On April 3, 2025, a virtual meeting took place between the senior leaders from Da Nang and the Vietnamese Intellectual Society in the UK and Ireland (VIS) to discuss key initiatives and collaborative opportunities in digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductor technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, and the development of International Financial Centre in Da Nang.
The meeting was attended by Mr. Hồ Kỳ Minh – Vice Chairman of the Da Nang People’s Committee, and representatives from other Departments, Centres and Universities in Da Nang. VIS Directors attending included Prof. Nguyễn Xuân Huấn – Chair of VIS, Prof. Đặng Việt Anh – Vice Chair, Assoc. Prof. Trần Thu Yến – Vice Chair, and other leading professors and experts.
The discussion focused on Da Nang’s strategic goal to become a leading innovation hub in central Vietnam, with a strong emphasis on AI, semiconductor technology, big data, and high-performance computing. During the meeting, leaders of Da Nang promoted their policies to attract experts and scientists, including income tax exemptions and financial support for research, patent registrations, and facilities. Additionally, the city is actively developing technological infrastructure and a specialised semiconductor research zone. A key proposal is to establish a collaborative innovation space in London, serving as a gateway for investment, technology, and expertise exchange between Vietnam and the UK.
VIS commits to supporting research and technology deployment in Da Nang through a startup model enabling UK-based experts to manage operations remotely while local engineers execute projects. VIS also plans to leverage AI Cloud infrastructure, create an expert group on AI and semiconductors, and develop an international innovation hub linking Da Nang and London. The society offers expertise in incubation, spin-offs, commercialisation, and cross-border intellectual property transfer.
The International Financial Centre in Da Nang has a vision that includes three pillars: international finance supporting the coastal free trade zone, green finance aligned with sustainability goals, and fintech-driven digital assets. To advance this, the city seeks partnerships for training programs, faculty exchanges, and expert lectures, while VIS proposes financial workshops and connections to global networks in London.
Both sides agreed on the next steps, including follow-up meetings, startup pilot projects, and coordinated efforts for the upcoming AI Da Nang 2025 event and financial conferences in the future. This meeting marked a major milestone in strengthening technological and economic ties between VIS and the development of Da Nang City.
