This message was underscored by Dr Nguyen Trung Dung, Chairman of the Vietnam Higher Education Network of Entrepreneurship & Innovation (VNEI), in his opening speech at the 2025 National Forum themed “Innovation in Viet Nam’s Cultural and Tourism Industries”, held on June 24, at the Tam Chuc National Tourism Site.
According to Dr Dung, as sectors rich in identity and potential, culture and tourism now face a unique opportunity to redefine their roles, models, and products by applying technology, connecting creative communities, and harnessing knowledge-based resources.
The VNEI Chairman affirmed that the forum would go beyond discussions of successful models or technology trends — it aimed to share a common responsibility in forging connections between the "three pillars": the State, academia, and businesses to co-create practical solutions, foster sustainable partnerships, and drive innovation for the benefit of the community.
The event brought together over 100 delegates, including representatives of central ministries and agencies, more than 50 universities and colleges, creative enterprises, international organisations, and innovative startups in culture, tourism, and technology.
Topics of discussion included developing cultural industry products linked to heritage, applying virtual reality (VR) technology to cultural and tourism experiences, showcasing innovative models at historical and cultural sites and sharing international lessons in developing the cultural industries.
VNEI is one of the key strategic hubs in Viet Nam’s national innovation ecosystem. With more than 60 members, including universities, research institutes, and startup support centres, VNEI plays a leading role in fostering digital transformation, creative thinking, and interdisciplinary cooperation models within higher education.
