Vietnam

Vietnam Net - E | English | News | Jan. 9, 2026 | UndeterminedTech Development/Adoption

In 2026, Vietnam’s Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs is advancing into a critical acceleration phase of Project 06, transitioning from planning to tangible implementation. At the January 5 conference, Minister Dao Ngoc Dung emphasized shifting from tracking progress to achieving complete results. The ministry has seen a mindset shift with digital transformation becoming a collective responsibility, replacing outdated data systems with clean, interoperable structures and integrating services through the National Public Service Portal to reduce administrative delays.

Collaboration with the Ministry of Public Security has improved data safety and standardization, with all 21 functions for the religious data platform completed and integration with national databases like VNeID underway. However, challenges remain, especially regarding complex data on ethnic minorities and data discrepancies at local levels. Despite initial low digital maturity, cross-agency efforts and guided direction have driven notable progress.

For 2026, the Ministry’s strategy balances three pillars: science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation. Plans include developing AI tools to translate ethnic minority languages, promoting economic models for remote communities through government-academia-enterprise partnerships, and enhancing disaster-resilient innovations like drone emergency supplies. The Ministry aims to complete ethnic and religious databases, streamline 25 public services, and unify administrative systems while maintaining strict data governance standards.

Operational directives assign departments specific tasks to complete data platforms, integrate legal frameworks, and resolve funding issues. The Digital Transformation Center will coordinate efforts, ensure accountability, and lead comprehensive staff training for effective local implementation. The Ministry prioritizes measurable impact, institutional reform, and enhancing citizen benefits through technology and innovation in 2026.

Chỉ đạo, điều hành của Chính phủ, Thủ tướng Chính phủ ngày 7/1/2026

Bao Dien Tu | Local Language | News | Jan. 9, 2026 | UndeterminedPolitical Policy Resistance

The Government issued Decree No. 374/2025/ND-CP effective January 1, 2026, detailing unemployment insurance contributions and benefits. Workers contribute 1% of their monthly salary, while employers contribute 1% of the monthly wage fund, with specific provisions for agencies funded by the State budget. Six specific cases define workers considered as actively contributing to unemployment insurance, including periods of sickness, maternity leave, unpaid leave, and temporary suspension of labor contracts. The State supports up to 1% of the wage fund for unemployment insurance contributions, ensuring the annual fund balance is twice the previous year's expenditures.

Employers hiring workers with disabilities can reduce their unemployment insurance contribution from 1% to 0% for up to 12 months. The monthly unemployment benefit equals 60% of the average salary from six consecutive months of contributions before unemployment, capped at five times the regional minimum wage. Unemployment benefit payments must be made within five working days of the entitlement decision or job search notification deadline.

Decree No. 368/2025/ND-CP regulates Mobile Money services, applying to providers, users, and related entities within Vietnam. All transactions must be conducted in Vietnamese Dong, and customers may hold only one account per provider. The Decree sets detailed identification requirements for account opening, including biometric verification and anti-money laundering compliance. Mobile Money accounts can be loaded or receive money via various means, including cash deposits, bank accounts, e-wallets, and transfers. The monthly transaction limit is capped at VND 100 million, with exceptions for payments of public services and essential fees.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh signed Decision No. 19/QD-TTg, effective January 6, 2026, updating the list of state secrets in culture and information. The decision categorizes top secret and secret levels, covering security plans for sensitive cultural heritage and sites, directives related to foreign cultural activities, emergency broadcasting plans, and internal communications involving national security issues. This decision replaces and abolishes previous directives related to culture, sports, and information security.

Tăng hạn mức giao dịch Mobile Money lên 100 triệu mỗi tháng

VN Express | Local Language | News | Jan. 9, 2026 | UndeterminedFinancial System Problems

The government has issued Decree 368 on mobile money services, allowing customers to open one mobile money account per service provider. Customers can deposit cash, receive money from various payment methods, withdraw cash, transfer funds, and pay for goods, services, public fees, and electronic tolls using the account.

The decree raises the monthly transaction limit for transfers and payments through one mobile money account to VND 100 million, which is 10 times higher than the previous limit. Additionally, customers can use an extra limit of up to VND 100 million per month specifically for paying public services, utilities, telecommunications, transportation, tuition, hospital fees, insurance, and bank debts.

Mobile Money was initiated by the Ministry of Information and Communications, now overseen by the Ministry of Science and Technology, to encourage cashless payments. Unlike e-wallets, Mobile Money accounts are linked directly to mobile subscriptions. The service was piloted from late 2021 and extended through the end of 2025 with State Bank licensing.

As of September 2025, there have been over 290 million Mobile Money transactions totaling approximately VND 8.511 billion. Nationwide, about 10.89 million Mobile Money accounts are registered, with 70% of users located in rural and remote areas.