Along with the development of artificial intelligence (AI), Big Data, and language-processing technologies, domestic publishers and e-book companies are proactively applying technology to production, distribution, and reader services. Many initiatives aimed at improving user experience and encouraging reading habits and lifelong learning have been widely implemented, leaving a clear mark on digital transformation in the publishing sector. According to data from the Authority of Publication, Printing and Distribution, digital publishing accounted for about 8.9% of total published books in 2024, while e-book downloads and audiobook listening increased by more than 200% compared to 2023.
The industry is shifting rapidly from traditional print to digital formats, creating favourable conditions for applying additional features such as dictionary lookup, parallel translation, and audio functions. The Voiz FM application in Viet Nam continues to grow in downloads and is testing upgraded AI voice technology that makes it difficult to distinguish between artificial and human voices.
In addition, international e-book solutions offer more features to meet increasing user demands: full-book and cross-publisher search, translation into 42 languages, note-taking, and usage statistics.
The e-book company Waka has recently developed a read-and-translate feature, allowing users to read and learn in the same interface. With just one touch, readers can look up vocabulary, listen to standard pronunciation, view example sentences, and compare definitions from trusted sources.
Digital publishing accounted for about 8.9% of total published books, and e-book downloads and audiobook listening increased by more than 200% compared to 2023.
Data for 2024 from the Authority of Publication, Printing and Distribution.
Context-aware technology helps translations become natural, relatable, and emotionally appropriate, overcoming the stiffness of machine translation. Additionally, users can take notes, save vocabulary, and keep meaningful ideas, forming a personal “digital study notebook” that creates a seamless and inspiring read-and-learn experience.
The foreign book catalogues of many publishing units are continuously expanding, meeting diverse needs across different proficiency levels and aiming to build a comprehensive reading-learning ecosystem that allows readers to access knowledge aligned with their interests, levels, and personal goals.
Digital transformation in publishing is not merely about moving from print to digital, it is a comprehensive shift to create a multi-dimensional user experience. Publishing models are changing, allowing authors and publishers to participate more quickly, reduce printing and distribution costs, and increase interaction with readers.
Additionally, users can take notes, store vocabulary and meaningful ideas, forming a personal “digital study notebook” and creating a seamless, inspiring reading-learning experience.
Nguyen Nguyen, Director of the Authority of Publication, Printing and Distribution, stated: “The stable development of the publishing industry will contribute to building a sustainable market. Beyond common challenges, each unit must have its own strategy aligned with market needs. This raises major questions: What is the purpose of digital transformation? What benefits do units gain from it? And the new market of e-books needs to be exploited effectively.”
The Authority of Publication, Printing and Distribution proposes that units strengthen investment in personnel, technical infrastructure, and modern technology, making digital publishing a spearhead and a driving force for development. At the same time, state management quality in this field must be improved through measures such as refining the legal framework; building and completing digital infrastructure from central to local levels; developing shared databases and establishing a national database on publication, printing, and distribution; and further applying Big Data and AI technologies.
At a broader level, global digital publishing platforms have already shaped smart reading ecosystems personalised to user behaviour and needs. In developed markets such as the US, Japan, and the Republic of Korea, digital publishing is a comprehensive channel for learning, interaction, and entertainment in a seamless environment.
Based on conferences and seminars held by the publication, printing, and distribution industry, experts agree that prioritising “digitalising user experience” and placing readers at the centre of innovation is the right direction in line with global publishing trends. Compared to the world, the technology gap is narrowing with many domestic publishing units and enterprises proactively developing language technologies, AI voices, and context-based interaction tools. However, to build a strong digital publishing industry, in addition to familiar solutions, Viet Nam must continue investing in digital copyright, payment platforms, and refining a legal framework compatible with the international creative economy model.
