Hanoi (VNA) – An awardceremony for the APEC Science Prize for Innovation, Research and Educati♏on(ASPIRE 2017) was held in Hanoi on May 11.
The prize is an annual awardrecognising young scientists who have demonstrated a commitment to excellencein scientific research, as evidenced by scholarly publication, and cooperation withscientists from other APEC economies. For this year,"New Material Technologies” is the ASPIRE theme. This interdisciplinarytheme focuses on how new and advanced materials are used to drive scientificinnovation. The seventh year ofthe prize drew 17 nominees from APEC member economies, the largest number ofparticipants to date. The winner was Dr.Yanwu Zhu from China’s University of Science and Technology for his research onnew carbon materials. Addressing the ceremony, DeputyMinister of Science and Technology Tran Quoc Khanh said that the development ofnew materials is needed to tackle challenges in modern technology, especially withthe fourth industrial revolution approaching. In this context, research on andapplication of new material technologies is key in linking economies inAsia-Pacific. He also expressed his hope that youngscientists will bolster cooperation with their counterparts in APEC economies. The ASPIRE prize aims to strengtheninternational science and technology networksand improve linkages between research andinnovation. It is also designed to boost economicgrowth, trade and investment opportunities inharmony with sustainable development.-VNA
APEC economies will participate in a high-level policy dialogue on human resources development in the digital era in Hanoi on May 14 and 15, as heard at a press conference by the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs on May 10.
The globalisation process and the 4th industrial revolution is posing big challenges to member economies of APEC forum in general and Vietnam in particular, said a Vietnamese official.
Representatives from Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies gathered in Hanoi on May 11 for the 10th APEC Policy Partnership on Science, Technology and Innovation (PPSTI-10) Meeting.
A big development gap between APEC member economies is hindering the region’s auto industry from transferring technology and promoting linkages, said a Vietnamese official.
Vietnamese businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), must embrace digital and AI transformations to remain competitive and achieve sustainable growth, experts said.
Under the European Union (EU)’s global initiative on Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence (CoE), Vietnam has implemented numerous projects aimed at strengthening national capacity in detecting, preventing, and preparing for CBRN-related threats.
The course aims to promote knowledge exchange between scientific and educational schools from different countries, while deepening participants’ expertise in modern technology and technical education. It comprises two main specialisations of electronics-automation and nuclear technology.
ANTARA and VNA can design global-scale cooperation programmes or joint media campaigns, demonstrating the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Indonesia, as well as the cooperation between the two national news agencies.
As Vietnam’s digital transformation accelerates, both the frequency and severity of cyberattacks are growing. The National Cybersecurity Association (NCA) reported that in 2024 alone, there were some 659,000 separate cybersecurity incidents, impacting around 46.15% of government agencies and businesses.
A key highlight will be the technology cluster pavilion, showcasing top enterprises selected for their innovation, market potential, and practical applications. These firms will display flagship products and solutions, supported by government policies to strengthen the tech sector.
Since 2022, more than 500 Vietnamese startups have engaged in Google’s Startup Academy, Google for Startups Accelerator, and Google Startup Masterclass. Nearly 100 of these firms received support to develop and improve their products, benefiting more than 300,000 customers and creating over 300 new jobs through successful fundraising and team expansion amidst Vietnam’s competitive economy.
Over the past three decades, Binh Duong has cemented its status as one of Vietnam’s most dynamic industrial hubs, building a robust foundation in manufacturing, exports, and investment. The province now has 30 operational industrial parks spanning over 13,000 hectares, with an occupancy rate exceeding 90%.
The diplomat emphasised that Vietnam places the highest priority on the development of science, technology, and innovation, viewing them as critical drivers for the country’s advancement in the new development era.
The PM revealed Vietnam’s plan to develop nuclear power in the near future, and called on the Swedish side to assist Vietnam in developing and refining legal and policy frameworks for the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes; training and developing human resources; ensuring nuclear safety; and conducting training and drills to improve incident management capabilities.
More than an art showcase, the second “Technology with heart” contest seeks to inspire innovation and spotlight the humanistic values that technology can bring into daily life, expected to contribute to a sustainable digital future.
The average speed of the national mobile broadband network remained stable, with download speeds reaching 76.86 Mbps and upload speeds reaching 26.98 Mbps.
Under the MoU, AMD will support several key initiatives spearheaded by HCM City’s authorities, including piloting policies, co-hosting innovation events, and evaluating the investment environment within the Saigon Hi-Tech Park.
The centre is a joint initiative between Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology, with PTIT and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) serving as co-leads, and global telecommunications giant Nokia as founding industry partner.
The new centre, staffed by a team of scientists, researchers, and AI specialists working in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, forms part of Qualcomm’s global AI research group.
As a flagship initiative of the community project “Digital Literacy for All”, the programme forms part of a national scheme to equip 20 million young people with digital business skills.
The organisers hope the competition will help shape a generation of exceptional engineers who will make significant contributions to Vietnam’s scientific and technological progress in this era of transformation.
In the digital age and amidst the Fourth Industrial Revolution, IP plays an increasingly critical role, not only in safeguarding inventions but also in reducing copyright infringement and curbing piracy.
Illustrative image (Source: VNA) 
