INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY: FUTURE OF HO CHI MINH CITY

"Innovation and Technology:The Future of Our City” is the theme of the Ho Chi Minh City Innovation, Science–Technology and Startup Week 2025 (WISE HCMC+ 2025). A reporter from Saigon Giai Phong Newspaper spoke with Mr. Trần Trọng Tuyên, Deputy Director of the HCMC Department of Science and Technology, regarding the key activities of WISE HCMC+ 2025.

REPORTER: WISE HCMC+ 2025, under the theme “Innovation and Technology: The Future of Our City,” is expected to mark an important milestone in realizing Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo. Could you share your views on the significance of this event?

Mr. TRẦN TRỌNG TUYÊN:

WISE HCMC+ 2025 is positioned as an annual international, scale event,not only a showcase for technology but also a reputable strategic forum for investment connectivity, policy formation, and international cooperation. The event brings together global technology corporations, investors, investment funds, experts, and innovative startups.

WISE HCMC+ 2025 is organized to concretize major national directions, with a strong focus on implementing Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW dated December 22, 2024 of the Politburo on breakthrough development in science–technology, innovation, and national digital transformation. The event is also part of the implementation of Ho Chi Minh City’s Startup Ecosystem Development Scheme for 2021-2025 and the Autumn Economic Forum 2025, contributing to the city’s goal of becoming a regional digital economy hub and a leading financial–technology center.

A team from the enterprise sector winning first prize in the 2025 “Innovation and High-Tech Agriculture Startup Competition.”

With over 200 booths and a variety of activities throughout the four-day program (November 25–28), how does this event reinforce HCMC’s position on the global innovation map?

WISE HCMC+ 2025 welcomes international partners from Korea, Australia, Singapore, Japan, Finland, Austria, and more creating meaningful impacts on HCMC’s innovation and startup ecosystem. The event significantly boosts international investment flows through direct investor–startup matching activities, enabling hundreds of startups to access capital, expand markets, and strengthen confidence in the city’s growth potential.

At the same time, the presence of partners from technologically advanced nations builds an important bridge for international cooperation, knowledge transfer, experience sharing, and technology exchange - enhancing the competitiveness of HCMC enterprises and supporting deeper integration into global value chains.

The startup ecosystem of HCMC has recorded notable achievements in recent years. How will WISE HCMC+ 2025 honor and connect these accomplishments to continue fostering innovation and startup development?

HCMC’s innovation and startup ecosystem continues to strengthen its position globally, reflected in its improved international rankings. According to StartupBlink’s global index, HCMC ranks among the top 5 in Southeast Asia and top 110 worldwide. Key sectors such as fintech, blockchain, edtech, and digital healthcare have made significant progress, particularly fintech, which has grown rapidly; blockchain now ranks among the global top 30 and second in Southeast Asia.

In addition, the city’s startup support policies have yielded tangible results. To date, 233 projects have been supported (209 pre-incubation/incubation and 24 acceleration projects) with a total budget of VND 23 billion.

WISE HCMC+ 2025 not only honors the contributions of individuals and organizations in science–technology, innovation, and digital transformation, but more importantly, opens new opportunities to stimulate dynamic and sustainable growth for the city’s startup and innovation ecosystem.

Source: sggp.org.vn