Mr. To Dung Thai, Chairman of VNPT’s Board of Members, evaluates Resolution 57 as a strategic roadmap that not only sets goals but also outlines specific solutions to drive rapid breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation.
He believes that implementing the contents of Resolution 57 is not just a responsibility but also an opportunity for key national enterprises to assert their positions and become pivotal pillars in the country’s national digital transformation strategy, propelling Vietnam to new heights on the global tech map.
Resolution 57 is expected to address bottlenecks in Vietnam. Could you share the main challenges that businesses are currently facing?
Over the past few years, government agencies have made significant efforts to adjust and revise regulations governing science and technology management, investment in information technology applications using state budget funds, and addressing some of the difficulties faced by businesses in the field of science and technology.
However, several bottlenecks still persist. These are major challenges, particularly for state-owned enterprises.
Firstly: Inconsistent policies and regulatory frameworks, especially in intellectual property, investment, use/preservation, and development of state capital, procurement for trade secrets, and technology copyrights… hinder access to resources and the implementation of innovative projects, testing new technologies, and participating in national digital transformation initiatives.
Secondly: There is a severe shortage of high-quality human resources, particularly in emerging and strategic fields such as artificial intelligence, big data, and semiconductor technology, while talent attraction mechanisms have not been effective.
Thirdly: The cost of developing science and technology is substantial, including expenses for expert and researcher salaries, research infrastructure, data centers, and digital platforms… while direct short-term revenue from science and technology is limited for most technology companies.
When it comes to investing in science and technology, the first bottleneck is: “Where will the money come from?” Although VNPT has billions in its R&D fund, using these funds according to current legal requirements is not straightforward. This is true not just for VNPT but for many other companies as well.
Despite Resolution 57 explicitly allowing the use of funds for development and accepting risks, as a state-owned enterprise spending public money, we must be responsible for how every penny is spent.
In scientific research and business, we don’t always succeed 100 times; sometimes we fail 99 times because these are difficult and novel endeavors.
We know startups have only a 5% success rate. Before Resolution 57, the requirement for R&D funds was that we had to achieve results; if we failed, we would face political accountability. No one dared to take such risks.
This is precisely what Resolution 57 addresses.
With R&D funds, we can now hire high-quality talent, something that was previously very challenging due to low state-regulated salaries.
The third breakthrough is the acceptance of risks. Resolution 57 brings a fresh breath of air to the science and technology sector and digital transformation—both new and exciting for our nation and the world.
Many issues in Vietnam, like digital transformation, cannot be outsourced to foreign countries. Data belongs to Vietnam, and the historical, cultural, geographic, and linguistic values needed for AI must be created and used by Vietnamese. Over time, this will gradually develop and grow. This is a wonderful aspect of the Resolution.
At VNPT, we have a research center, but it mainly focuses on projects that yield good results and are only paid for when successful. We must be accountable for the money spent, so VNPT hesitates to invest in labs or universities because of the lack of trust. We only focus on areas within our own scope, managed by VNPT personnel.
At VNPT, we conduct research and immediately implement it to see if it works; if not, we stop. This limits us to small-scale projects instead of large ones.
Resolution 57 will provide VNPT with a long-term roadmap to achieve greater results.
Another remarkable aspect of Resolution 57 is the mechanism for state orders.
Typically, we must bid. Bidding has two sides: one is following legal requirements, meaning meeting criteria for capacity, experience, and technical specifications, and the other is price competitiveness.
For new areas like digital transformation and AI, we cannot determine costs since there is no precedent, no floor prices, and no benchmarks. This is extremely challenging for businesses, especially state-owned enterprises.
Now, with state orders, the responsibility of leading science and technology firms is to have the funding, the mandate, and the capability to undertake significant projects that contribute to the nation. Through this, businesses can grow stronger.
We often think about these projects but lack clear, specific mandates. Without knowing the application, we dare not embark on such ventures.
Therefore, Resolution 57 resolves this issue, not just for VNPT but for many state-owned enterprises and even private companies. Multiple companies can collaborate.
For example, last year’s Typhoon Yagi caused severe flooding and damage. Together, we formulated a problem about landslide prediction in northern mountainous provinces, and later, potentially in the Central Highlands…
If predictions prove successful in practice, the outcomes from such projects will be highly beneficial.
Could you share the advantages and challenges of implementing Resolution 57 at state-owned enterprises like VNPT?
- Implementing Resolution 57 at VNPT offers numerous advantages but also presents significant challenges.
