At the first meeting of the VCCI National Innovative Startup Council (VNSIC), Mr. Nguyen Van Khoa, CEO of FPT Corporation, proposed a strategy for developing Vietnam's startup ecosystem, shifting the focus from networking activities to generating actual orders, products, and tangible business value.
On the afternoon of October 15, the first meeting of the VCCI National Innovative Startup Council (VNSIC) took place at FPT Corporation's headquarters, FPT Tower, in Hanoi. The meeting focused on discussing strategic directions for 2026–2031, strengthening the Council's organizational structure, and developing an action plan to advance Vietnam's innovative startup ecosystem.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Hoang Cong Doan, Chairman of VNSIC, emphasized that the Council was established not to organize activities for the sake of appearances, but to deliver meaningful contributions. According to Mr. Doan, every Council member should demonstrate commitment through concrete actions, leveraging their experience and resources to support the business community.
Recognizing FPT's pioneering role in innovation, Mr. Doan noted that science and technology offer Vietnam an important pathway to narrowing the development gap with advanced economies. VNSIC should begin by supporting innovation within member enterprises before expanding to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups, making use of VCCI's domestic and international networks.
Mr. Hoang Cong Doan, Chairman of VNSIC, emphasizes that the Council was established to deliver tangible contributions rather than organize activities for the sake of appearances.Sharing this perspective, Ms. Tran Thi Lan Anh, Secretary General of VCCI and Co-Chairwoman of VNSIC, expressed hope that the experience of the Council's 21 founding members would help the next generation of entrepreneurs accelerate their startup journeys.
She also acknowledged the contributions of FPT CEO Nguyen Van Khoa in developing the proposed strategy, which provided a foundation for the Council to discuss and determine the initial steps.
Following a presentation by a VNSIC Standing Committee member on the Council's operating regulations, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ho Sy Hung, Chairman of VCCI, emphasized the importance of translating the Council's broad objectives into concrete products and measurable outcomes.
According to Mr. Hung, the Council must clearly identify the expected deliverables, responsible parties, implementation methods, and whether the resulting products meet market needs and have commercialization potential.
The VCCI Chairman cautioned against launching too many activities at once. Instead, the Council should select several feasible models, assign members with relevant strengths to implement them, evaluate the results, and then consider scaling up.
He also suggested leveraging existing business models and platforms, including those developed by FPT, to shorten the time required for experimentation.
Mr. Hung reaffirmed VCCI's strong commitment to supporting VNSIC and expressed hope that Council members would work together, drawing on their respective capabilities to deliver verifiable results.
As Vice Chairman of VNSIC, Mr. Nguyen Van Khoa, CEO of FPT Corporation, presented a proposed operational strategy for 2026–2031, calling for a shift from networking alone toward solving real business challenges.
He emphasized that the strategy must clearly define what needs to be done, who will be responsible, the implementation timeline, the required resources, and the expected results.
Mr. Khoa also stressed the importance of business compliance with domestic and international laws. The Council should help enterprises translate development resolutions and policies into business opportunities and competitive advantages.
Mr. Nguyen Van Khoa, Vice Chairman of VNSIC and CEO of FPT Corporation, presents the Council's proposed strategy for 2026–2031, calling for a shift from networking activities to solving real business challenges.A key highlight of the 2026–2031 strategy is the “Business-Driven Innovation” program, under which businesses would identify specific challenges and requirements.
The Council would then connect these businesses with startups to conduct paid trials of potential solutions. If the products meet the required standards, they could be accepted, contracted, and scaled up.
Mr. Khoa also emphasized the need to establish and protect the intellectual property rights of all parties throughout the collaboration process.
Beyond facilitating market connections, the proposed VNSIC strategy identifies six ongoing priorities: connecting market demand with solutions, supporting startup growth, providing training for members, addressing policy-related obstacles, solving technology challenges, and establishing a professional operating structure.
The Council's effectiveness would be evaluated through tangible outcomes, including signed contracts, new customers, improved business capabilities, and the resolution of practical challenges.
In the long term, VNSIC aims to help develop Vietnamese enterprises with distinctive strengths, enabling them to participate more deeply and sustainably in global value chains.
“I hope the Council will help businesses not only develop products but also grow stronger across generations. Enterprises need to proactively plan for succession, develop future leaders, and work toward building businesses that can thrive for a hundred years,” the FPT CEO concluded.
FPT's hosting of the Council's inaugural meeting, together with Mr. Nguyen Van Khoa's participation in the VNSIC Executive Committee, demonstrates the company's proactive role in connecting resources, sharing experience, and advancing initiatives that support the development of Vietnamese enterprises.
Through FPT's role in VNSIC and long-term investments in core technologies, the company continues to reaffirm a commitment to supporting Vietnam's innovative startup ecosystem.
From connecting resources and supporting commercialization to developing technology products, FPT aims to contribute to building Vietnamese enterprises capable of addressing major challenges and expanding into global markets.
Established in August 2026, VNSIC plays an important role in implementing VCCI's Action Program in response to Politburo Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW, dated May 4, 2025, on private sector development, and Politburo Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW, dated December 22, 2024, on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation.
VNSIC is responsible for mobilizing resources from businesses, entrepreneurs, scientists, investors, and supporting organizations to promote entrepreneurship and innovation. The Council also provides policy advice and recommendations, contributing to improving the competitiveness of Vietnamese enterprises.
The Council's Executive Committee initially comprises 21 members.
Mr. Hoang Cong Doan, Chairman of VNSIC, is a member of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, a member of the VCCI Executive Committee, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Song Thao Group Joint Stock Company, and a member of the Da Nang City People's Council.
Ms. Tran Thi Lan Anh, Secretary General of VCCI, serves as Co-Chairwoman of the Council.
The Council's two Vice Chairmen are Mr. Nguyen Van Khoa, CEO of FPT Corporation, and Mr. Nguyen Tien Long, a member of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Long Phuong Group Joint Stock Company.