National Conference on “Economics, Law and Digital Technology Policy – A Driving Force for National Development in the Age of Rising”
20 Apr, 2025
On the morning of April 18, 2025, the College of Economics, Law and Government, University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH-CELG) in collaboration with the Institute for Policy Studies and Media Development (IPS) organized the national conference with the theme: "Economics, Law and Digital Technology Policy - A Driving Force for National Development in the Age of Rising" with the participation of more than 300 guests, speakers, and participants. Notably, the conference attracted more than 220 presentations from universities, research institutes, and professional organizations across the country, of which more than 60 were selected for presentation at the conference.
Overview of the conference
On behalf of University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), the conference had the attendance of Prof. Dr. Su Dinh Thanh - President of UEH; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Phong Nguyen - Permanent Deputy Head of the Department of Research - Development and Global Engagement; Mr. Vo Duc Hoang Vu - Deputy Head of the Department of Research - Development and Global Engagement; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Khanh Nam - Rector of the College of Economics, Law and Government (UEH-CELG); Dr. Tran Thi Tuan Anh - Vice Rector of CELG; Mr. Huynh Thuc Dinh - Deputy Chief of the College of Economics, Law and Government Office; Dr. Duong Kim The Nguyen - Dean of the School of Law; Dr. Nguyen Thi Anh - Vice Dean of the School of Law.
On behalf of the co-organizer, the Institute for Policy Studies and Media Development (IPS), it was our honor to welcome Mr. Nguyen Quang Dong - Director of IPS; Mr. Nguyen Duc Lam - IPS Policy Advisor; and Ms. Nguyen Lan Phuong of the IPS Digital Technology Program.
On behalf of the guests, the conference was honored to have the presence of Ms. Pham Thuy Hanh - Deputy Director, Department of Law, Government Office; Mr. Lam Dinh Thang - Director of the Department of Science and Technology of Ho Chi Minh City; Mr. Doan Kim Thanh - Director of the Center for Science and Technology Development of Ho Chi Minh City Youth Union.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the conference, Prof. Dr. Su Dinh Thanh - President of the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) - remarked that in the era of digital transformation and deep integration, UEH has clearly defined their role not only as a training center but also a prestigious academic research unit and a reliable policy consulting partner. The UEH President emphasized that the conference is part of UEH's strategic orientation on "Research for the community" and a typical activity towards the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (1976-2026). Prof. Dr. Su Dinh Thanh stated that with more than 60 selected articles and 08 parallel discussion sessions, it would create a practical academic forum contributing much value to the improvement of policies and laws and the promotion of national digital transformation. UEH has been committed to continuing to promote their role in connecting knowledge, spreading academic values, and accompanying stakeholders in the process of building a more progressive, inclusive, and civilized future.
Prof. Dr. Su Dinh Thanh - President of University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City - delivering the opening speech
On behalf of the Institute for Policy Studies and Media Development (IPS), Mr. Nguyen Quang Dong - Director of IPS - expressed that this was the third time that IPS coordinated with UEH to organize an annual forum on policies and laws for digital technology and economy. The remarkable increase in both the quantity and quality of articles (more than 220) demonstrated the growing interest of researchers in core topics of personal data, artificial intelligence, digital assets, and innovation. In the context that the world is facing many economic and political instabilities, the Director of IPS believes that academic forums like this are the place to reshape policy thinking and strengthen beliefs in the value of knowledge and academia.
Mr. Nguyen Quang Dong - Director of IPS
At the plenary session, Mr. Lam Dinh Thang - Director of the Department of Science and Technology of Ho Chi Minh City - presented the city's digital technology development policy system and orientation. Remarkably, the 1-4-1 strategy includes building an international financial center in Ho Chi Minh City; 4 highs: developing a multi-purpose high-tech center (artificial intelligence, big data, smart cities, and creative startups), high-tech industrial parks, high-quality education, and high-quality healthcare; and 1 strategy: immediate strategic infrastructure focusing on modern, synchronous traffic and digital infrastructure. From local practice, Mr. Thang recommended that it was necessary to continue perfecting laws and sub-law documents in the direction of "design for development" while allowing pioneering localities such as Ho Chi Minh City to pilot specific management mechanisms and policies to create a real breakthrough in digital technology development, innovation and knowledge economy.
Mr. Lam Dinh Thang presented the topic "Digital Technology and Innovation - Key Driving Forces for Urban Economic Development in the New Era"
Representing the Government Office, Ms. Pham Thuy Hanh - Deputy Director of the Legal Department - affirmed the Government's efforts in removing institutional barriers through Decree 88/2025/ND-CP which was recently issued to guide the implementation of Resolution 193 of the National Assembly. According to Ms. Hanh, the Government needs to design a flexible legal framework, with controlled testing, especially in the context of rapid and complex technological development as it is today. Attracting and effectively using private resources, especially in research, innovation, and technology startups, is another orientation that the Government will focus on in the upcoming period.
