The UK Government launched the UK Technology Week in Southeast Asia 2025 (Sweek), a leading event dedicated to promoting digital innovation and strong partnerships between the UK and Southeast Asia, especially Vietnam.
Held over two days (March 27-28) in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), this year's event follows the success of the 2024 Week and marks an important milestone in the process of closer digital transformation cooperation between the two countries.
British Ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew and Deputy Trade Commissioner for Asia - Pacific (South Asia), Rhiannon Harries, led a delegation of 12 pioneering companies in artificial intelligence (AI) and data in the UK to explore cooperation opportunities with Vietnamese partners in the technology ecosystem.
Within the framework of the 2025 Week, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Ho Chi Minh City Digital Transformation Center and the Consulate General of the UK to strengthen cooperation in science, technology and innovation, including digital transformation, smart city technology, financial technology (fintech), digital transformation technology and healthtech.
The Memorandum of Understanding marks a significant step forward in strengthening the partnership between the UK and Ho Chi Minh City in the fields of digital and technology. By promoting deeper cooperation in digital transformation, we are paving the way for new opportunities to boost economic growth and technological advancement, said British Ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew.
Another activity was a high-level meeting between British Ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew and Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Science and Technology Lam Dinh Thang to discuss the establishment of a British Technology Professional Center to conduct AI governance training in Vietnam, discuss policies and regulations related to technology and innovation as well as opportunities to strengthen cooperation in the future.
In addition, there are purpose- specifically designed business connection meetings between British and Vietnamese companies to promote new partnerships, explore investment opportunities and promote bilateral trade...
The 2025 Week highlights the UKs commitment to promoting innovation and cooperation across the region. We are a global leader in science and technology, with a technology ecosystem worth 1,200 billion USD with more than 180 breeds. I am very happy that we have 12 advanced companies in Vietnam this week to build a long-term, effective relationship for the common prosperity and growth of the two countries. Whether in the fields of AI, financial technology or cybersecurity, the UK and Vietnam will all be stronger as they accompany each other on the path of innovation - Ms. Rhiannon Harries emphasized.
