Vietnam can join Laos in solving problems using technology

This message was shared by Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung at a meeting with Lao Minister of Technology and Communications, Mr. Santisouk Simmalavong, on the afternoon of January 16. The bilateral meeting between the two Ministers took place within the framework of the 6th ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting (ADGMIN).

Minister Santisouk Simmalavong assessed that the successful organization of the ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Conference has enhanced Vietnam’s role and position in the digital field in the region.

According to him, Vietnam is emerging as one of the leading countries in digital transformation, with many practical experiences that are valuable references for Laos. The Minister said the two countries have a long-standing, closely linked traditional relationship. Laos always considers Vietnam as “family member in development cooperation”.

Minister Nguyen Manh Hung affirmed that with the special relationship, Vietnam does not place any barriers in digital cooperation with Laos. He believes that the digital technology field has unique advantages compared to traditional types of infrastructure. If building roads or bringing electricity to remote areas requires large resources, popularizing digital technology does not require too high costs but can bring widespread impact.

According to Minister Nguyen Manh Hung, the core thing is not the technology, but the way it is used. Digital technology only develops when applied to solve specific social problems. The more problems a country has and is willing to use technology to solve them, the faster that country has the opportunity to develop. From that reality, Vietnam chooses the “problem first, AI second” approach to develop AI – identify the problem first, then apply the technology.

The Minister said that this approach is suitable for developing countries such as Vietnam and Laos. Instead of asking where is the money? Where is the technology? Where is the manpower? The most important thing is to clearly identify the problem that needs to be solved. When there is a specific problem, technology will become a tool to find the solution. Vietnam wants to share new thinking and approaches with Laos. “Laos can bring its problem to Vietnam, so that together with Vietnam, we can find solutions using technology,” Minister Nguyen Manh Hung said.

Minister Santisouk Simmalavong highly appreciated Vietnam’s support in recent times, especially in the development of human resources and telecommunications infrastructure. He said Vietnamese businesses have made an important contribution to universalizing telecommunications services in Laos, creating a foundation for digital transformation and economic and social development.

The two sides also discussed digital human resource training, considering this a key factor for long-term development. Minister Nguyen Manh Hung proposed that Laos should diversify training forms, from online, skills-based training to short-term certification, instead of focusing only on long-term programs. According to him, this method helps learners quickly gain skills to enter the labor market, while also being suitable for the technological context, as AI develops more and more rapidly.

Minister Santisouk Simmalavong expressed his impression with Vietnam’s problem-centered approach and wished to learn more experience, especially in the development and application of AI.

In response, Minister Nguyen Manh Hung affirmed that Vietnam is ready to share documents, experiences on AI institutions and approaches, and increase cooperation in training technological human resources for Laos in the near future.