Vietnam pushes quantum technology to strengthen digital sovereignty

At a national scientific conference in Ho Chi Minh City, Prof. Dr. Tran Hong Thai, head of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, said quantum technology is a strategic field that can transform computing, communications, sensing, materials, information security, defence and other high‑tech sectors. He warned that second‑generation quantum tools could threaten existing encryption and stressed the need for Vietnam to build its own capabilities rather than rely on external sources.

University leaders, including Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Thanh Mai of Vietnam National University‑Ho Chi Minh City, called for a clear training roadmap, the attraction of overseas Vietnamese experts, and focused investment in areas such as post‑quantum cybersecurity. Both speakers noted that the United States, China, the EU, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, India and Russia have already launched long‑term quantum programs, and urged Vietnam to develop human resources, research infrastructure and a strategic focus to join the global quantum value chain.