Vietnam Eyes Quantum Future, Cites Need for National Strategy

HANOI – Vietnam is in the early stages of developing its quantum technology sector, a field seen as a new frontier with the potential for major scientific and economic breakthroughs, according to senior officials speaking at a scientific seminar on June 23.

Doan Minh Huan, President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, described quantum technology as a force that could profoundly transform perceptions, production methods, and social governance. Speaking at the Hanoi seminar, titled "Quantum Technology in the New Era: International Trends, Opportunities, and Requirements for Vietnam," Huan noted that the field is identified as a strategic technology under the Politburo's Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW. He emphasized that recognizing development trends early is vital for strengthening strategic autonomy and national interests, and for bridging the gap between theory and modern scientific knowledge.

While acknowledging the field is challenging and requires comprehensive preparation in scientific foundations, infrastructure, and human resources, Vietnam cannot afford to be an outsider, said Prof. Tran Hong Thai, President of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology. He described quantum as a strategic technology capable of reshaping the future development of nations. Prof. Thai advocated for an approach where Vietnam is “proactive without being hasty,” avoiding a comprehensive “all-out” race while refusing to remain a mere observer.

In a report presented at the event, Dr. Nguyen Quoc Hung, Director of the Quantum Technology Institute at Vietnam National University, Hanoi, confirmed that the country is in its initial development phase. His report, "Current Status, Bottlenecks, and Requirements for Vietnam in Quantum Technology Development," noted that while some specialized research facilities are emerging, their capacity and operational mechanisms are not yet fully ready.

The report identified several key bottlenecks, including the lack of a national-level policy, the absence of an interdisciplinary coordination architecture, limited infrastructure, and a shortage of highly specialized personnel. It also highlighted low corporate participation and financial and procurement mechanisms that are ill-suited for high-risk, long-cycle technologies.

Based on these findings, Dr. Hung proposed that Vietnam adopt a focused strategy, prioritizing information security, post-quantum cryptography, sensors, and human resource training.

Seminar delegates also argued that the field is directly linked to strategic competition, the new international division of labor, mastery of high-tech value chains, data security, and national digital sovereignty. They stressed that quantum technology is essentially the “technologization” of quantum reality’s principles, such as wave-particle duality and the microscopic states of matter.

Consequently, a consensus emerged that Vietnam needs to cultivate a “quantum ecosystem” mindset. This approach would encompass multidisciplinary science, quantum philosophy, human resources, research infrastructure, governance, and international cooperation to ensure autonomy not only in technology but also in thinking, theoretical foundations, and scientific methodologies.