Digital economy ambitions move further into focus

International recognition and expanding global technology partnerships are supporting Vietnam’s efforts to strengthen digital infrastructure and next-generation connectivity capabilities.

- By Khanh Linh

Vietnam’s digital transformation push received fresh international recognition this week after the country was awarded the 2026 GSMA Government Leadership Award at the 2026 Digital Nation Summit Hanoi on May 26.

The award, presented by the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), is regarded as the organisation’s highest recognition for national digital policy. It is selected annually by an independent international panel based on findings from GSMA’s Asia-Pacific Digital Nations Report, honouring countries that combine long-term strategic vision with effective policy implementation and measurable progress in digital transformation.

At the event, Alex Sinclair, chief technology officer of GSMA, said Vietnam’s recognition reflected the consistency and speed of its digital transformation efforts over the past two years.

“Vietnam has been recognised not because of a single initiative, but because of the coherence, speed, and consistency in its digital transformation roadmap. When digital ambition is combined with disciplined policy and coordinated implementation, it creates tangible economic impact for citizens, businesses, and the wider economy,” Sinclair said.

According to GSMA’s report, Digital Nations 2025, Vietnam’s digital economy contributed 18.3 per cent to GDP in 2024 and remains on track to reach 20.5 per cent this year.