On August 1, the National Convention Centre in Hà Nội buzzed with anticipation as GM Vietnam 2025, one of Asia’s largest blockchain and digital asset events, opened its doors to over 20,000 attendees. With more than 200 speakers from countries including Vietnam, South Korea, Singapore, the UAE, Hong Kong, and the United States, the two-day gathering marked a significant moment in Vietnam’s push to establish itself as a regional hub for digital finance and technological innovation.
Organized by SSI Digital and Kyros Ventures with the endorsement of the National Cybersecurity Association, GM Vietnam 2025 is not just an event but a statement of intent. It showcases Vietnam’s burgeoning tech ecosystem while fostering dialogue between global blockchain leaders, regulators, banks, investment funds, and technology startups. As the event unfolded on August 1-2, it became clear that Vietnam is positioning itself as a magnet for the international tech community, drawing attention to its potential as a future digital economy powerhouse.
A Platform for Innovation and Collaboration
The scale of GM Vietnam 2025 reflects the country’s growing influence in the blockchain and digital asset space. High-profile participants included Trương Gia Bình, chairman of FPT Corporation, a leading Vietnamese technology firm; Thuật Nguyễn, founder and CEO of Kyros Ventures; Quỳnh Lê of Tether, a major player in the digital currency market; and Virginie Barbot of Nasdaq Technology. Adding a unique perspective was Nguyễn Nam Long, the 13-year-old CTO of OplaCRM, whose presence underscored the event’s commitment to nurturing young talent alongside established industry figures. 
Representatives from major blockchain ecosystems such as HashKey, Sui, Aptos, TRON, and Polkadot also attended, highlighting the event’s global reach. Beyond showcasing cutting-edge technology, GM Vietnam 2025 served as a strategic platform for dialogue. Over two days, discussions covered critical topics such as legal frameworks for digital assets, sandbox policies for testing innovations, cybersecurity challenges, and investment strategies to fuel the sector’s growth.
Nguyễn Duy Hưng, chairman of SSI Securities Corporation, captured the event’s significance in his opening address: “The presence of this broad range of participants, from traditional finance to cutting-edge technology firms, exchanges, and investment funds, affirms that this is more than just Vietnam saying hello to the world. It is Vietnam becoming a magnet for the global tech community.” Hưng’s remarks point to a broader ambition—to position Vietnam not just as a participant in the digital economy but as a leader in the region.
Bridging the Gap Between Concept and Reality
One of the event’s core missions is to demystify blockchain technology and make it accessible to a wider audience. Interactive exhibitions, live demonstrations, and Vietnam’s largest blockchain hackathon, the Aptos Hackathon, provided hands-on opportunities for attendees to engage with the technology. A technology ‘Treasure Hunt’ further gamified the learning experience, drawing in participants eager to explore the practical applications of digital assets.
Thuật Nguyễn of Kyros Ventures emphasized the event’s roots and vision: “Since the very first edition in 2023, and through its evolution in 2024 and 2025, the core mission of GM Vietnam has remained the same: to provide a platform for Vietnamese blockchain projects and companies to meet, exchange ideas, and prove their capabilities to international peers.” This focus on fostering local talent while connecting with global innovators is central to the event’s ethos.
Mai Huy Tuần, CEO of SSI Digital, echoed this sentiment, pointing to the transformative potential of digital assets: “Through GM Vietnam, we hope the finance, tech and business communities will recognize a shared future: one where digital assets are no longer distant concepts, but practical tools for growth, portfolio diversification, and long-term capital market development in Vietnam.” Tuần’s vision underscores the event’s role in bridging the gap between abstract technology and tangible economic benefits.
Vietnam’s Digital Ambitions in Context
Vietnam’s emergence as a tech hub is not happening in isolation. The country has seen rapid growth in its digital economy, fueled by a young, tech-savvy population and increasing government support for innovation. According to reports from local and regional sources, Vietnam’s digital economy is projected to contribute significantly to GDP in the coming years, with blockchain and fintech sectors identified as key drivers. Events like GM Vietnam 2025 play a crucial role in accelerating this trajectory by connecting local startups with international investors and expertise.
The Vietnamese government has also shown a willingness to engage with emerging technologies. While regulatory frameworks for blockchain and digital assets remain a work in progress, initiatives such as sandbox policies—temporary, controlled environments for testing innovations—signal an openness to experimentation. Discussions at GM Vietnam 2025 likely provided valuable input for policymakers seeking to balance innovation with stability and security, especially in a field as dynamic and sometimes volatile as digital finance.
Yet challenges remain. Cybersecurity, a focal point of the event, is a pressing concern as Vietnam digitizes its economy. High-profile data breaches and fraud in the blockchain space globally have heightened the need for robust protections. The endorsement of the National Cybersecurity Association for GM Vietnam 2025 suggests a recognition of these risks and a commitment to addressing them through collaboration with industry stakeholders.
Economic and Cultural Ripple Effects
Beyond its technological focus, GM Vietnam 2025 is expected to have broader economic impacts. With over 150 side activities and a significant international presence, the event is poised to boost sectors such as tourism and hospitality in Hà Nội. Foreign attendees exploring the city’s rich history and vibrant culture contribute to local businesses, while the global spotlight on Vietnam enhances its reputation as a destination for both business and leisure.
The event also reinforces Vietnam’s position on the global digital economy map. As countries across Southeast Asia vie for leadership in technology and innovation, Vietnam’s ability to host an event of this scale sends a powerful message. It demonstrates not only technical capability but also organizational prowess and a forward-thinking mindset—qualities that attract investment and partnerships.
Looking Ahead: Vietnam’s Digital Future
As GM Vietnam 2025 unfolded, it became evident that the event is more than a showcase of blockchain innovation; it is a catalyst for Vietnam’s digital transformation. By bringing together diverse voices—from regulators and investors to startups and tech prodigies—the event fosters an ecosystem where ideas can flourish and collaborations can take root. The discussions on legal frameworks and cybersecurity are particularly timely, as Vietnam navigates the complexities of integrating digital assets into its financial and economic systems.
However, the road ahead is not without hurdles. Crafting policies that encourage innovation while safeguarding against risks will be critical. The insights and connections forged at GM Vietnam 2025 could prove instrumental in shaping these policies, ensuring that Vietnam’s digital ambitions are realized sustainably.
For now, the energy and optimism at the National Convention Centre in Hà Nội signal a promising start. As Vietnam continues to build its reputation as a regional tech center, the question remains: can it sustain this momentum and translate global interest into lasting economic and technological gains? The answer may well depend on how effectively the country leverages platforms like GM Vietnam to bridge the gap between aspiration and achievement.
