HCMC – Vietnam plans to expand the model of the NAB Innovation Center Vietnam, established by National Australia Bank (NAB), as part of efforts to develop high-quality technology talent and strengthen the country’s innovation ecosystem.
Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung made the statement during a meeting on March 5 in Hanoi with leaders of the NAB Innovation Center Vietnam, a technology development hub operated by NAB.
NAB is one of Australia’s largest banks, with more than 170 years of history, over 40,000 employees, and more than 10 million customers worldwide.
The bank established the NAB Innovation Center Vietnam in 2020 to build a high-quality information technology workforce.
Since then, the bank has opened two offices in Vietnam employing more than 2,400 staff. More than 500 Vietnamese students have joined specialized training programs at NAB’s Tech Academy, with about 90% recruited as engineers at the center after completing the training.
Tran Minh Hanh, general manager of the center, and Alain Cany, a member of NAB’s board of directors, briefed the deputy prime minister on the center’s development and strategy. They also proposed measures to enable NAB to participate more actively in government technology and innovation initiatives.
Dung noted that the center had contributed to the development of skilled technology workers and supported Vietnam’s digital transformation and innovation ecosystem.
He also referred to the growing ties between Vietnam and Australia following the upgrade of bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership two years ago. Economic cooperation remains a key pillar, and Australia continues to rank among Vietnam’s leading trade and investment partners.
According to the deputy prime minister, Australian businesses and investors help connect the two economies and strengthen links between Vietnam and the Oceania region.
Vietnam is working to improve institutions and remove development bottlenecks to establish a new growth model, with a target of achieving annual growth of more than 10% alongside long-term development goals.
Science, technology, innovation and national digital transformation have been identified as key drivers of development.
In this context, models such as the NAB Innovation Center Vietnam can help attract high-quality foreign investment, support technology transfer, and deepen the innovation ecosystem.
Dung proposed that NAB expand its investment in Vietnam and mobilize businesses within its network to invest in the country. He also suggested the bank explore opportunities to participate in the development of international financial centers planned in HCMC and Danang.
The deputy prime minister also encouraged the center to expand its presence to other major cities and startup hubs, including Danang, Haiphong and Can Tho.
He called for more training programs for technology professionals and the development of scholarships and exchange opportunities for Vietnamese students and researchers within global innovation networks.
Dung added that the Government would continue to provide a stable and transparent investment environment for strategic investors such as NAB to operate in Vietnam over the long term.
