenting with digital technology.

By choosing to adopt digital systems, Vietnam positioned itself at the forefront of telecommunications innovation, enabling the country to build a modern, efficient, and scalable network.

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General Vo Nguyen Giap visited the Eltex V alpha Telex Exchange System at Hanoi Post Office (December 1989). Photo: Archives.

The lessons learned from this first wave of innovation remain deeply relevant as Vietnam embarks on its second wave of transformation.

This new phase focuses on expanding digital infrastructure, encompassing telecommunications, internet, data, and digital services, which will serve as the backbone of Vietnam’s digital economy.

Minister Hung emphasized that this transformation will permeate every aspect of Vietnamese life, influencing economic growth, cultural development, social progress, political stability, and environmental sustainability.

Digital transformation is now seen as the key driver of Vietnam's future, with aspirations to achieve high-income status by the mid-21st century.

"Digital transformation is 70% about change and 30% about technology," Minister Hung stated, underscoring that effective leadership is essential for this revolution's success.

Only by embracing change at the highest levels can organizations mobilize the resources necessary for a successful digital transition.

In recent years, the Ministry of Information and Communications has prioritized digital transformation as a catalyst for economic growth and national development. Vietnam has emerged as one of the first countries globally to adopt a national digital transformation strategy, reaffirming its commitment to keeping pace with global technological advancements.

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Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung emphasized that the second innovation is the transition from telecommunications infrastructure to digital infrastructure. Photo: Le Anh Dung.

Minister Hung also shared promising developments within the sector, highlighting that Vietnam’s digital technology companies generated $7.5 billion in international revenue last year, with expectations to reach $10 billion this year.

Additionally, the first 5G devices manufactured by Vietnamese companies have met official quality standards and received certification from the Ministry.

As Vietnam continues to navigate this transformative era, Minister Hung expressed his hope that current leadership will continue to receive guidance and support from previous generations, ensuring the nation remains at the forefront of the global digital transformation.

Thai Khang