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Business Recorder
08-08-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Experts outline transformative vision for digitally inclusive Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: Leaders from Pakistan's telecom and technology sectors outlined a transformative vision for a digitally inclusive Pakistan at the GSMA Digital Nation Summit here. Against the backdrop of global momentum towards cashless economies and rapid technology adoption, speakers detailed how the country can leapfrog into a more connected future—provided it is supported by enabling regulatory policies, sustainable financial models, and inclusive social frameworks. A central pillar of this vision was the drive for universal internet access and affordable smartphones. In the session National Digital Transformation: Policy, Progress, and Cross Sector Collaboration, Aamir Ibrahim, CEO of Jazz and Chairman of Mobilink Micro finance Bank, joined Khurram Ashfaque, CEO of Telenor Pakistan, and Sajjad Syed, Chairman of PASHA, in a discussion moderated by Julian Gorman, Head of Asia Pacific at GSMA. The panel examined the role of telecom as a cross-sector enabler and the urgent need for policy reforms. 'The digital economy cannot progress unless connectivity is affordable and accessible to all, particularly those in rural areas and marginalized communities,' Aamir said. 'We are no longer in the business of just selling minutes and gigabytes. The future belongs to those who build ecosystems, not just networks. At Jazz, we've made a conscious and strategic shift from being a traditional telco to a ServiceCo—focused on enabling meaningful moments, driving digital inclusion, and creating platforms that improve lives and livelihoods across Pakistan', CEO, Jazz added. Panelists agreed that reforms in spectrum pricing, a more investment-friendly environment, and long-term planning are essential to unlocking the full potential of Pakistan's telecom sector. Digital inclusion, they stressed, is not only an economic imperative but also a matter of equity, requiring targeted and inclusive policies that go beyond infrastructure to address the usage gap. That focus on inclusion carried into the fireside chat from Cyber security to Digital Payments – Ensuring Trust in a Cashless Future, where the discussion shifted from infrastructure to user behaviour. The country's heavy reliance on cash was identified as a major barrier to digital transformation. 'The vast majority of retailers still deal in cash. The real competition is not between payment service providers—it's a collective battle against cash,' Aamir noted. In the session Connecting the Unconnected – What Works in Closing the Usage Gap, Kazim Mujtaba, President of the Consumer Division at Jazz, highlighted smartphone affordability and digital literacy as the foundation of digital progress. 'The smartphone is the first step—it's the gateway to participation in the digital economy, especially for women and underserved communities,' he said. Kazim detailed community initiatives targeting women in rural areas to build skills and confidence in using mobile technology. 'Connectivity is not a luxury—it's a necessity. Giving women digital access can have a transformative impact on families and communities,' he added. Talking about digital access as a gateway to life's essential services, he introduced Apna Clinic, an AI-powered health-tech platform that will provide teleconsultations, diagnostic services, and surgery bookings through a network of 30,000 doctors across 150 cities. He also highlighted Fikr Free, an insurtech application aimed at reducing Pakistan's substantial insurance gap among women and low-income groups by offering affordable and easily accessible coverage. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Forbes
01-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Digital Transformation In Vietnam: Leading The Charge Into A Tech-Driven Future
Thanh Pham is the CEO of Saigon Technology , a global software development company. getty Vietnam's digital transformation is advancing rapidly. Its digital economy is growing over 20% per year, the fastest in Southeast Asia. The country is expected to rank among the top three in Southeast Asia and the top 50 worldwide in digital competitiveness and e-government development. As the CEO of a top software development company located in Vietnam, I've seen the country's ongoing digital transformation firsthand. With over 13 years of experience, we have established three advanced software centers to deliver cutting-edge solutions to global clients. I've seen how digital transformation in Vietnam is helping companies adopt new solutions. These solutions will improve their operations, provide better access to digital tools and resources, and spark more innovation. Vietnam's digital transformation strategy is a plan that will shape the country's future. It focuses on making Vietnam a leader in technology. The country's digitalization strategy is driven by the National Digital Transformation approved in 2020. This program has three key pillars: digital society, digital economy and digital government. Vietnam is investing in its digital future. The country has a potential $1.5 billion