Press Release
Hanoi, 9 April 2026 — Government officials, industry leaders, and policy researchers gathered in Vietnam today for a high-level roundtable on “Technology Governance Trends in Southeast Asia: Policy for Advancing Frontier Technologies in Vietnam,” jointly organised by the Academy of Policy and Development (APD) and the Tech for Good Institute (TFGI).
The event also marked the launch of the third edition of TFGI’s flagship annual report, The Evolution of Tech Governance in Southeast Asia (2026). The report explores how governance policy priorities and governance approaches are evolving across Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
“Our research dialogue today reflects our commitment to building understanding, informing policy with research, and shaping conversations on how technology can be leveraged for a thriving and innovative digital future.
We are grateful for the support of the National Institute for Economics and Finance (NIEF) and the Academy of Policy and Development (APD) under the Ministry of Finance in advancing discussions on what forward-looking policies may look like for Vietnam.”
Arifah Sharifuddin
Institute Director of the Tech for Good Institute (TFGI).
“We highly value TFGI’s dedication to developing The Evolution of Technology Governance in Southeast Asia report. This workshop marks an important milestone in the partnership between APD and TFGI. We are grateful for the opportunity to bring together diverse stakeholders to share knowledge, highlight research, and inform policy considerations that support inclusive digital economy growth in Vietnam,”
Tran Trong Nguyen
President of the Academy of Policy and Development (APD).
Following the launch of the report, a roundtable discussion brought together experts from government, academia, and industry to explore the effective implementation of recently adopted laws, such as the AI Law and the e-Commerce Law, as they move from legislation into practice.
“It is critical to ensure that implementation rules and guidelines remain practical for businesses, including micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and fit-for-purpose to the local context. This is where policy innovation is just as important as technological innovation.
There is an opportunity for government agencies, enterprises, digital platforms, and universities to co-create and collaborate in identifying effective governance mechanisms for Vietnam.”
Keith Detros
Programme Manager, Tech for Good Institute.
Discussants also highlighted the opportunity for ASEAN member states to learn from one another as they navigate the transition from policy to practice.
“Vietnam has the opportunity to shape legal and policy frameworks that position the country to benefit from regional cooperation. There are areas where Vietnam can draw from the experiences of its ASEAN neighbors and, in turn, contribute to building a more cohesive regional approach,“
Dr. Thao
Deputy Head of the Department of Business Development, National Institute for Economics and Finance (NIEF)
Key experts in the discussion include: Mr Nguyen Huu Tuan from Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT); Dr Nguyen Xuan Hoai from AI Academy Vietnam; Dr Nguyen Nhat Quang from Vietnam Software and IT Services Association (VINASA); Dr. Nguyen Quang Huy, from College of Technology, National Economics University; Mr Nguyen Quang Dong from Institute for Policy Studies and Media Development (IPS); Ms Tran Thi Hoa from Centre for Supporting Green Development (GreenHub); Dr Pham Hoang Mai from Academy of Policy and Development (APD); Dr Nguyen Quoc Viet from Hanoi National University; Mr Nguyen Mai Duong from Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), shared their perspectives on what policy directions for 2026.
Participants noted that effective technology governance requires not just good laws, but the collaborative environment to implement them well. Institutional capacity, cross-sector collaboration, and cross-border interoperability are equally critical to ensuring that frameworks function as intended.
About the Tech for Good Institute
The Tech for Good Institute (TFGI) is a non-profit policy research institute working to advance the promise of technology and the digital economy for inclusive, equitable and sustainable growth in Southeast Asia (SEA). TFGI serves as a platform for research, conversations and collaborations focused on SEA, while staying connected to the rest of the world. Our work is centred on issues at the intersection of technology, society and the economy, and is intrinsically linked to the region’s development. We seek to understand and inform policy with rigour, balance and perspective by using research, effective outreach and evidence-based recommendations.
TFGI works in partnership with the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth and Grab, to advance the vision of a thriving and innovative SEA for all. We welcome opportunities for partnership and support, financial or in-kind, from organisations and individuals committed to fostering responsible innovation and digital progress for sustainable growth in the region.
More information about the Institute can be accessed at www.techforgoodinstitute.org
About APD
The Academy of Policy and Development (APD) is a public university under the Ministry of Finance. APD operates with the mission of training high-quality human resources in economics, business, management, and development policy; conducting scientific research; facilitating knowledge transfer; and providing policy advisory services to state management agencies.
Currently, the Academy offers 14 undergraduate programmes, six master’s programmes, and one doctoral programme. In research and advisory work, APD has led numerous national and regional master planning projects and provided strategic advice on sustainable development for various localities across Vietnam. Many of its research outputs have been published in leading international academic journals, contributing robust evidence to support national policymaking processes.
Media Inquiries
- Keith Detros
Programme Manager, Tech for Good Institute
[email protected]
- Vu Thi Minh Luan
Acting Head, Department of Science Management and Cooperation, Academy of Policy and Development (APD)
[email protected]
