Vietnam's national tech forum Conviction 2026 kicks off, with focus on AI

According to its official website, Conviction 2026 is a national-level forum aimed at exploring the technologies shaping Vietnam's next digital economy.

The event in Ho Chi Minh City features around 40 panel discussions, talks, and professional activities, bringing together government officials, experts, researchers, investors, technology companies and members of the artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain and digital asset community.

Building trust in the digital economy

Following the success of its first edition, Conviction 2026 returned under the theme 'Real World, Real Movement,' focusing on dialogue and collaboration around blockchain, AI, and digital assets.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung praised the forum and stressed that emerging technologies must address real-world challenges and create tangible economic value.

He noted that the Politburo's Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW identifies science, technology and innovation as key drivers of development. 

Vietnam aims for the digital economy to account for at least 30 percent of GDP by 2030 and 50 percent by 2045, with blockchain, AI and digital assets recognized as strategic technologies.

"These are areas with significant growth potential, but also a major task: turning them into products, businesses, markets and new value for the economy," Dung said.

Dung also stressed that technological development must go hand in hand with risk management and digital trust, built on standards, transparency, accountability and appropriate safeguards.

As a major economic hub, Ho Chi Minh City is expected to lead in piloting new models for potential nationwide adoption. 

With government agencies, businesses, financial institutions, investors and experts taking part, Conviction 2026 aims to connect policy, technology, resources and markets.

Empowering people, fostering startups

Speaking at the forum, authorities said technology cannot shape the future on its own without people taking ownership of and making choices about it. 

The media must go hand in hand with technology to connect people with transparent information, helping businesses find markets and startups access resources.

"Confidence in Vietnamese capabilities, confidence in the business community and the younger generation is the message 'Conviction' wants to convey. 

"We are not just talking about technology today, but about the economy of tomorrow, where Vietnamese people take part in creating new products and value," an official said.

Sharing the view, Nguyen Quang Vinh, vice chairman of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said technology only truly matters when it creates economic value and improves productivity.

Vinh called for an approach that 'brings businesses' problems to technology' rather than simply 'bringing technology to businesses' as something to showcase. 

To turn opportunities into national competitiveness, he said four pillars must be developed together: institutions, technology, businesses and people.

"Let today result in a business gaining a new partner, a scientist finding a real-world problem to solve, a startup gaining a new investment opportunity, and a business proposal becoming better policy," Vinh said.