Harnessing 5G–AI Convergence: A Growth Catalyst Amid Infrastructure Pressure

Himasha Dissanayake, JadeTimes Staff

H. Dissanayake is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Technology

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Source: Chi Cuong

Vietnam is accelerating its journey toward a digitally powered future, as the convergence of 5G-AI unlocks new growth opportunities across key sectors. However, experts warn that the nation’s ambitions are being challenged by mounting infrastructure strain, shortages of high-skilled talent, and the need for clearer regulatory frameworks. These concerns took centre stage during the “Empowering Digital Economy Growth in the New Era” conference organised by VIR on November 25 in Hanoi.

Vo Xuan Hoai, deputy director at the National Innovation Centre (NIC), underscored the transformative potential of combining 5G with AI. He highlighted that next-generation connectivity reduces latency and accelerates real-time computation, supporting advancements in remote healthcare, smart grids, logistics, and scalable digital services. According to Hoai, Vietnam must continue investing in network upgrades, as the rapid evolution of AI will inevitably increase demand for more powerful and responsive digital infrastructure.

The talent gap presents an equally pressing challenge. Hoai revealed that global competition for AI and 5G expertise remains fierce, even as Vietnam gains recognition as a promising innovation hub — exemplified by NVIDIA’s decision to establish an R&D centre in the country. Despite rising interest, the need for high-calibre professionals in AI-driven research, healthcare technology, and emerging digital industries continues to outpace supply.

Policy development is the third crucial bottleneck. Hoai emphasized the necessity of regulatory sandboxes that allow emerging technologies to be tested, scaled, and commercialized safely and rapidly. Echoing this, FPT Digital’s director of digital transformation, Vuong Quan Ngoc, linked Vietnam’s $200 billion digital economy target by 2030 directly to infrastructure expansion and digital trust. He stressed that sustainable digital growth requires confidence shared by government, businesses, and citizens.

The widening skills gap in advanced technology fields was also highlighted by Dr. Dong Manh Cuong of British University Vietnam. He noted that Vietnam’s shortage lies not in the number of tech workers, but in specialists capable of merging technical knowledge with business, legal, and safety perspectives to convert innovation into concrete economic value.

Providing a comparative view, Seck Yee Chung of the Singapore Chamber of Commerce Vietnam pointed out that Vietnam stands between two powerful models — Singapore’s flexible yet strict regulatory approach and China’s technology-driven data governance. With natural resources, youthful demographics, and growing innovation momentum, he argued, Vietnam has the potential not just to keep pace, but to lead in strategic sectors including smart agriculture, climate resilience, and the green economy.

With coordinated investment in infrastructure, human capital, and effective regulatory balance, industry leaders agree that Vietnam is well-positioned to harness the full power of 5G–AI convergence, unlocking long-term digital competitiveness and economic growth.