Digital transformation is becoming an irreversible trend globally. For developing countries like Vietnam, this is not only a technological revolution, but also an opportunity to make a breakthrough in competitiveness, modernize the economy and strengthen its position in the global value chain. However, for digital transformation to become a reality, digital infrastructure – including data centers, high-speed transmission networks, fiber optic systems, cloud computing platforms and security systems – must be invested heavily and synchronously. In this context, private enterprises have emerged as a key force, a strategic resource that is gradually changing the way Vietnam approaches and develops digital infrastructure.
Digital infrastructure – if we compare it – is the “road” system of the data economy. It is not as tangible as factories or ports, but it plays a vital role in the operation of all production, trade, education, healthcare, administration and even defense activities. Without a stable transmission infrastructure, a standard data center, a high-speed and secure connection network, all strategies on AI, IoT, big data, e-commerce or e-government will just stop at… slogans.
For many years, most of Vietnam’s digital infrastructure – especially fiber optic networks, core networks, and international submarine cables – was deployed by state-owned corporations or state-owned joint ventures. This was appropriate in the early stages, when resources were limited and a leading role from the public sector was necessary. However, moving into a new phase, when the pace of technological change is accelerating, the demand for bandwidth, storage, and data processing is increasing exponentially, the flexibility, agility, and long-term investment capacity of the private sector are becoming increasingly important.
The good news is that the wave of private sector digital infrastructure investment in Vietnam is really starting – and one of the pioneers is DCH Group, which is deploying a large-scale digital infrastructure ecosystem including an international fiber optic cable system, data centers, and a high-quality domestic transmission network.
Unlike traditional service providers that only exploit existing infrastructure, DCH clearly defines its mission of investing from the root, meaning from transmission lines, submarine cables, land cables, to data centers and integrated services. In Ba Ria - Vung Tau, this enterprise is building a system of cable stations landing at Vung Tau City, connecting directly to the international market through submarine optical cables to Singapore, Malaysia, Japan. From this cable station, DCH will deploy a land transmission network connecting Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hanoi to form a backbone optical cable axis along the North-South, while expanding connections to Laos, Cambodia and China, forming a cross-border optical axis independent of existing routes that are facing many limitations.
This cable uses modern WDM (Wavelength Division Multiplexing) technology, allowing the transmission of multiple data channels in parallel on the same optical fiber with a total capacity of up to tens of terabits/second. In addition, the system is also designed to integrate with automatic routing and flexible optical transmission (FlexGrid) technologies, helping to increase exploitation efficiency and reduce operating costs. This is an ideal platform for services requiring low latency and high speed such as livestreaming, real-time finance, distributed AI, edge computing and industrial IoT.
Along with that, DCH is investing in building the first Modular Data Center in Vietnam. This center is designed according to Tier III standards and aiming for Tier IV, using a modular model for easy expansion, energy saving and optimal operation. With a location near international ports, industrial parks and submarine cable stations, this data center will play a strategic data transit role for the Southern region and the entire ASEAN. In the future, DCH Group plans to expand the data center network to other localities such as Hanoi, Da Nang, Can Tho, gradually forming a nationwide distributed data storage and processing system and connecting financial and telecommunications centers around the world.
It is rare in Vietnam for a private enterprise to invest synchronously from transmission infrastructure to data centers, especially with a financially and technically independent model. This not only affirms the investment capacity and long-term vision of the private sector, but also proves that, if there are appropriate mechanisms and a sufficiently transparent market, private enterprises can fully assume the role of creating national digital infrastructure - instead of just being the exploiter or end user.
The role of private enterprises does not stop at investment. With a market mindset, flexible international cooperation capabilities and a dynamic organizational structure, the private sector is also a place to promote new business model innovation, advanced technology application and accelerate digital transformation for traditional economic sectors. DCH, for example, does not only stop at physical infrastructure but also aims to provide data intermediary services, AI-as-a-Service support, cloud platforms and digital infrastructure integration solutions for small and medium enterprises. These are necessary pieces to bring Vietnam's digital economy closer to a comprehensive digitalization model like in Singapore, Korea, etc.
However, in order for the private sector to truly become the main driving force in digital infrastructure development, the State needs to quickly complete policies related to transmission infrastructure planning, land allocation for data centers, long-term loan support mechanisms, as well as encourage telecommunications infrastructure sharing and public-private data interconnection. In addition, there needs to be a mechanism to protect digital sovereignty in cross-border private investment, ensuring that digital infrastructure development goes hand in hand with national cybersecurity and safety.
In the global race for digital capabilities, no one can go it alone. The State and private enterprises need to go hand in hand – in which the State plays the role of creator and guarantor, while enterprises are the implementers, innovators and breakthroughs. Enterprises like DCH are proving that: when given the opportunity, Vietnamese enterprises can absolutely rise up to master the infrastructure, hold the “digital blood vessels” and contribute to shaping the digital future of the country.