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Vietnam's bold digital leap: New laws and AI-driven growth by 2026

From drone pilots to regulatory sandboxes, Vietnam is rewriting its tech future. Can it overcome workforce gaps and energy hurdles to lead Southeast Asia's digital race?

The image shows a poster of a map of Vietnam with the words "Economic Activity" written across the...
The image shows a poster of a map of Vietnam with the words "Economic Activity" written across the top. The map is filled with various symbols and labels, indicating the various economic activities in the country. The colors used on the map are mostly shades of blue, green, and yellow, giving it a vibrant and lively look.

Vietnam's bold digital leap: New laws and AI-driven growth by 2026

Vietnam has taken major steps to speed up its digital transformation with new laws and targeted initiatives. By 2025, the country finalised key legislation, including the Law on Digital Transformation, the Law on Artificial Intelligence, and the Law on Data. These moves aim to create a strong foundation for innovation while addressing governance challenges.

The push comes as Vietnam sets its sights on double-digit economic growth driven by science and technology. Officials now urge businesses and government bodies to adopt advanced solutions for real-world problems, from AI to cloud computing.

The Law on Digital Transformation introduces a dual system to balance governance and innovation. It also establishes a legal framework for regulatory sandboxes, allowing controlled testing of new technologies. This approach is designed to encourage experimentation while managing risks.

In practice, the Ministry of Science and Technology has launched a pilot programme in Dien Bien province. The initiative uses unmanned aerial vehicles to tackle local issues, with plans to expand successful models nationwide. Officials stress that such projects should start small, focusing on specific challenges before scaling up. Despite progress, hurdles remain. Workforce shortages, gaps in clean energy infrastructure, and incomplete legal structures for deep-tech development could slow momentum. Yet, the government remains committed to its 2026 acceleration phase, where execution will take centre stage. Vietnam’s digital business sector is also shifting towards homegrown innovation. The 'Make in Vietnam' strategy now prioritises local AI and cloud infrastructure, reducing reliance on foreign tech. This transition aligns with broader goals to boost economic growth through technology-driven solutions.

The new laws and pilot schemes mark a structured push toward Vietnam’s digital future. With 2026 as the target for full-scale implementation, the focus now turns to overcoming practical barriers. Success in these efforts could position the country as a regional leader in tech-driven development.

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