investment from SpaceX for Starlink satellite internet. As of October 2024, 88.7% of mobile subscribers in Vietnam used smartphones, and 82.3% of households had broadband fiber optic internet. The country's 4G coverage is 99.8%. This is important for the digital economy and better public services to flourish. But the plan isn't just about technology. A big part of this strategy is building a digital society. This means making online services easy to use for everyone. Pioneering Change: Vietnam's Public Sector Goes Digital Vietnam is rapidly advancing with its digital transformation efforts (led by the public sector), driving economic growth, connectivity and service efficiency. Transforming Public Services: A Digital Power In Action The public sector in Vietnam is using digital tools to improve services. The launch of e-government platforms is making accessing services easier. The National Public Service Portal is one such platform. It streamlines administrative processes with integrated public services and databases. This portal reduces the need to visit multiple offices in person. Individuals can log in to all public service portals at the national and provincial levels. The best thing is that they just need one account on They can then apply for online public services and send feedback anytime. These changes are part of the larger digital transformation in Vietnam. Fueling Growth: The Digital Economy Takes Center Stage Vietnam's economy is growing through digital transformation. The software and technology industry in Vietnam drive this growth. These centers help businesses innovate and improve. Digital tools are boosting production and making companies more competitive. Society is trending toward digital finance, e-commerce and smart production. This focus is helping Vietnam become a leader in the global tech world. Connecting Lives: Building A Digital Society Vietnam wants everyone to be part of its digital future. The country is running a project to boost digital literacy and train people for digital transformation by 2025 and has set long-term goals for 2030. The country is expanding high-speed internet and mobile networks as well. Deputy Minister Pham Duc Long stated that by 2025, Vietnam will have a wider, faster and safer internet. By 2030, 5G will cover the country. The goal is an inclusive digital society, ensuring everyone benefits from Vietnam's digital transformation. Catalysts Of Change: Sectors Leading Vietnam's Digital Revolution Vietnam is advancing rapidly in digital transformation, with finance leading the way. Vietcombank now uses AI and big data to improve customer service. Its VCB Digibank app comes with many advanced features, like in-app voice and video calls. Blockchain is modernizing the financial system. HSBC and Vietcombank completed Vietnam's first blockchain-based Letter-of-Credit transaction. As a result, they reduced processing time from days to just 27 minutes. Healthcare in Vietnam is improving with Industry 4.0 technologies. For example, the Central Endocrine Hospital (CEH) and VNPT are developing an AI-powered system to improve thyroid cancer diagnosis. The system analyzes ultrasound images. Based on the results, it determines if nodules are malignant or benign. Doctors can then make accurate diagnoses for effective treatment plans. Outsourcing Success: Navigating Digital Transformation In Vietnam Outsourcing the digital transformation in Vietnam allows business leaders to leverage the country's growing tech skills. This is how to make sure your journey is a success: • Understand The Goal Of Digital Transformation: Know your objectives. This is the first thing before you build a tech team in Vietnam. Are you aiming to improve how your business works or enhance customer experiences? Set clear goals to align with Vietnam ODC services. • Research And Select A Provider: Not every outsourcing provider is the same. Look for companies with experience in your industry. Check their history and reviews. Make sure they can meet your needs. • Set Clear Expectations: After choosing a provider, set clear expectations. Outline what work you want them to do and when. This helps keep the project on track. • Develop A Contract: Create a strong contract to protect your interests. It should cover rights and penalties for missed deadlines. • Stay In Touch: Keep in contact with your provider. This helps ensure the project moves forward as planned. • Monitor Progress: By keeping an eye on milestones, you can catch problems early and fix them. • Ensure Quality Assurance: Do not lower your standards. Check the quality at every stage to make sure the final product meets your needs. • Review And Iterate: When the project ends, review the results. Look for ways to improve for future projects. This approach ensures long-term success in digital transformation in Vietnam. Final Thoughts There have been great strides in bringing about digital transformation in Vietnam. Understanding these changes will help business leaders see Vietnam's future potential. With the nation positioning itself as a leader in the digital world, it will be interesting to monitor Vietnam's progress as it continues on in its digital journey. Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Do I qualify?
