Dr. Sandy Chong, Director of Regional Initiatives, Asia‑Pacific at the World Economic Forum, urges Vietnam to go beyond simply buying foreign technology. She recommends that global tech firms co‑develop products with local partners so solutions match Vietnamese needs.

Tech diplomacy links governments, businesses and researchers to attract resources, spark innovation and meet development goals. By using diplomatic channels, Vietnam can create a network that supports its own tech growth.

Dr. Sandy Chong stresses that any company wishing to use Vietnamese data must give something back. Possible contributions include building capacity for SMEs, running hackathons at universities, or designing solutions for older people, people with disabilities, rural residents and farming communities.

Co‑creation is essential, according to Dr. Sandy Chong. When large firms develop products together with Vietnamese partners, the results reflect local culture and language, and Vietnamese businesses can share ownership of the intellectual property.

The panel highlighted that partnerships could help Ho Chi Minh City solve traffic jams, flooding and rising energy demand. Tools such as urban mapping, traffic‑management systems and air‑quality monitoring can be introduced and then expanded city‑wide.

In short, tech diplomacy and co‑creation give Vietnam a way to turn foreign expertise into local jobs, stronger companies and everyday improvements for citizens. The key is to set policies that turn data access into real benefits for the community.