The information was shared during a reception hosted by Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui Hoang Phuong for Mr. Edward Lim, Country Director of NUS Enterprise Singapore in Vietnam, on August 7, 2026.
Overview of the working session
At the working session, Mr. Edward Lim stated that Viet Nam is one of NUS Enterprise's priority markets in Southeast Asia. He emphasized that human resource development is the core focus of cooperation, aiming to train management personnel and workforce in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation for Viet Nam.
Mr. Edward Lim proposed launching a co-funded scholarship program for the Master of Science in Venture Creation, which combines master's degree education with support for building startups and commercializing technologies licensed by the National University of Singapore (NUS).
Mr. Edward Lim also proposed three collaborative initiatives, including: Building an accelerator program in Viet Nam for startups in AI, robotics, and advanced materials; Expanding the UniVentures program with the Temasek Foundation to promote the commercialization of university research outcomes; Studying the implementation of a technology transfer program from NUS to Viet Nam, focusing on AI, semiconductors, new materials, and health technology, while connecting NUS technologies with practical demands in Viet Nam to accelerate the commercialization of research outcomes.
Appreciating the proposals from the Singaporean side, Deputy Minister Bui Hoang Phuong noted that cooperation in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation between Viet Nam and Singapore still holds vast room for growth.
Deputy Minister Phuong suggested that both sides study holding regular forums and business networking conferences between Viet Nam and Singapore, particularly in the fields of innovation and creative startups, hosted alternately in the two countries. He also proposed expanding cooperation in digital transformation, digital government, digital economy, and digital society.
Delegates pose for a group photo.
The Deputy Minister expressed his wish for NUS to provide scholarships for students of the Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology (PTIT) under an education model tied to innovative startups, helping form tech enterprises right upon graduation.
The Ministry of Science and Technology stands ready to support startups from Singapore, Viet Nam, and other countries in carrying out innovative activities in Viet Nam, while serving as a bridge if NUS students choose Viet Nam to develop their startup projects.
In response, Mr. Edward Lim affirmed that NUS Enterprise desires its activities in Viet Nam to align with high-level cooperation orientations between the two nations. He proposed that the Ministry of Science and Technology designate a focal point for coordination, enabling NUS Enterprise Singapore to join programs such as Techfest, technology transfer, and talent development, while facilitating necessary procedures for Singaporean experts to work long-term in Viet Nam.
Concluding the meeting, Deputy Minister Bui Hoang Phuong tasked the Department of International Cooperation with serving as the focal point to finalize cooperation programs with NUS Enterprise and resolve procedural bottlenecks for Singaporean experts.
The Deputy Minister expressed expectation that the two sides will initiate cooperation in August and achieve their first tangible outcomes by the end of 2026./.
