Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Cao Huy led a Vietnamese delegation to the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) High-Level Forum, which opened in Selangor, Malaysia, on October 7 with a focus on an inclusive and sustainable regional community.
Initiated by the Malaysian Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture in its role as ASCC Chair, the forum brought together officials to advance shared goals amid rapid technological shifts.
In his speech, Huy underscored the strategic and urgent importance of ensuring inclusiveness in the age of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation.
He highlighted Vietnam's unwavering commitment to science-technology development, innovation, and digital transformation as a top national policy, describing them as decisive forces for achieving fast and sustainable development. Vietnam is targeting a spot among the world's top 30 in the Global Innovation Index by 2045.
An overview of the event (Photo: VNA)
To ensure fair access to education and jobs across ASEAN, he outlined three key priorities that Vietnam is pursuing. The first is digital education equity. He called on regional governments to roll out concrete and practical policies quickly to bridge the digital gap, especially for vulnerable groups like women, ethnic minorities and those living in remote areas.
The second is fair job access. With AI displacing conventional roles, he urged stepping up workforce reskilling and upskilling, insisting that recruitment and promotions must stay transparent and fair to maintain social stability.
The third is inclusive governance. He urged that AI solutions applied in national and corporate governance embed ethical standards, accountability, and human rights protection, ensuring all citizens reap the rewards of technological advances to minimise deepening social inequalities.
Huy reaffirmed Vietnam's steadfast support for ASEAN's vision of a responsive, inclusive, and sustainable community, one that empowers every individual to fully unlock their potential.
The forum delved into the AI and innovation agenda, with delegates exchanging in-depth views on nurturing future talent to bolster a responsive, inclusive and sustainable ASEAN Community.
Discussions also covered youth empowerment and unlocking investment for climate action and creative cultural industries.
Participants highlighted challenges and opportunities in safeguarding ASEAN’s shared cultural heritage, plus tapping traditional sports and games. They mapped out concrete actions to boost accessibility and social inclusion among communities across ASEAN member states.
