HCMC – The British Consulate General and HCMC’s Digital Transformation Center have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in digital transformation, smart city development, fintech, transformational technologies, and healthcare technology.
The signing took place during the UK-Southeast Asia Tech Week 2025, which opened in HCMC today, March 27. The event aims to promote digital collaboration between the UK and Southeast Asia, with a particular focus on Vietnam.
“The MoU marks a significant step forward in strengthening the partnership between the UK and HCMC in the digital and technology sector. By fostering deeper collaboration in digital transformation, we are paving the way for new opportunities that will drive economic growth and technological advancement,” said Iain Frew, the British Ambassador to Vietnam.
Following the MoU signing, Frew met with Lam Dinh Thang, director of the HCMC Department of Science and Technology, to discuss establishing a UK Tech Center of Expertise in Vietnam. The proposed center would offer AI governance training and facilitate policy dialogue on emerging technologies.
The UK-Southeast Asia Tech Week 2025 is a premier event dedicated to catalyzing digital innovation and fostering robust partnerships between the United Kingdom and Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam. Held for two days (March 27-28), this year’s edition builds on the success of 2024’s event and marks a significant milestone in the journey toward a more interconnected digital future between the two countries.
The event features keynote speeches, panel discussions on AI applications in healthcare, women’s leadership in tech, and UK tech success stories in Vietnam. Business matching sessions are also being held to foster partnerships and explore investment opportunities.
Frew and Deputy Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific (Southeast Asia) Rhiannon Harries led a delegation of 12 UK artificial intelligence (AI) and data companies exploring partnership opportunities with Vietnamese firms.
Delegates will visit FPT Corporation’s technology hub and attend a networking reception. Landmark 81, Vietnam’s tallest building, will be illuminated to mark the occasion.
The UK, with a US$1.2 trillion tech sector and over 180 unicorn companies, is looking to expand its digital cooperation with Vietnam. Vietnamese businesses are also invited to join London Tech Week in June for further collaboration opportunities.
