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12.87% in 2021 to 14.02% in 2025, averaging around 13.2% over the period. The core
digital economy sector accounted for 8.13%, while the digitization of other sectors made
up 5.05%. E-commerce became a pivotal sector, constituting 11.8% of the digital
economy's value added, significantly impacting consumer behavior and distribution
methods (Lan Anh, 2026). By 2025, the digital economy's structure underscored the
growth of core industries such as electronic product manufacturing, computers,
telecommunications, computer programming, and data processing. This sector
contributed 8.42% of GDP, equivalent to $43.3 billion, representing over 60% of the total
digital economy value and acting as the technological backbone for the entire economy
(Anh Nhi, 2026). Furthermore, technology companies are expanding, with foreign direct
investment pouring into the semiconductor and electronic components sectors, setting
the stage for the high-tech industry that many regions rely on for breakthroughs.
Vietnam's digital economy has significant growth potential due to several driving
factors, including strong GDP growth and increasing investment in digital infrastructure
from both domestic and foreign sources. Additional factors include credit incentives
through fintech platforms, job creation, a youthful population, a growing domestic middle
class, and attractive ICT tax incentives.
However, according to Resolution 57, Vietnam still faces a considerable gap in
achieving the targets of 30% of GDP by 2030 and 50% by 2045 from the current percentage.
A major challenge for the country's digital transformation is maintaining strong
macroeconomic foundations while managing an acceptable level of external debt, alongside
efficient investment in infrastructure and the workforce to enhance labor productivity.
Vietnam also encounters ineffective cooperation and interactions among various
institutions in implementing the country's digital economy programs. Additionally, the
digital transformation reveals a significant gap between regions and sectors and between
large and small/micro businesses. Challenges also include institutional capacity,
cybersecurity, and a notable 'brain drain' in the technology sector (Phung Thi My Linh,
2025).
Drawing from the experiences of Singapore and Malaysia, and considering
Vietnam's current situation, the paper suggests the following policies to enhance the
digital economy:
Firstly, developing human resources with digital skills is crucial. Lessons from two
ASEAN countries indicate that Vietnam should adjust educational programs to align with
industry needs and strengthen technical vocational education and training programs.
Vietnam should ensure graduates acquire skills demanded by the labor market, develop a
high-tech workforce, invest in infrastructure, laboratories, and curricula focused on talent,
encourage industry automation, incentivize technology transfer, and improve labor
market efficiency.
Secondly, the experiences of Singapore and Malaysia indicate that Vietnam must
prioritize investing in the development and enhancement of telecommunications network
infrastructure. This is crucial to ensure coverage in rural and mountainous regions,
improve internet accessibility, and boost connection speeds. Establishing data centers
and cloud facilities will facilitate access to digital technology for both businesses and
individuals.
Thirdly, the lessons learnt from Singapore and Malaysia reveal that it is essential for
Vietnam to strengthen the policy framework and collaboration in digital economy
development. Enhancing the institutional and policy framework for digital economic

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