Vietnam, Malaysia look to deepen cooperation in hi-tech, AI, semiconductor development

The 2025 Autumn Economic Forum opened on Tuesday and was set to wrap up on Thursday.

The meeting underscored growing momentum in bilateral cooperation, particularly in high-tech sectors and innovation.

The Vietnamese government leader noted that Vietnam and Malaysia have already built substantial collaboration in economics, science, technology, and engineering, especially in power and renewable energy.

He emphasized that the potential for cooperation remains far greater, as the two economies complement each other and can jointly develop new strategic value chains.

With both nations pushing ahead with digital transformation and green transition agendas, the prime minister said collaboration in science, technology, and innovation is opening a wide and promising space for growth.

He suggested enhancing cooperation and knowledge-sharing in semiconductors, advanced technology, new materials, AI, open data, cloud computing, e-commerce, and digital payments.

He also encouraged stronger connections between Vietnamese and Malaysian enterprises in start-up and innovation ecosystems.

Minister Kang affirmed that Malaysia, like Vietnam, is prioritizing scientific and technological advancement and aims to foster breakthroughs in the field.

This creates ample room for cooperation, including talent exchanges, building start-up ecosystems, and accelerating joint innovation.

Minister Kang told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that he praised Vietnam’s rapid development, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City, saying Malaysia has much to learn from Vietnam’s growth experience.

He underlined that both countries should view development not through the lens of individual nations, but as part of a unified ASEAN.

The Malaysian minister expressed strong anticipation for the ASEAN Power Grid project and future joint research and development initiatives.

Sharing Malaysia’s experience in digital and green transformation, he stressed the need to view the two processes as tightly interconnected.

“Digital transformation and green transformation are two sides of the same coin,” he said.

“Digital technologies provide measurable indicators and traceability, which are essential for effective green transition.”

He emphasized an all-of-nation approach, where government bodies do not operate in isolation.

Malaysia’s model, he explained, involves what he calls the ‘four pillars’ featuring coordination between government, academia, businesses, and the community.

“This is the pathway to success and it is Malaysia’s experience,” he said.