Vietnam's Future: Vision, Transformation, and Regional & Global Impact

Vietnam's Future: Vision, Transformation, and Regional & Global Impact

In my Professorial Lecture on 17 April 2025 – organised by the College of Business and Law and The Business School as part of RMIT University Vietnam’s 25th anniversary celebrations – I had the honour of reflecting on Vietnam’s remarkable digital transformation journey within the ASEAN context.

I explored key challenges and collaborative pathways toward achieving global competitiveness and sustainability by 2045. The lecture also marked a personal milestone: a 30-year journey since I left my hometown high school in pursuit of knowledge and meaningful impact.

It was also a deeply meaningful occasion for me to express heartfelt gratitude – to my family, to the leaders and colleagues at RMIT, and to many others beyond the university – who have supported, inspired, and shared this journey with me. Their guidance and encouragement have played an essential role in shaping the work I do and the purpose I carry forward.

As Head of the Department of Management at The Business School, my academic and professional focus has been on understanding Vietnam’s development in comparison with its APAC peers, especially within ASEAN, through the interconnected lenses of business, economics, and leadership. This milestone lecture allowed me to bring those perspectives together to advocate for collaborative, future-focused strategies.

Vietnam is undergoing a profound transformation, built on three foundational pillars: digital government, digital economy, and digital society. Significant progress in digital infrastructure, combined with the dynamism of the private sector, is positioning Vietnam as a regional innovation leader. From the widespread adoption of mobile applications to the explosive growth of e-commerce, Vietnam’s ‘tech’ sector is gaining a competitive edge in Southeast Asia—fuelled by strategic foresight and bold national leadership.

Yet transformation goes beyond technological progress; at its heart, it is about people, strategy, and leadership. Major challenges remain – particularly in strengthening digital governance and enhancing digital competencies across the population. These are not hurdles but rather opportunities for strategic investment in education, capacity-building, and cross-sector collaboration.

17 June 2025

Share

Trung holding celebratory flowers with Dean of TBS, Robert

Recent, unprecedented developments – such as decisive moves to promote science, technology, and digital transformation; increased private sector participation; and the large-scale merging of ministerial and provincial administrative units – signal that a genuine transformation is underway. My research, grounded in development economics, international business, and the management of digital and smart transformation, underscores the vital role of partnerships between academia, government, and industry in moving from incremental change to systemic, transformative progress.

At RMIT University, we are proud to contribute actively to this national transformation. The Department of Management plays a pivotal role in shaping leadership across the public and private sectors, promoting modern management practices, and fostering environments that support sustainable enterprise growth in Vietnam and across ASEAN. Initiatives such as the CEO Talks, the Global Business Forum, and the Smart and Sustainable Cities Forum have become influential platforms that draw on local insights that can have national and regional impact.

Our research – widely published across the Asia-Pacific and deeply grounded in local and regional contexts – contributes directly to national planning and sectoral strategies. Looking ahead to 2045, I envision a Vietnam that is not only technologically advanced but also globally competitive and sustainably developed. Realising this vision requires collective commitment: nurturing talent, fostering innovation, and embedding smart, inclusive governance.

Institutions such as RMIT University Vietnam have a crucial role to play in equipping future leaders with the skills and mindset to drive change. Our mission is reflected in our dedication to rigorous research, impactful teaching, and strategic partnerships that connect today’s challenges with tomorrow’s possibilities.

It is with humility and honour that my team and I contribute to Vietnam’s transformative journey as members of RMIT Vietnam, particularly within the College of Business and Law and The Business School. Guiding students, collaborating with leaders, and helping shape a future in which Vietnam stands tall as both a regional and global leader is a privilege. Together, we are not only advancing transformation but also helping Vietnam make a lasting impact on the world.

Author: Trung Nguyen 

17 June 2025

Share

Related News

aboriginal flag float-start torres strait flag float-start

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

More information