At the National Innovation Day response ceremony on October 4, 2026, Minister Quan announced that real innovation does not start with a new gadget or a startup, but with an “innovation mindset.”

He warned that conventional thinking can freeze learning and slow national decisions, while an innovative mindset creates new development space, improves public‑sector efficiency and brings governance closer to citizens.

To illustrate his point, Quan cited Nokia and DeepSeek as case studies, saying both companies had to reinvent themselves at the height of success and find courage to forge new paths despite limited resources.

He also highlighted Singapore’s transformation of used water into a high‑grade recycled water supply, showing how natural constraints can become catalysts for breakthrough solutions.

Na Ki Hong, General Director of Samsung Vietnam, urged Vietnamese firms to move beyond assembly lines. He asked how many local engineers contribute to a product and whether Vietnamese companies can become research‑driven suppliers.

Following that call, engineers at Samsung’s Hanoi R&D Center built Vietnamese‑language capabilities for the company’s AI‑powered smartphones, proving that local talent can add real value.

Christopher Nguyen, founder and CEO of Aitomatic, stressed that Vietnam must master artificial intelligence embedded in devices. He added that overseas Vietnamese experts can collaborate without relocating, offering mentorship and project design.

Together, these messages suggest that cultivating an innovation mindset is seen as essential for Vietnam to climb the value chain, boost productivity and become a regional leader in AI technology.