Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam called on all society to co-ordinate to create momentum for the so-called fourth industrial revolution, or Industry 4.0, using new digital technologies.

The politician was speaking at the Viet Nam ICT Summit 2017 on Wednesday in Ha Noi, with the event themed “Viet Nam: Digital Transformation in the Industry 4.0”.

The Deputy Prime Minister also asked the information and communication technology (ICT) industry to build a complete information technology infrastructure.

To take advantage of Industry 4.0, Viet Nam needs develop its broadband infrastructure, especially by popularising 4G technology and developing 5G technology, Dam said.

Viet Nam needs to step up information technology services outsourcing, while State agencies must be bolder in promoting the use of information technology.

Ministries, sectors, associations and enterprises must also review and implement six tasks assigned by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc at the Viet Nam ICT Summit 2016, the Deputy PM emphasised.

Minister of Information and Communications Truong Minh Tuan affirmed the ministry’s determination to strengthen capacity to make use of the fourth industrial revolution, citing his ministry’s plan to implement policies to ensure the development of digital infrastructure and the security of the national information system, and issue standards in the field of information and technology.

Chairman of Viet Nam Software and IT Services Association Truong Gia Binh said that as the fourth industrial revolution was taking place at an accelerating pace, the ITC Summit organisers chose the theme and held forums focused on the development of digital transformation strategies in Viet Nam.

At the event, a list of Viet Nam’s technological potentials was presented, including three key strengths, with 77.7 per cent of survey firms agreeing human resources were strong, 70.4 per cent praising the Government’s awareness and commitment, while 59.1 per cent agreed technological and telecommunication infrastructure was flourishing.

Several suggestions to make use of these advantages were given as well, in hope that improvements can be made towards a better labour force and highly trained workers, as well as pushing for the digitisation of the economy and increasing support for startups.

Tuan also suggested the Government and the Ministry of Education and Training promote education reform to develop high quality human resources ahead of Industry 4.0.

Representatives from 275 firms and other organisations present at this year’s summit also asked that the Government focus on several key economic sectors that would benefit greatly from the fourth industrial revolution, namely travel and tourism, agriculture, banking and finance, as well as technology and logistics.

Participants at the forum attended seminars on perceptions about Viet Nam in the fourth industrial revolution, Viet Nam’s economic strengths, smart city technology, the digital workforce, and innovation and start-ups.

Additionally, the “CityNext” solution by Microsoft, was presented by Nguyen Tuan Anh, Develop Experience Leader of Microsoft Corporation, as method of empowering cities and citizens by delivering innovative digital services to improve sustainability and prosperity.

According to Tuan Anh, the “CityNext” solution package if implemented correctly would help information flow between cities, departments and businesses in urban environments in Viet Nam.

This year’s ICT event was attended by more than 650 delegates, including ministerial leaders, representatives of 45 provinces and cities nationwide, ambassadors and trade counsellors from 14 countries, leaders of state management agencies, universities, research institutes and leading information and technology enterprises and corporations. — VNS