Chairwoman of the State Securities Commission (SSC) Vu Thi Chan Phuong and deputy general director of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) Tuang Lee Lim signed the Letter of Intent.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by Party General Secretary To Lam and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, while Vietnamese Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang and other leaders of the two countries also attended the ceremony.

Vietnam’s SSC chairwoman Vu Thi Chan Phuong and Singapore’s MAS deputy general director Tuang Lee Lim

Recognising the importance of developing and regulating the digital asset market, the two countries have partnered to combat money laundering and terrorist financing through digital asset transactions, protecting the integrity and stability of the two financial markets.

Specifically, the MAS will help the SSC to build a legal framework for the development and management of the digital asset market in Vietnam. It will also exchange information and experience in anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing in the financial markets of the two countries, thereby enhancing Vietnam’s capacity to monitor the development and trading of digital assets.

Lim said, “Singapore and Vietnam have a long-standing, multidimensional partnership in the capital markets, reinforced through bilateral commitments and cooperation at regional and international forums. The exchange of this Letter of Intent reflects our commitment to help each other protect the integrity and stability of our capital markets, as well as promote cross-border connectivity. The MAS and SSC will learn from each other and build a deeper relationship.”

In response, Phuong said that the Vietnam – Singapore relationship has been upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and that economic, financial, and investment cooperation have become deep and effective. The signing of the letter is a new step forward, an important foundation for the two capital market management agencies to strengthen cooperation and contribute to the integrity of the financial markets of the two countries and the region.

“We believe and expect that this agreement will contribute to the stable, fair, transparent, and sustainable development of the capital and digital asset markets in both countries,” Phuong added.

Vu Quoc Huy, director of NIC

AISC is a key international event that explores the integration of AI and semiconductors, offering opportunities to access the latest insights, forge cross-border business connections, and affirm Vietnam’s role in the global value chain of the semiconductor and AI industries.

In his opening remarks, Vu Quoc Huy, director of the NIC, said, “The AISC is an academic exchange forum and an opportunity for Vietnam to assert its position in the regional technology race. This event will help domestic businesses strategise, enhance their innovative capacities, and drive sustainable development in the high-tech sector.”

AI and semiconductors are driving global digital transformation, reshaping industries and economies. The Vietnamese government is embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution as it recognises AI and semiconductors as strategic pillars for development. These fields offer a unique opportunity for Vietnamese companies to integrate into global value chains and contribute to technological progress.

Christopher Nguyen, founder of Aitomatic, said, “The Vietnamese government’s efforts to encourage the development of AI and semiconductors are proving to be in line with the global trends. A blend of national vision with international investment has created significant momentum, opening many vital opportunities for the development of AI and semiconductors here.”

Christopher Nguyen, founder, Aitomatic

Ihe open-source AI model SemiKong was also introduced to the Vietnamese technology community at the event. This pioneering model, developed through the collaboration of Aitomatic, Japan’sTokyo Electron, and FPT Software, optimises chip production.

Emerging at a time when the demand for open-source AI platforms is on the rise, SemiKong plays a crucial role in enhancing speed, accuracy, and productivity across high-tech production fields. Its launch in Vietnam marks an important milestone in enabling domestic firms to master advanced technology, opening doors for deeper integration into the global semiconductor production value chain.

AISC 2025 is focusing on new technology trends in AI and semiconductors, including revolutionising chip design and production, the potential of advanced semiconductor architectures, and strategic policies to boost global cooperation. Key contents include innovation in chip design through AI.

The opening session of AISC 2025 provided insights into the convergence of AI and semiconductor technology, bringing together leading experts in the industry. Anna Goldie from Google DeepMind spoke about AlphaChip – a revolutionary advancement in AI-driven microchip design by Google. Pioneering researchers from Stanford University and the University of Warwick presented cutting-edge studies on AI-applied IC design, scaling semiconductor production, and the potential of Large Language Models in specialised fields. Bui Hai Quan, vice president of VPBank, presented on AI applications in banking.