Ms. Pham Thuy Hanh presenting the topic "Digital technology development policy in the national development era"
Ms. Nguyen Lan Phuong, Principal Investigator of the digital technology research program, Institute for Policy Studies and Media Development, presented a report analyzing the AI ecosystem in Vietnam and proposed a policy framework for development and risk management for this technology. The artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem in Vietnam consists of five main pillars: technical infrastructure, human resources, finance, market, and policy. Although Vietnam has advantages in terms of technology engineers, a fast-growing market, and a vibrant startup ecosystem, there have been large gaps in data center infrastructure, cloud computing, AI models, data, and related legal regulations and practice guidelines. IPS representatives made 10 recommendations to improve data regulations, attracting high-quality human resources through large research grants and accept investment risks, pricing mechanisms for AI products and services using state budget funds and controlled testing mechanisms.
Ms. Nguyen Lan Phuong presenting the topic "Artificial Intelligence Policy in Vietnam: Balancing development and risk management"
Assoc.Prof.Dr. Do Minh Khoi – UEH College of Economics, Law and Government - gave an in-depth presentation on the topic “Constitutionalism in the Digital Age”, providing an insightful academic perspective on how technology is reshaping the relationship between the Government, the market, and citizens. According to Assoc.Prof.Dr. Do Minh Khoi, modern constitutionalism is not only the foundation of democratic institutional design but also an ideology to limit power and protect fundamental rights. However, in the context of digital dependence and control, the principles of constitutionalism are facing unprecedented challenges, especially from the private power of global technology corporations. He believed that it was essential to reshape the “constitutionalization” process to adapt to technological changes. This includes rethinking the public-private separation of powers, setting new accountability standards in the digital environment, and strengthening the legal basis for protecting human rights in cyberspace.
Assoc.Prof.Dr. Do Minh Khoi presenting the topic "Constitutionalism in the digital age"
Following the conference were 08 parallel sessions of in-depth discussion on relevant topics, including:
Innovation and technology: Discussion sessions focused on the application of AI, blockchain, fintech, and digital transformation in education, justice, tourism, and the public sector. Highlights included sessions on AI, digital assets, and the digital economy.
Environment and sustainability: The research revolved around carbon credit trading, zero-emission transport, and the environmental impact of digital technology. Content ranged from policy to ESG.
The Role of Gender Equality: The topic of gender bias in AI and proposals for building a legal framework to ensure gender equity were presented in the session for young researchers.
Finance and investment: The sessions covered fintech, cryptocurrencies, financial sandbox mechanisms, and digital asset trading regulations, contributing to investment efficiency improvement and risk management.
Behavioral Economics: focused on digital consumer behavior, the role of emotions, trust, and privacy in the youth’ digital purchasing and entrepreneurship decisions.
Economic Development and Public Policy: discussed digital transformation of the public sector, digital leadership, smart transportation, and AI applications in public policy making.
Law: explored new legal issues like AI copyright, personal data protection, social media identity, and digital privacy.
Risk, uncertainty, and macroeconomics: Risk factors were implicitly reflected through topics like personal data, AI, and Fintech regulation.
Mr. Nguyen Van Duoc presenting research in the topic group "Digital economy and development issues"
The authors presenting research in the topic group of“AI and Justice”
The authors presenting research in the topic group of “Legal framework on personal data and data markets”
The national conference on “Economics, Law and Digital Technology Policy: A Driving Force for National Development in the Era of Rising” has affirmed the importance of building a system of institutions. These legal policies are synchronous, creative, and adaptive to the context of rapid and widespread digital transformation. Sharing and analysis from representatives of central and local agencies and researchers have affirmed that digital technology cannot develop sustainably without a reasonable, consistent, and long-term policy foundation. This conference is not only an academic activity but also a clear demonstration of the need for policy dialogue based on science and practice, making practical contributions to the process of formulating laws, institutions, and national development strategies in the new era – the era of technology, data, and innovation for the people.
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Assoc.Prof.Dr. Pham Khanh Nam - Rector of UEH College of Economics, Law and Government: “In 2024, the Politburo issued Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation. This is an important political milestone, affirming the key and urgent role of science - technology - innovation as prerequisites, creating favorable opportunities for our country to develop rapidly and sustainably, and rising strongly in the new era of national development. Of which, digital technology is key to helping Vietnam overcome the middle-income trap and build a self-reliant economy capable of competing globally. In that context, the conference on "Economics, Law and Digital Technology Policy: A Driving Force for National Development in the Era of Rising" was organized with the aim of creating a space for academic and practical exchange on economic, legal, and policy issues related to digital technology. The conference contributed in-depth recommendations originating from the scientific and practical basis for the above important draft laws and decrees.” |
Additional photos regarding the conference:
University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) and the Institute for Policy Studies and Media Development (IPS) meeting before the conference
Dr. Tran Thi Tuan Anh - Vice Rector of CELG and Chair of the parallel discussion session - taking photos
CELG Rector and IPS Director presenting souvenirs to the keynote speakers of the conference
Participants of the parallel session of “AI and Justice” taking photos
Parallel discussion session on the topic group of “Digital assets and controlled testing mechanisms”
Parallel discussion session on the topic group of “Protecting the vulnerable and intellectual property rights”
Participants of the parallel discussion session of "Digital Economy and Key Directions" taking photos
Parallel session presenter in the topic group of “AI and applications”
Participants of the parallel session of “Young researchers with digital technology law” taking photos
All participants taking a photo at the end of the conference
News and photos: UEH College of Economics, Law and Government
