Quantum technology in new era: Core understanding, practical challenges and strategic collaboration models

21/07/2026

On June 19, 2026, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), in collaboration with Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM), successfully organised the national workshop entitled “Quantum technology in the new era: International trends, opportunities and requirements for Vietnam”. The programme not only provided updates on the latest global developments in quantum technology but also proposed strategic solutions for building national capabilities in this field, in line with the need to safeguard security and data sovereignty while promoting socio-economic development.

Overview of the workshop

At the opening session, Prof. Dr. Tran Hong Thai, President of VAST, and Professor Dr Nguyen Thi Thanh Mai, President of VNU-HCM, jointly outlined a comprehensive strategic vision, paving the way for quantum technology to move beyond the laboratory and address practical national challenges.

Professor Dr Nguyen Thi Thanh Mai – Member of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the Party Committee and President of VNU-HCM, delivers the opening address

Although Vietnam entered this field later than the world's leading countries, the gap in this emerging area has not yet been fully closed. Opportunities remain open for Vietnam if it chooses the right direction, steadily builds endogenous capacity and adopts a practical approach to realise the directives of the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the State President on urgently completing a strategic national project of major significance.

Contrary to the perception that quantum technology is a distant and abstract field, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Thanh Mai pointed out that the issues addressed by quantum technology are, in fact, closely connected to everyday life. These include ensuring the future security of personal, medical, financial and government data; applying simulation technologies to address urban flooding, land subsidence and traffic congestion; and developing new materials, next-generation batteries and innovative medicines.

Prof. Dr. Tran Hong Thai – Member of the Party Central Committee and President of VAST, delivers the keynote address at the workshop

To achieve technological self-reliance and participate more deeply in global value chains, the leadership of VAST and VNU-HCM identified three key strategic priorities:

First, achieving breakthroughs through human resource development and attracting world-class talent;
Second, selecting the right research challenges and addressing urgent national needs;
Third, building a sustainable ecosystem and long-term collaboration model.

Four keynote presentations were delivered during the workshop, covering the following topics: global visions and experiences from pioneering countries; an expert assessment of the current situation, existing bottlenecks and the requirements facing Vietnam in developing quantum technology; the current status of quantum technology research and education at VNU-HCM; and a detailed implementation roadmap outlining key objectives, priority tasks and breakthrough measures requiring immediate action.

During the discussion session, delegates focused on strategic issues aimed at removing bottlenecks in the development of Vietnam's quantum ecosystem. Discussions centred on transforming the current model from isolated academic research towards building national capabilities capable of serving industrial needs, supply chains and technology commercialisation.

Prof. Dr. Chu Hoang Ha, Vice President of VAST, delivers the concluding remarks at the workshop

Through the workshop, VAST, VNU-HCM and other core institutions reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Government in building national quantum capabilities, developing a high-quality interdisciplinary workforce, safeguarding data sovereignty, and gradually transforming quantum technology from laboratory research into a new driving force for the country's socio-economic growth.