Vietnam and Singapore have agreed to significantly expand their technological partnership, with a focus on semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technology, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, and the data economy. The commitment was outlined in a joint statement issued by Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs following the two countries’ first strategic dialogue on technology connectivity, held in Singapore.
The dialogue, co-chaired by Tran Cam Tu, a Politburo member and standing member of the Communist Party of Vietnam’s Secretariat, and Chan Chun Sing, Singapore’s coordinating minister for public services and defense minister, marks a milestone in bilateral relations. The discussions build on an action program signed in October 2025 under the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations, which aims to position both countries as leading technology partners in Southeast Asia while enhancing their technological self-reliance.
As part of the agreement, Vietnam and Singapore will pursue joint research and development initiatives and work toward establishing a regional innovation network that connects businesses, universities, and research institutes. On AI specifically, the two sides committed to collaborating on the safe and responsible development, deployment, and use of AI systems, drawing on regional frameworks such as the ASEAN Guide on AI Governance and Ethics. Both governments also emphasized that developing skilled human resources would serve as the foundation of the partnership.
The joint statement highlighted the complementary nature of the two economies. Vietnam offers a large domestic market, a young workforce, and growing manufacturing capacity, while Singapore brings strengths in research, data governance, AI policy, and international connectivity. To leverage these advantages, the two governments agreed to promote responsible cross-border data flows through the ASEAN Model Contractual Clauses under the region’s data-governance framework. They also reaffirmed their support for the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement.
In a further step toward operationalizing the partnership, the two sides will facilitate discussions between Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority and Personal Data Protection Commission and Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security and Ministry of Science and Technology on cross-border data policy. The outcome of this first strategic dialogue signals a deepening of regional tech collaboration, with implications for supply chain diversification, AI governance, and digital economy integration across Southeast Asia.
Vietnam and Singapore Pledge Deeper Cooperation in Semiconductors and AI at First Strategic Dialogue
By: IDCNOVARegion: Southeast Asia