Advantages: As a state-owned enterprise, VNPT benefits from strong policy support and clear strategic direction, along with financial resources, experience, and the robust capabilities of a leading national corporation operating in technology and infrastructure.
This creates favorable conditions for investments in critical areas such as 5G networks, data centers, and digital platforms to support the government’s digital transformation initiatives.
Challenges: First, societal awareness regarding digital transformation remains a hurdle. Despite discussions on digital transformation for five to seven years, the results, though positive, have not met expectations.
For instance, Project 06 has been successful, but individual experiences have not yielded significant benefits due to incomplete public services. Therefore, Resolution 57 requires party committees to include scientific officers.
Clearly, changing perceptions from all levels down to citizens is necessary. Communities need dedicated digital transformation teams. Many provincial party committees and even businesses have yet to recognize this.
Additionally, accurate data is crucial for AI to function effectively. Inaccurate data leads to misinformation.
We must align thoughts and strategies before implementation. Initial steps are always the hardest. VNPT’s experience shows that provinces with leaders who understand digital transformation progress quickly and effectively.
It’s evident that the Party’s General Secretary, Mr. To Lam, signed this resolution, and it will be implemented down to party members.
Moreover, current management mechanisms need improvement to keep pace with the rapidly changing market. We also face challenges in attracting and retaining high-quality talent for advanced technology fields like AI and big data, cybersecurity.
VNPT must balance resources to invest in science and technology activities, which require significant capital, high risk, and extended periods to generate economic returns. Additionally, the procedures and support content of the Corporate Science and Technology Development Fund are complex and restrictive.
How will VNPT implement Resolution 57, and which tasks will be prioritized?
– Resolution 57 marks the first time such a comprehensive and detailed document on science and technology and digital transformation has been issued, creating a new wave of energy across the nation.
Furthermore, the detailed nature of the Resolution makes it easier for businesses to implement with specific targets, timelines, and tasks.
Without waiting for directives, VNPT immediately began implementing the Resolution. In February, the VNPT Party Committee will issue a Resolution to implement Resolution 57, as it closely aligns with VNPT’s activities in science and technology and digital transformation.
VNPT’s January Resolution includes a task for the Research Center Party Office, Product Strategy Committee, and Technology Committee to issue a Resolution in February to accurately reflect VNPT’s current status and guide the Board of Directors and General Management in implementation.
The strength of Resolution 57 lies in its detailed guidelines from the central level to the corporate party committee, enabling us to grasp the spirit and specific targets without needing further guidance.
On the other hand, VNPT’s mission is to develop artificial intelligence (AI). Our initial AI products are highly effective, serving both VNPT and customers. Some products rank among the top ten globally, such as facial recognition technology.
However, Resolution 57 presents great opportunities for national development but also significant challenges. If we don’t manage them well, we risk being overwhelmed and unable to advance.
It’s akin to having a road but not knowing the vehicle, speed, or arrival time. We need to tackle each step methodically.
For businesses, we will break down tasks and proceed steadily. While Resolution 57 allows for risk-taking, as a state-owned enterprise using public funds, we must be frugal and ensure every dollar yields maximum benefit for the country and the enterprise.
We cannot afford wastefulness; the country is still poor, aiming for upper-middle-income status by 2030 and high-income status by 2045, with GDP growth rates reaching double digits.
The implementation of Resolution 57 at VNPT will focus on three priority tasks.
First: Increase investment in R&D, focusing on strategic technologies like AI, big data, IoT, Cloud, and 5G/6G, to lay the groundwork for innovation and enhance competitive capabilities.
Second: Develop and build advanced digital infrastructure, particularly 5G networks, data centers, and national digital platforms, to meet the demands of comprehensive digital transformation.
Third: Foster high-quality human resources through specialized training and attracting talent both domestically and internationally.
These tasks will be implemented comprehensively and aggressively, affirming VNPT’s leadership role in national development.
Regarding the topic of ‘digital transformation,’ although this phrase has been around for years, it has yet to achieve the desired effectiveness, especially in terms of synchronized transformation. What do you attribute this to, and how will the tasks set out in Resolution 57 contribute to achieving this comprehensive goal?
– Over the past years, the government has advocated and implemented various measures to accelerate digital transformation. Vietnam has achieved some successes, but they have not met expectations. I believe there are several key reasons:
One: Data from ministries and localities are still inadequate, inaccurate, unclean, and not fully integrated or shared.
Apart from technical limitations, there are regulatory barriers regarding confidential information, and insufficient guidance on uploading and sharing data on IT systems.
