A disaster data and communication lab was inaugurated in the Lao capital city of Vientiane on August 6, marking a significant step in sci-tech cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.
At the symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony to inaugurate disaster data and communication lab in Vientiane on August 6. (Photo: VNA)
Vientian (VNA) – A disaster data and communication lab was inaugurated in the Lao capital city of Vientiane on August 6, marking a significant step in sci-techꦓ cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.
The 50 sq.m lab, a joint initiative of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) between VAST and the Lao Ministry of Technology and Communications, underwent renovation, equipment installation and software setup from July 26 to August 4. It is equipped with four display screens, two computers and various other devices used for real-time earthquake monitoring.
VAST President Chau Van Minh and Lao Minister of Technology and Communications Boviengkham Vongdara attended the inauguration ceremony.
The lab is a cornerstone for developing a regional terrestrial network system that will connect data from Vietnam, Thailand, and other Southeast Asian countries.
It is equipped with the SeisComP system, capable of automatically processing real-time earthquake data and providing crucial information such as occurrence time, location, magnitude, and depth. For earthquakes exceeding magnitude 4.5, experts will conduct in-depth analysis to refine the data.
Currently, Laos operates three earthquake monitoring stations positioned in Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Bolikhamsay provinces, with distances between the stations ranging from 150-300km.
The lab is expected to bolster data management and disaster communication capabilities in Laos, aligning with the country’s digital government programme.
Historical data revealed that Laos has experienced 22 earthquakes with magnitudes greater than 4.0 since 1900. Two of these quakes surpassed a magnitude of 6.0, while six fell a magnitude between 5.0 and 5.9, primarily affecting the northern region./.
President of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) Chau Van Minh and Lao Minister of Technology and Communications Boviengkham Vongdara on August 5 co-chaired the third bilateral meeting between the two agencies to discuss ways to promote their cooperation in the coming time.
The Vietnam - Laos Trade Fair 2024 (VIETLAO EXPO), the largest annual trade promotion event co-hosted by the two countries’ Ministries of Industry and Trade, is being held in Vientiane from July 25 to 29.
Vietnam was the second largest importer of Lao products in June this year, with a total value reaching 115 million USD, according to the Lao Trade Portal (LTP).
Since 2022, more than 500 Vietnamese startups have engaged in Google’s Startup Academy, Google for Startups Accelerator, and Google Startup Masterclass. Nearly 100 of these firms received support to develop and improve their products, benefiting more than 300,000 customers and creating over 300 new jobs through successful fundraising and team expansion amidst Vietnam’s competitive economy.
Over the past three decades, Binh Duong has cemented its status as one of Vietnam’s most dynamic industrial hubs, building a robust foundation in manufacturing, exports, and investment. The province now has 30 operational industrial parks spanning over 13,000 hectares, with an occupancy rate exceeding 90%.
The diplomat emphasised that Vietnam places the highest priority on the development of science, technology, and innovation, viewing them as critical drivers for the country’s advancement in the new development era.
The PM revealed Vietnam’s plan to develop nuclear power in the near future, and called on the Swedish side to assist Vietnam in developing and refining legal and policy frameworks for the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes; training and developing human resources; ensuring nuclear safety; and conducting training and drills to improve incident management capabilities.
More than an art showcase, the second “Technology with heart” contest seeks to inspire innovation and spotlight the humanistic values that technology can bring into daily life, expected to contribute to a sustainable digital future.
The average speed of the national mobile broadband network remained stable, with download speeds reaching 76.86 Mbps and upload speeds reaching 26.98 Mbps.
Under the MoU, AMD will support several key initiatives spearheaded by HCM City’s authorities, including piloting policies, co-hosting innovation events, and evaluating the investment environment within the Saigon Hi-Tech Park.
The centre is a joint initiative between Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology, with PTIT and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) serving as co-leads, and global telecommunications giant Nokia as founding industry partner.
The new centre, staffed by a team of scientists, researchers, and AI specialists working in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, forms part of Qualcomm’s global AI research group.
As a flagship initiative of the community project “Digital Literacy for All”, the programme forms part of a national scheme to equip 20 million young people with digital business skills.
The organisers hope the competition will help shape a generation of exceptional engineers who will make significant contributions to Vietnam’s scientific and technological progress in this era of transformation.
In the digital age and amidst the Fourth Industrial Revolution, IP plays an increasingly critical role, not only in safeguarding inventions but also in reducing copyright infringement and curbing piracy.
Ambassador Nguyen Minh Vu laid stress on the significance of the Hanoi Convention, particularly to the Asia – Pacific, to handling legal gaps in international cooperation against rapidly increasing global cybercrime.
The week features a rich lineup of activities, including a plenary conference on blockchain and AI development, thematic seminars on future technology trends and investment visions, applications of blockchain and AI in business, the Super Vietnam PitchFest, as well as forums for blockchain and AI.
According to the Politburo’s Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW, dated December 22, 2024, on making breakthroughs in the development of science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, this is considered a decisive factor in the development of nations. It is seen as a prerequisite and the best opportunity for Vietnam to become prosperous and powerful in the new era of the nation’s rise.
Vietnam’s demographic advantage, including a youthful population of 100 million in a “golden age”, further bolsters its ambitions. Its dynamic workforce, with a natural inclination toward science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), is a key asset in attracting private investment to innovation-driven sectors.
Vietnam views sci-tech as a decisive factor in national development and a key tool for achieving sustainable development goals, and is ready to boost sci-tech cooperation with Venezuela for mutual prosperity.
The Government will always accompany companies, including CMC, and request ministries, agencies, and Hanoi authorities to further support them by promptly removing any obstacles to their growth, said Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.
