Vietnam

• Party General Secretary and State President To Lam emphasized the need to prioritize data security and the innovation ecosystem during the 14th Party Central Committee’s 3rd plenum. • Experts highlight that integrating advances in artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and science and technology is critical for increasing national productivity. • These strategic focuses are viewed as essential drivers for strengthening Vietnam's self-reliance and overall global competitiveness.

• Vietnam is being urged to develop "sovereign AI" to ensure sustainable growth and maintain control over its digital infrastructure. • The initiative emphasizes the need for national autonomy over critical resources, including data, computing power, technology, and specialized human resources. • This shift is driven by the fact that data has become a strategic asset and a primary foundation for national competitiveness and socio-economic development.

• Vietnam U23 has been designated as a top seed for the 20th Asian Games following the official seeding announcement by the OCA and AFC. • Joining Vietnam in the top seed group are host nation Japan, South Korea, and China, a status earned by Vietnam's third-place finish at the 2026 AFC U23 Championship. • This favorable seeding allows Vietnam to avoid the "group of death" by ensuring they are not drawn against other top-tier teams in the initial stage.

• Defending champions Vietnam will begin their title defense for the Asean Hyundai Cup 2026 this Friday, July 24. • Led by coach Kim Sang-sik, the Vietnamese squad will face qualifiers Timor-Leste in their opening Group A match held in Chonburi. • The tournament features a competitive field including teams from Cambodia, Singapore, and Indonesia, marking a significant regional football event.

• Outgoing Japanese Ambassador to Cambodia, Ueno Atsushi, praised Cambodia's recent efforts to crack down on online scam operations. • Ambassador Atsushi reaffirmed Tokyo's commitment to collaborating with the Cambodian government and international organizations to fight transnational cybercrime. • Separately, Thailand's deputy government spokesperson, Ploytalay Laksameesangchan, announced on July 14, 2026, that the Cabinet approved a review of the country's visa-exemption measures.

• Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong reaffirmed their commitment on July 7, 2026, to keep the Malacca and Singapore Straits open for international shipping under UNCLOS. • Singapore's Minister for National Development, Chee Hong Tat, emphasized the ongoing expansion of collaboration between Singapore and China to develop global solutions. • Thailand’s Customs Department is enhancing outbound passenger and cargo screenings using AI, X-ray machines, and K-9 units to combat transnational drug trafficking.

• Vietnam's economy grew by 8.39% in the second quarter (April-June), an acceleration from the 7.94% growth recorded in the first quarter. • The growth was primarily driven by strong performance in the construction sector and other key industries, bringing the total first-half rise to 8.18%. • This acceleration is critical as the government aims to reach an ambitious annual economic growth target of 10%.