Two: Public investment projects are slow, especially those that successfully pilot but fail to complete formal project procedures, hindering official system deployment. This discourages businesses from investing in digital transformation projects for governmental organizations due to economic risks.
Three: National budgets allocated for digital transformation are still low, averaging only 0.3-0.4% annually.
Resolution 57 outlines tasks aimed at breaking through and developing science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation.
Specifically, it addresses mechanisms for data centers, integration, sharing, and developing a data economy; mechanisms for ordering and assigning tasks to digital enterprises for key digital transformation initiatives.
Policies allocate at least 3% of the annual total budget for national science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation; policies exempting enterprises, organizations, and individuals from liability during the testing of new technologies and business models, provided the losses are due to external factors.
Plans and timelines for transitioning all government operations to a digital environment.
Implementing these mechanisms and policies will address the limitations in digital transformation mentioned above.
One aspect of Resolution 57 that has garnered much enthusiasm from experts and scientists is the policy of liability exemption for enterprises, organizations, and individuals during the testing of new technologies and business models, provided the losses are due to external factors. Can you share any technology development plans at VNPT that were previously hindered by such mechanisms?
– Testing and developing new technologies at VNPT has faced numerous challenges due to regulatory constraints, especially in fields requiring significant innovation and long-term investment.
A prime example is the research, design, and manufacturing of semiconductor chips.
Even just the design phase requires substantial investment in experienced, high-quality personnel and design tools, while the commercial success probability is low and requires extensive time for accumulation and development.
The liability exemption policy for failed tests, as outlined in Resolution 57, is a groundbreaking solution, encouraging VNPT to boldly invest in testing strategic technologies.
– Resolution 57 sets large-scale challenges; a single Vietnamese company may not fully address these. Thus, we should foster an ecosystem of companies: a leading company with satellite enterprises, allowing rapid innovation.
Foreign companies may lead in expertise and experience, but they cannot understand Vietnamese people, culture, and history as deeply as Vietnamese companies can. This is something only Vietnamese companies can achieve.
Additionally, concerning data, certain confidential and national secret data cannot be owned by foreigners. This is certain.
Data must be built and managed by Vietnamese companies, possibly state-owned 100%, as private companies could sell shares to foreign entities without violating business laws.
Implementing in this manner ensures rapid and secure progress. Digital transformation requires stringent security, similar to real-world societies where rules must be followed.
I hope that Resolution 57 is thoroughly and meticulously implemented at all levels, creating consensus among the Party, Government, and people to change the nation’s situation.
This is the opportunity of the 4.0 train; if we miss it, it will be regrettable. From a business perspective, failing to seize this opportunity would be a disservice to the country and its workforce.
The roles and responsibilities of key state-owned technology enterprises are highlighted in several ways:
First, VNPT and other leading domestic companies are at the forefront of developing national digital infrastructure, particularly in deploying 5G networks, data centers, and digital platforms for digital transformation. These projects not only ensure synchronized connectivity but also enhance Vietnam’s competitive edge in the region and globally.
Second, these companies play a central role in R&D, testing strategic technologies like AI, big data, and semiconductor technology.
These units are pioneers in applying new technologies to practice, reducing reliance on foreign technology, and boosting national innovation capabilities.
Third, VNPT and digital enterprises have a crucial role in disseminating technology to various sectors of the economy, from healthcare, education, agriculture, to production, contributing to comprehensive socio-economic development.
Fourth: State-owned enterprises must participate in advising and providing feedback on national digital transformation policies to ensure their effective implementation.
This will serve as the foundation for breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation.
Implementing the contents of Resolution 57 is not just a responsibility but also an opportunity for key enterprises to assert their positions and become pivotal pillars in the national digital transformation strategy, propelling Vietnam to new heights on the global tech map.
What are VNPT’s plans before and after Resolution 57, sir?
– Party resolutions encompass all areas of activity for the entire Party, military, and people; they cover党的建设、文化发展、经济社会建设或国家治理。
决议57是一个支柱性的决议，能够改变当前国家的形势。
放眼世界，其他国家也在大力推动，如果我们落后就会失败。我们有了决议57，需要充分利用并迅速行动。
吸取决议精神，我们已经改变了集团领导思维，VNPT必须加快5G和AI等领域的进展。
未来五年的VNPT商业蓝图（到2030年）将与过去大不相同；如果不能快速行动，我们将失去机会。
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Content: Bao Trung, Duong Trung Nam
Photos: Quyet Thang
05/02/2025 – 07:56
