Governor Pham Duc An: Banking sector aims to maintain leadership in the national digital transformation

With the objective of maintaining a leading position in the national digital transformation effort, the entire banking sector is determined to place people and businesses at the center, focusing on building a unified data infrastructure and ensuring system security to contribute to the sustainable development of the digital economy. On the morning of May 23, 2026, at the Vietnam–Xô Friendship Cultural Palace, 91 Tran Hung Dao Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, the Vietnam Banking Union solemnly organized the Closing Ceremony and Awards of the Banking Sector Digital Transformation Contest 2026 with the theme 'Proactively digitize — Break through the future'. In his remarks at the ceremony, Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam Pham Duc An affirmed that the Banking Sector Digital Transformation Contest 2026 is a meaningful activity in response to the Banking Digital Transformation Day 2026 and a vivid demonstration of the sector’s determination to implement Resolution 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science and technology, innovation, and national digital transformation. "The contest is a venue and forum for teams from units within the sector to concretize the directions for banking sector digital transformation, raise awareness, spark ambition, and spread the spirit and resolve to innovate among all civil servants, public employees, and workers in the banking sector, enhancing the ability to adapt proactively to technological trends and driving digital transformation deeply and effectively," he noted. He also highlighted that this is one of the important activities to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Vietnam banking industry’s establishment. Governor An praised the Vietnam Banking Association and union organizations for organizing this meaningful contest, which demonstrates the sector’s role in fulfilling political tasks and in carrying out the motto that all union activities aim to complete political duties of agencies and units across the banking sector. The Governor emphasized the active participation and high sense of responsibility of the teams from various units, whose contributions are helping to spread a strong spirit of digital transformation, innovation, and the ambition to build a modern, smart, and sustainable banking sector in the digital era. He noted that in recent years the banking sector has been a pioneer in applying technology and advancing digital transformation. With the principle of putting people and businesses at the center and treating customer experience as the measure, the sector has achieved positive results across governance, technology infrastructure, data, digital payments, digital services, and information security. "To date, the digital payment infrastructure has continued to be upgraded, cashless payments are growing rapidly, many credit institutions report over 90% of transactions conducted via digital channels; the digital banking ecosystem is increasingly diverse and convenient," he said. In addition, administrative reform, provision of online public services, and the development of the banking data infrastructure continue to be advanced, creating an important foundation for comprehensive digital transformation. Along with the positive results, he candidly acknowledged that the sector faces several challenges, such as rising requirements for information security, the pressure to develop digital human resources, gaps in digital transformation capability between units, and the need for stronger innovation to adapt to new technological trends. He stressed that digital transformation is not only a technology story but, more importantly, a change in mindset, awareness, and working methods for every official and employee. "Therefore, today’s contest will play a crucial role in disseminating digital thinking, building a digital culture, and promoting a learning and creative spirit among union members and workers in the banking sector. This is not only a professional competition but also a large-scale training activity to update knowledge for the entire banking workforce," he emphasized. According to Governor Pham Duc An, the performances and demonstrations by units show unlimited creativity. When abstract figures are combined with creativity and performative presentation, they create engaging effects that resonate not only within the banking system but across society. "This broad diffusion demonstrates that with an inexhaustible spirit of innovation, every bank employee can make ordinary tasks better, more complete, and more compelling," he said. He stressed that this is especially meaningful in the context of an inexorable trend toward digital transformation. The faster digital transformation progresses, the more efficient banking operations will be, thus contributing more positively to serving people and businesses. Looking ahead, to continue promoting banking sector digital transformation and realizing national digital transformation goals, he urged the entire sector to keep implementing programs, plans, tasks, and solutions for digital transformation at both unit and sector levels, focusing on: First, continue to follow the orientation that puts people and businesses at the center, data as the foundation, and technology as the driver; strengthen institutional and regulatory frameworks to support the development of science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation in the banking sector; promptly address bottlenecks to enable credit institutions to develop safe, modern, convenient, and cost-effective digital banking products and services for people and businesses. Second, focus on developing digital infrastructure, digital data, and a synchronized digital banking ecosystem; continue enriching, transforming, connecting, and efficiently leveraging the specialized data base; expand digital payments and digital services linked to Project 06, electronic authentication, biometric verification, and data cleansing. Third, ensure cybersecurity, data security, and information security as cross-cutting requirements throughout the transformation process; develop digital products and services with personal data protection; strengthen fraud prevention and cybersecurity measures in the digital environment and ensure safe, continuous operation of critical information systems; intensify communication, raise digital awareness, and improve digital skills for people and businesses to use digital banking safely and effectively. Finally, continue prioritizing the development of digital human resources and building a digital culture across the sector; unions and youth organizations should continue to promote advocacy, motivate innovation, coordinate with specialists in training and promoting digital skills, and spread the 'Bình dân học vụ số' movement, contributing to building bankers with innovative thinking, digital capabilities, and high adaptability in the context of pervasive digital transformation. Governor An expressed confidence that with strong political will, proactive renewal spirit, and the unity of the entire sector, the banking sector will continue to lead in the national digital transformation and contribute to a modern, safe, and sustainable digital economy. "The ideas, contributions, and dedication of each individual and unit will remain the driving force for the entire sector to continuously innovate, create, and rise strongly in the time ahead," he concluded.