The State Bank of Vietnam published an analytical article arguing that Vietnam’s shift to a digital economy requires a national-scale “digital literacy” movement that puts citizens and businesses at the centre and equips them with basic digital skills, digital identity and cyber safety knowledge. The article reviews international approaches in China, South Korea and Malaysia and contrasts them with Vietnam’s current constraints, including skills gaps despite an information and communications technology workforce of nearly 900,000, an estimated need for more than 50,000 high-skilled workers for semiconductors, and low uptake of online public services (3.05% of surveyed respondents had created an account on the National Public Service Portal and just over 1% had used it). It cites Vietnamese policy targets such as non-cash transactions reaching 80% by 2030 and the digital economy accounting for at least 30% of GDP by 2030, and points to existing “community digital technology groups” as a channel for delivery (9,388 groups with over 44,500 members by May 2022). Proposed measures include integrating digital skills into general education and lifelong learning, expanding free internet access points in disadvantaged areas, and formalising the campaign into a national programme with clear scope, resources and measurable results.
State Bank of Vietnam 2025-05-16
State Bank of Vietnam publishes article calling for a nationwide digital literacy campaign to support Vietnam’s digital transformation
The State Bank of Vietnam stresses a national "digital literacy" movement to aid the transition to a digital economy by equipping citizens and businesses with essential skills. Challenges include skills gaps and low online public service usage. Proposed measures involve integrating digital skills into education and expanding internet access. Policy targets include 80% non-cash transactions and a digital economy comprising 30% of GDP by 2030.