The We Are Ready! Speech: How a 2018 Declaration Ignited Vietnamese Innovation and Sparked Debate on the Future of Technology
In the realm of modern Vietnamese history, few figures have captured the imagination and sparked debate quite like Hoang Minh Tuan, a visionary tech entrepreneur whose bold pronouncements continue to resonate. In 2018, Tuan delivered a speech at the annual Vietnam Tech Summit titled “We Are Ready!”. This seemingly simple phrase, echoing with conviction, became a rallying cry for Vietnamese innovation and ignited a fervent discussion about the nation’s technological future.
Born in Hanoi in 1985, Hoang Minh Tuan exhibited an early aptitude for technology and a relentless drive to push boundaries. He rose through the ranks of Vietnam’s burgeoning tech sector, co-founding several successful startups before taking the helm of VinTech, the research and development arm of Vingroup, one of Southeast Asia’s largest conglomerates.
Tuan’s “We Are Ready!” speech marked a pivotal moment in Vietnam’s technological trajectory. Delivered to a packed auditorium of investors, entrepreneurs, and government officials, the speech exuded an infectious enthusiasm for Vietnamese potential. Tuan declared that the nation was ready to shed its image as a manufacturing hub and embrace its destiny as a global leader in innovation.
He passionately outlined VinTech’s ambitious goals: developing cutting-edge technologies in artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, and renewable energy. The company’s vision, Tuan proclaimed, extended beyond mere profit; it sought to leverage technology for the betterment of Vietnamese society.
The “We Are Ready!” speech generated a wave of excitement and optimism throughout Vietnam. It served as a potent reminder that Vietnamese ingenuity was capable of achieving remarkable feats. Tuan’s words sparked a renewed sense of national pride and emboldened a generation of young entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams.
| Key Points from Tuan’s “We Are Ready!” Speech | |
|---|---|
| Emphasis on Vietnam’s potential for technological leadership. | |
| Announcement of VinTech’s ambitious goals in AI, electric vehicles, and renewable energy. | |
| Call for collaboration between the government, private sector, and academia to foster innovation. | |
| Stressing the importance of using technology for societal benefit. |
However, Tuan’s bold pronouncements also ignited a heated debate. Critics questioned the feasibility of VinTech’s ambitious goals, arguing that Vietnam lacked the necessary infrastructure and expertise. Skeptics pointed to past instances where grandiose technological promises had fallen short.
The “We Are Ready!” speech also sparked a discussion about the role of government in fostering innovation. Some argued that Vietnam needed to adopt a more proactive approach, providing incentives for research and development and streamlining bureaucratic processes. Others cautioned against excessive intervention, stressing the importance of allowing market forces to drive innovation.
In the years following Tuan’s speech, VinTech has made significant strides towards realizing its ambitious vision. The company has launched several innovative products, including electric scooters, autonomous vehicles, and AI-powered healthcare solutions.
While VinTech’s success is undeniable, the debate sparked by Tuan’s “We Are Ready!” speech continues to this day. Some argue that Vietnam is on the cusp of a technological revolution, while others remain skeptical. Regardless of one’s stance, it is clear that Tuan’s speech served as a catalyst for change, prompting a crucial conversation about Vietnam’s future in the global technology landscape.
Tuan’s legacy extends beyond his contributions to VinTech. He has become a symbol of Vietnamese ambition and innovation, inspiring a generation of young entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams. The “We Are Ready!” speech stands as a testament to the power of bold vision and its ability to spark meaningful change.