Brian Jeffrey
On the morning of November 12, Minister Nguyen Manh Hung addressed inquiries from National Assembly deputies focusing on three key issues in the sector.
The focused areas included enhancing journalism quality amidst the rise of social media, the influential role of journalism in socio-economic development, managing advertising on traditional and online platforms, and boosting investments in telecommunications infrastructure, especially in rural and ethnic minority regions.
Before engaging with Assembly members, Minister Hung summarized the significant topics.
He highlighted that the Information and Communications sector is multi-faceted, covering aspects of infrastructure, technology, economics, and politics as they relate to digital technology. This includes digital infrastructure, technology, and state management across fields like broadcast journalism, electronic information, publishing, and distribution, which are increasingly reliant on digital media and communication.
“Thus, many now refer to our Ministry as the Ministry of Digital Infrastructure or the Ministry of Digital Transformation,” he remarked.
The Minister noted that the ICT sector contributes around $150 billion annually, accounting for one-third of the national GDP, with growth rates consistently surpassing that of the GDP.
He also emphasized the sector’s involvement in various strategic technologies such as IoT, big data, cloud computing, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and cybersecurity.
These advancing technologies are critical to digital progress, resulting in new digital environments and resources, thereby laying a foundation for digital infrastructure, technology, and industry that enhances traditional sectors vital to the country’s growth in the digital age.
The Minister expressed appreciation to National Assembly deputies and voters nationwide for their continued support and constructive input, acknowledging their role in the sector’s mission fulfillment.
In addressing the specific queries, Minister Hung detailed the sector’s progress.
On the topic of journalism, he acknowledged that the revolutionary press in Vietnam has shown significant progress, with journalists successfully meeting public demand for timely reporting.
Effective media communication has influenced public opinion, cultivated societal consensus and trust, and fueled Vietnam’s ambitions, forming a spiritual force that contributes to socio-economic development.
The Minister referenced a strategy from the Prime Minister aimed at the digital transformation of journalism, designating the online space as a crucial domain, indicating that its success hinges on effective engagement in this area. Multiple media outlets are actively pursuing digital transformation initiatives to create a “professional, compassionate, and modern” journalism model accessible to a diverse audience.
Regarding advertising, the Minister stated that the Ministry has strengthened its oversight of advertising practices across both media and online platforms, working alongside other ministries to eliminate illegal ads, especially on frequently used social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
These initiatives involve heightened inspections and strict enforcement against non-compliant brands and advertising agencies, as well as advocacy for international platforms to align with Vietnamese regulations.
In telecommunications, Minister Hung confirmed that the sector is experiencing a second phase of transformation, with traditional telecom infrastructures being upgraded to digital setups as part of the digital economy. Vietnam’s digital infrastructure now includes telecommunications, internet, data, and physical frameworks, all facilitating the shift from physical to digital domains.
The Minister reiterated Party General Secretary To Lam’s assertion that “digital infrastructure is vital, comparable to transportation and power infrastructure, and must be prioritized for investment to support national digital transformation and the growth of the digital economy and society.” By 2030, this infrastructure aims to rank among the top 50 globally and the top 30 by 2045, with features like ultra-high capacity, ultra-broad bandwidth, sustainability, intelligence, openness, and security.
Recent initiatives by the Ministry have outlined strategies and criteria for developing national digital infrastructure, particularly focusing on enhancing access in remote, rural, and minority areas.
Though some challenges exist, the Minister views them as opportunities for sector advancement.
“We see these challenges as catalysts for growth. The insights shared today by National Assembly deputies provide valuable perspectives on our sector’s condition, highlighting areas for improvement and our responsibilities. They also unveil new approaches and solutions,” he remarked.
The Minister acknowledged that Vietnam is navigating both opportunities and challenges on its development journey under Party leadership, with the collective support of the Party, the populace, and the political system.
“Together, we will navigate the digital transformation and propel our country into a new era, marking a phase of growth for the Vietnamese people,” he asserted.
Minister Hung welcomed questions from National Assembly deputies, committing to provide thorough and transparent answers. For matters needing further elaboration, he pledged to offer written follow-up responses. For broader and complex issues, he suggested presenting specialized reports to the National Assembly to comprehensively address deputies’ queries.
At the beginning of the Q&A session, 91 deputies had signed up to engage with Minister Nguyen Manh Hung.
