General Secretary To Lam: Developing science and technology to keep up with the times

DNVN - Speaking to professors, lecturers and students of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore, General Secretary To Lam affirmed that developing science and technology, innovation and digital transformation are the "golden keys" to help Vietnam overcome the middle-income trap, realize national aspirations and catch up with the times.

On the afternoon of March 12, at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore, within the framework of an official visit to the Republic of Singapore, General Secretary To Lam delivered a policy speech on "Vietnam's policy on science, technology, innovation and digital transformation development in the new era and opportunities for Vietnam-Singapore cooperation".

In front of professors, lecturers and students of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore, General Secretary To Lam emphasized, "We are living in the midst of unprecedented rapid changes in the digital age. The Fourth Industrial Revolution with breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, big data, the Internet of Things... is reshaping the way we live, work and connect."

The speech included three main contents: Vietnam's strategic vision on science, technology and innovation; Vietnam's philosophy on cooperation and development in the digital age; lessons from Vietnam - Singapore cooperation and the long-term significance of this relationship.

General Secretary To Lam speaks about Vietnam's policy on science, technology, innovation and digital transformation development in the new era and opportunities for Vietnam-Singapore cooperation at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore. (Photo: VNA).

The General Secretary shared that Vietnam identifies science, technology and innovation as key driving forces for national development. Vietnam's goal is to become a modern industrialized country by 2030 and a developed country with high income by 2045 - the 100th anniversary of the founding of the country.

To achieve these goals, there is no other way but to promote the development of science and technology, innovation and implementation of the national digital transformation strategy. This is the "golden key" to help Vietnam overcome the middle-income trap, avoid the risk of falling behind and catch up with the times. Developing science and technology, innovation and digital transformation are not optional choices, but are the vital path to realizing national aspirations.

Despite some important achievements in science and technology, according to the General Secretary, Vietnam is facing the challenges of the increasingly fierce global technological revolution, posing urgent requirements for innovation in governance models, policies and national development strategies. Competition between major countries is fragmenting the global technology market, causing barriers to trade and technology transfer.

Vietnam identifies the development of science, technology, innovation and national digital transformation as the top important breakthrough, the main driving force to rapidly develop modern productive forces, perfect production relations, innovate national governance methods, develop the socio-economy, prevent the risk of falling behind, and bring the country to breakthrough development and prosperity.

Strengthening the Party's comprehensive leadership, promoting the combined strength of the entire political system, and the active participation of entrepreneurs, businesses and people in the development of science, technology, innovation and national digital transformation.

The General Secretary said that in the context of globalization and increasingly deep economic integration, scientific and technological cooperation is a key factor and foundation to strengthen the strategic cooperative relationship between Vietnam and Singapore.

Vietnam and Singapore have many similarities and complement each other. Singapore has strengths in advanced technology, management experience and investment capital; while Vietnam has advantages in abundant human resources, a large market and great development potential. This is a solid foundation for mutually beneficial cooperation.

The General Secretary proposed a number of key areas in which the two countries could promote cooperation in the coming time, such as scientific research projects, cooperation between research institutes and universities that meet international standards, and innovative cooperation to exploit and complement each other's strengths, thereby creating breakthrough values.

The two sides will jointly research, test and deploy digital solutions to improve the quality of life and enhance the efficiency of public administration; cooperate in developing human resources in science and technology; promote cooperation in technology transfer and commercialization of scientific research between Vietnam and Singapore.

Previously, at noon on March 12, General Secretary To Lam and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong jointly announced to the press the decision to upgrade Vietnam-Singapore relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

This new framework will contribute to further strengthening political trust, opening up a broader and deeper space for cooperation, and making the Vietnam-Singapore partnership a model in international relations in the new era.

Since 1996, Singapore has always been one of Vietnam's largest partners. Trade turnover between the two countries has increased every year, reaching 8.3 billion USD in 2021; over 9.16 billion USD in 2022; 9 billion USD in 2023; 8.64 billion USD in the first 10 months of 2024.

As of October 2024, Singapore maintained its leading position in ASEAN, ranking 2nd out of 148 countries and territories investing in Vietnam (after South Korea). Singapore's investment projects are present in many provinces and cities of Vietnam.

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