“VIETNAMESE SMEs IN THE CONTEXT OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES”

SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE
“VIETNAMESE SMEs IN THE CONTEXT OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES”

Overview of the Conference

The scientific conference titled “Vietnamese SMEs in the Context of Digital Transformation: Opportunities and Challenges”, organized by the Economic Management Program under the Faculty of Economics and Tourism, Hanoi Metropolitan University, was held with the participation of experts, business representatives, lecturers, and students.

The conference focused on discussions related to digital transformation trends, as well as the opportunities and challenges facing Vietnamese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) amid the rapid development of the digital economy.

Dr. Dang Thi Mai Huong delivers the opening remarks

Dr. Dang Thi Mai Huong, Director of the Economic Management Program, emphasized in her opening remarks that digital transformation is no longer an optional trend but has become an inevitable requirement for both businesses and educational institutions.

According to data presented at the conference, the SME sector currently accounts for approximately 97% of all operating enterprises in Vietnam, contributes more than 45% of the national GDP, and provides employment for over 60% of the country’s workforce.

However, many SMEs continue to face difficulties in implementing digital transformation due to limitations in financial resources, technological human resources, and digital governance capabilities.

Dr. Cao Tuan Phong presents his paper

From a research and policy perspective, Dr. Cao Tuan Phong from the Vietnam Institute of Economics presented policy directions to support SMEs in the context of digital transformation. He also analyzed the role of the government in promoting innovation and sustainable business development.

Dr. Nghiem Xuan Khoat presents his paper

Dr. Nghiem Xuan Khoat from the National Innovation Center presented a paper on Vietnamese SMEs in the digital era. His presentation focused on analyzing opportunities for enterprises to restructure their growth models while candidly highlighting major challenges arising during the digital transformation process.

At the conference, Mr. Vu Thanh Thang, Chairman and Founder of AIZ Joint Stock Company, delivered a presentation on AI trends and digital transformation in contemporary business management. His report focused on analyzing the role of artificial intelligence, data, and technology in enhancing business competitiveness in the digital age.

Dr. Do Viet Tuan, Founder of Edufly JSC, presented a report entitled “Digital Transformation in Education and the Development of Digital Human Resources”, emphasizing the role of technology in educational innovation, digital skills training, and the development of a workforce capable of meeting the demands of the modern economy.

The conference featured lively discussions among experts, lecturers, and students on issues related to digital transformation, professional skills, workforce demands, and students’ adaptability to the evolving requirements of the labor market.

The Economic Management Program under the Faculty of Economics and Tourism is actively innovating its curriculum with an application-oriented approach, strengthening connections between the University, businesses, and professional practice. By emphasizing the development of digital management competencies, analytical skills, innovative thinking, and career adaptability, the program aims to train human resources capable of meeting labor market demands in the current era of digital transformation.

Group photo session

The conference concluded with an engaging discussion session involving speakers, lecturers, and students, thereby strengthening connections among the University, businesses, and learners while opening up new opportunities for collaboration in education, professional practice, and student skills development.

The success of the conference further affirmed that the University's application-oriented educational innovation strategy is well aligned with practical requirements, contributing to improved training quality and meeting workforce demands in the digital economy. The data and assessments presented at the conference were referenced from the following sources: the Vietnam Enterprise White Book 2024 published by the Ministry of Planning and Investment; the Vietnam Digital Transformation Index Report 2024; the VCCI Report on Vietnamese Enterprises and Digital Transformation; the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025; and OECD studies on digital transformation for SMEs.