This opening session underscored the role of open-source AI in driving innovation and optimising chip production, offering domestic enterprises a pathway to access advanced technologies and strengthen their position in the global supply chain.

At the end of the session, for the first time in Vietnam, participating companies took part in the Startup Pavilion – an international ‘Shark Tank’ scheme, where leading investment funds can directly evaluate innovative ideas. The platform enables domestic technology firms to quickly connect with senior leaders, pitch their projects within a limited timeframe, and secure key agreements during the conference, paving their entry into the global technology market.

Other activities over the three days include specialised workshops on semiconductors and their impact on AI at the National Convention Centre in Hanoi March 12-13, and a policy forum on Vietnam’s preparedness to develop domestic semiconductor and AI industries, with participation and keynote addresses from Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, at the NIC campus in Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park on March 14.

The event presented key topics including international standards and technological solutions for carbon emissions’ management, environmental, social, and governance policy evaluation based on global standards, and the application of technology in optimising operational costs.

ACCA event highlights technology’s role in sustainability practices

The conference served as a platform for future-oriented businesses to share their successes and challenges while fostering collaboration among those committed to sustainability.

During the conference, Ren Varma, ACCA’s head of Mainland Southeast Asia, delivered in-depth insights into ACCA’s role in supporting businesses in building sustainable development capabilities.

Citing 2024 trade figures, Varma noted that Vietnam’s import-export turnover maintained unprecedented levels over the past 40 years, supported by the enforcement of over 17 trade agreements.

Vietnam-EU trade exceeded $67 billion, with numerous domestic enterprises integrating into European and global supply chains.

“Implementing sustainability reporting is imperative for Vietnamese firms participating in global supply chains to comply with Europe’s mandatory sustainability disclosure regulations. The key challenge is how businesses can effectively implement sustainability reporting with existing resources while meeting international standards,” said Varma.

Ren Varma, head of Mainland Southeast Asia, ACCA. Photo: ACCA Vietnam

Representatives from various other organisations, such as VACPA, FPT, Unilever, HDBank, PwC, and the University of Economics in Ho Chi Minh City shared their experiences in leveraging technology for sustainability.

These real-world case studies enabled participants to gain practical insights into how best to apply technology to sustainable management, while understanding the essential competencies required for effective implementation.

At the event, experts reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing capabilities and professional expertise in achieving national sustainable development goals and the target of Net-Zero by 2050.

Photo: ACCA Vietnam

ACCA pledged its continued support by launching the Professional Diploma in Sustainability (ProDipSust) across more than 180 countries, including Vietnam. This initiative aims to equip professionals with the necessary expertise to implement sustainable business practices.

ProDipSust not only provides in-depth knowledge on sustainability but also guides businesses on practical applications, from understanding international frameworks and regulations to strategic management, sustainability reporting, and assurance.

Recognised as a globally standardised knowledge framework, this diploma plays a crucial role in strengthening corporate sustainability governance, ensuring transparency, and complying with international standards.

Beyond offering training programmes, ACCA actively collaborates with leading organisations to drive sustainable development initiatives.

Beyond offering training activities, ACCA collaborates with major organisations to drive sustainability initiatives. In this seminar, ACCA Vietnam, in partnership with VACPA and PwC Vietnam, established a highly practical forum to help Vietnamese firms align with international standards and devise effective sustainability strategies.

Ren Varma underscored the critical role of finance and accounting professionals in advancing sustainable development, saying, “Financial expertise is not just about financial reporting, it plays a fundamental role in shaping sustainable strategies. Finance professionals are responsible for integrating sustainability initiatives into business models, accurately measuring their impact, and transparently communicating them to stakeholders. ACCA’s certification serves as a vital tool for businesses and individuals to enhance their expertise in this field.”

“With a strong commitment to fostering sustainability competencies, ACCA will continue to support businesses and financial professionals on their journey towards a responsible and sustainable economy,” he added.