Expert Consultation Workshop on the “Smart Manufacturing Transformation in Vietnam” Project Held at SoiHub
On August 20, 2025, at the SoiHub Open Innovation Center, the Ho Chi Minh City Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (HCMC C4IR) hosted an expert consultation workshop for the project “Advancing Smart Manufacturing in Vietnam” (VSMART), proposed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The event marked an important starting point in the journey toward accelerating smart manufacturing transformation, aiming to build a modern, sustainable, and globally adaptive industrial foundation.
A Bridge Between Government, Experts, and Businesses
The workshop focused on three key aspects. First, it introduced the project’s direction and implementation roadmap, outlining objectives to support Vietnamese enterprises in transitioning to smart manufacturing models.
Second, it gathered feedback from businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, on the challenges, difficulties, and real-world needs they face when integrating new technologies into their operations.
Finally, participants discussed and proposed solutions to overcome barriers related to technology infrastructure, financial resources, human capital, and policy mechanisms.
The session was attended by representatives from Ho Chi Minh City departments including Science and Technology, Industry and Trade, and Finance, as well as delegates from VCCI-HCMC, the Ho Chi Minh City Green Business Association (HGBA), the Export Processing and Industrial Zones Authority (HEPZA), the Saigon Hi-Tech Park Management Board, and numerous enterprises in manufacturing, technology, logistics, and renewable energy.
During the discussion, international experts and business representatives shared practical insights, highlighting key obstacles hindering smart manufacturing transformation, from high initial investment costs and shortage of skilled professionals to limitations in data infrastructure.
SoiHub’s Pioneering Role in Promoting Smart Manufacturing
As a co-organizer, SoiHub reaffirmed its position as an open innovation center that connects all stakeholders within the ecosystem, including businesses, research institutes, international organizations, and government agencies. The workshop was not only a consultation event but also a testament to SoiHub’s capability and positioning in technology and digital transformation.
At SoiHub, discussions, networking activities, and expert-sharing sessions are regularly organized to help Ho Chi Minh City become a leading hub for smart manufacturing and industrial innovation in the region.
The workshop also recorded strong consensus and commitment from government representatives, along with practical recommendations from the business community, laying the groundwork for a comprehensive public–private partnership program to support SMEs in digital transformation, technology investment, and productivity enhancement.
Towards the Future of Smart Manufacturing in Vietnam
The “Advancing Smart Manufacturing in Vietnam” workshop represents a significant milestone in realizing the nation’s strategy for industrialization in a modern, sustainable, and environmentally responsible direction.
Through collaboration with HCMC C4IR and ADB, SoiHub is committed to accompanying Vietnamese enterprises in building smart manufacturing value chains and applying AI, IoT, big data, and green energy in their operations.
This is not only an inevitable path in the digital transformation era but also a reflection of SoiHub’s mission to cultivate an open innovation ecosystem that connects knowledge and technology, contributing to a green, sustainable, and globally competitive economy.
