Leaders of the National Data Association and Hue City People’s Committee discussing before the launching ceremony

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Binh, Standing Vice Chairman of Hue City People’s Committee, affirmed: “The announcement of the Global Data Experts Network is an opportunity for Hue to access advanced knowledge, share modern data exploitation models, and receive support in developing the city’s data center, an important direction aligned with the implementation of the Politburo’s Resolution No. 57 on the development of science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation”.

The Executive Board of the Global Data Expert Network presenting themselves at the event 

Mr. Binh emphasized that Hue is committed to accompanying the National Data Association and the community of experts in implementing cooperation programs, technology platform trials, human resource development, and promoting data economy, aiming toward the goal of building a “digital government that serves citizens and businesses”.

Major General Nguyen Ngoc Cuong, Director of the National Data Center, stated that the establishment of VDEN is “a historic milestone in the journey of building Vietnam’s data economy”, demonstrating the determination to transform data from potential into a genuine driving force for development.

“Data is the new oil of the 21st century. To exploit this valuable resource, Vietnam needs the best team of “knowledge engineers”, who are the experts with vision, international experience, and a strong dedication to their homeland,” Mr. Cuong shared.

After several months of networking, VDEN Network has gathered nearly 80 Vietnamese experts working at leading corporations, research institutes, and universities in the United States, Japan, South Korea, Canada, Australia, and Europe. According to Mr. Cuong, the National Data Center will serve as the “brain,” while VDEN Network will act as the “external source of intellectual”, working together to build a national data ecosystem.

Experts, scientists, and technology entrepreneurs attending the event 

The Center and the Association are currently coordinating to implement a cooperation mechanism with the Network, prioritizing the development of a Sandbox for testing applications of artificial intelligence, big data, and blockchain, while ensuring security and safety in accordance with international standards.

“Wherever we are, let us work together to make this Network the heart of knowledge, beating strongly for our nation’s future”, said Major General Nguyen Ngoc Cuong.

The Global Data Experts Network aims to establish a sustainable forum connecting 4 pillars, including the Government, Enterprises, Academia, and Experts. Its key activities include sharing information, technology, and emerging data trends; providing policy advice and proposing national data standards; promoting the development of data-driven projects that deliver practical value; and organizing training programs to develop the next generation of professionals in the field of data science.

Operating on 5 core principles “voluntarism - cooperation - co-development”, VDEN aims to mobilize global Vietnamese intellect to contribute to building an autonomous, innovative, and sustainable data foundation.

Signing ceremony of the cooperation agreement between the National Data Association and Vietnam Informatics Association 

Within the framework of the announcement ceremony, the organizing committee presented key personnel appointments of the Network and signed a cooperation agreement between Hue City People’s Committee, the National Data Association, and Vietnam Informatics Association.

Right after the announcement ceremony, the international conference titled “Data Science and Data Economy, The Driving Force of Global Innovation” took place with a series of thematic sessions. Delegates shared international perspectives, practical experiences, and strategic insights for developing the data economy in Vietnam.

Story and photos: Lien Minh