"Giant" Google supports promoting digital transformation in Vietnam

Experts and managers pour colored sand for the names of the Google Career Certificates program and the Google for Startups program: Startup Academy Vietnam. (Photo: Minh Anh/Vietnam+)

On the morning of July 15, at the National Innovation Center (NIC), the digital talent development support program - Google Career Certificates and the startup support program for technology businesses - Google for Startups: Startup Academy were officially launched.

This is a cooperation between NIC (Ministry of Planning and Investment) and Google to provide necessary support in Vietnam's digital transformation process, towards the socio-economic development goals for the 2021-2030 period.

According to AlphaBeta's data in the report "Unlocking Vietnam's digital potential," if fully utilized, digital transformation could bring annual economic value of up to VND1,733 trillion (US$74 billion) to Vietnam by 2030. Two of the pillars of action include developing a domestic technology ecosystem and training digital skills for workers and students.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for online communication and work has exploded. Statistics show that in 2021, Vietnam recorded 5,600 new technology companies, leading to a high demand for digital workers. However, the number of textbooks and training programs in these industries has not met the demand for digital personnel. The gap between supply and demand is therefore growing.

Google Asia-Pacific Vice President Stephanie Davis affirmed the mission of providing digital opportunities to people while supporting the digital transformation process: “The two programs aim to unlock opportunities for more people by facilitating access to digital employment opportunities and supporting Vietnamese entrepreneurs to grow their businesses.”

Specifically, Google Career Certificates (Digital Talent Development Program) will provide flexible training, provided on the online course platform Coursera. The course is aimed at people with no experience or with certain knowledge. Five in-depth courses include: IT Support, Project Manager, Data Analytics, User Experience Design (UX Design) and Digital Marketing and Ecommerce.

Currently, Google is collaborating with NIC to award 20,000 scholarships to students from more than 40 universities and vocational schools in Vietnam who have a passion for information technology but have limited access. Of these, 3,000 scholarships will be for businesses, organizations and individuals in need. Information and registration are posted on the website nhantaiso.nic.gov.vn.

With the Google Startups: Startup Academy Vietnam startup support program, 50 participating businesses have the opportunity to access intensive training courses and leaders in the regional and domestic ecosystem.

The five main groups that the program focuses on include: People (developing leadership skills), business (learning and studying the latest industry models and trends), product management (discovering appropriate strategies and tactics), technology (how to build and improve the quality of technology products using Google technology, products and tools), and marketing (enhancing marketing using Google solutions).

This startup support program is also a continuation of the success of two startup acceleration programs (Google Start-up Launchpad Accelerators) and Indie Games Accelerators - programs that have been implemented over the past 6 years.

Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Tran Quoc Phuong shared that Vietnam's innovation ecosystem is entering a crucial development stage, requiring more investment and support in the following directions to develop innovative startups and form a high-quality, international workforce.

“I believe the two programs will achieve their set goals, develop and enhance human resources, support startups in developing technological solutions, create positive changes and spread the spirit of innovation to Vietnam,” said Mr. Phuong.

According to Vietnam+