SCIENCE - TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT, DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION: Creating new momentum, being ready for breakthrough

Part 3: Towards a leading innovation hub

Under the Politburo’s Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in the development of science, technology, innovation and national digital transformation, along with provincial planning for the 2021-2030 period with a vision to 2050, Binh Duong aims at creating new momentum, further enhancing its position, becoming a leading innovation hub in the Southern Key Economic Region.

Pioneering in digital transformation

Binh Duong is emerging as a prime example of digital transformation in Vietnam, standing out for its application of advanced technologies across industries, services and agriculture. The province is not only making strong investment in technology projects, but also fostering a dynamic and innovative environment to support the sustainable growth of businesses in the region. In its digital transformation journey, Binh Duong is affirming its pioneering role, not only driving the province's economic development, but also making significant contributions to the overall growth of the national digital economy.

Binh Duong has been actively developing a smart city and an innovation hub, positioning itself as one of the leading provinces in fostering innovation and startup. Vo Van Minh, Vice Secretary of provincial Party Committee, Chairman of provincial People's Committee said that Binh Duong is striving to become one of the leading provinces and cities in developing high-tech industries, digital technology and high-quality service industries, with an orientation to 2030 and a vision to 2045 to develop a smart urban-industrial ecosystem, in which the digital economy, digital community and innovation play a core role. Currently, Binh Duong is actively supporting businesses in accessing and engaging with national and regional dynamic innovation ecosystems to drive innovation, digital transformation and technological application. The province is also working to integrate its innovation ecosystem with national and international networks, enhancing the capacity of the province's innovation ecosystem.

Additionally, Binh Duong is accelerating the development of the information technology (IT) sector by establishing concentrated IT zones and data centers while attracting investment in the production of electronic products, semiconductors, IoT devices, artificial intelligence (AI) and big data solutions. The province is working towards forming up a regional IT industrial hub in collaboration with Dong Nai and Ba Ria - Vung Tau, aiming at attracting investment projects in the manufacture of electrical, electronic and IoT products to support the Fourth Industrial Revolution and digital transformation in Vietnam.

Breakthrough in high-quality human resources

Binh Duong aims at becoming a center for scientific and technological research and innovation. High-quality human resources have become a key factor in building up Binh Duong’s innovation hub. The “Triple Helix” collaboration model (Government - Universities - Businesses) plays a crucial role in driving breakthroughs in human resources, paving the way for the province’s development in the future. Universities in Binh Duong have actively integrated education with scientific research and practical applications. Many institutions have established startup incubators, innovation hubs and modern laboratories, enabling students to engage in research and startup when still being in school. At the same time, universities have been promoting cooperation with domestic and foreign businesses.

In Binh Duong's smart city development strategy, Becamex IDC plays a leading role in building an innovation ecosystem, creating a foundation to support and promote development based on innovation and science - technology, in which Eastern International University (EIU) is a core element, a center for training and developing high-quality human resources; research, application and technology transfer. Dr. Ngo Minh Duc, Principal of EIU stated that in recent years, the university has invested in shaping an innovation ecosystem, promoting the application of Industry 4.0 and establishing strong connections with the business community, including Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park Joint Venture Company and international corporations such as Bonfiglioli, Omron and Ecco. The school's Innovation Center is also a place to help the business community connect with students, thereby promoting human resource recruitment activities.

According to Nguyen Trong Luat, General Director of Cicor Vietnam Co., Ltd. in Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park I, the company has successfully established an engineering center with a contingent of young, dedicated engineers. To develop high-quality human resources, the company has closely collaborated with local authorities and universities. As a result, the company has increased its revenue, profits and workforce, generating additional intellectual resources that not only meet its demand for highly skilled laborers, but also supply high-quality human resources to other companies.

Notably, the signing of three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between Becamex IDC, Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park (VSIP) and the National University of Singapore (NUS) is expected to significantly impact the development of science, technology and innovation in Binh Duong’s strategic priority sectors. These MoUs will facilitate collaboration in building a strong foundation for high-quality human resource development, research, innovation and startup, aiming at accelerating the growth of Binh Duong’s high-tech industrial and service ecosystem and contributing to Vietnam’s overall industrial and technological advancement through Becamex’s industrial and urban zones and the Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park network.

Nguyen Van Hung, CEO of Becamex IDC stated that the strategic partnership between Becamex IDC and NUS marks a significant milestone in strengthening the relationship between Binh Duong and Singapore, fostering long-term collaboration in digital capabilities, scientific research, technological innovation and human resource development. These are essential factors in realizing the province's vision and development orientation for the future.

Binh Duong is steadily building a strong foundation by implementing comprehensive strategies and solutions, including investment in transportation and technology infrastructure, the development of high-quality human resources and support for businesses in researching and applying new technologies. These efforts aim at enhancing enterprises’ efficiency and management, boosting labor productivity while better meeting the demands of industrialization and modernization.

John Jung, Chairman of the World’s Intelligent Community Forum (ICF): Binh Duong has been focusing on innovation, converting to modern industry with high added value. This is the orientation for smart and sustainable development in the coming time. Binh Duong is building up a foundation, building up intellectual people, creating a culture of innovation...

Binh Duong is taking steps to establish a centralized Information Technology Center and a Technology Hub of 220 hectares in Binh Duong new city, along with other science and technology industrial zones. With the vision of becoming a leading innovation center of the Southern Key Economic Region, Binh Duong promises to become an attractive destination for high-tech enterprises and semiconductor industries.

Reported by Phuong Le-Translated by Kim Tin