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| Dr Nguyễn Xuân Dũng, Head of the Quantum Physics Research Group at the Institute for Interdisciplinary Research in Science and Education. Photo ICISE |
Dr Nguyễn Xuân Dũng, Head of the Quantum Physics Research Group at the Institute for Interdisciplinary Research in Science and Education (IFIRSE, ICISE) spoke to Việt Nam News reporter Nguyễn Khánh Chi about the significance of quantum technology in Việt Nam’s growth technique in the new period.
To foster new drivers for double-digit progress, what should Việt Nam do when it might not depend on conventional engines however should as a substitute concentrate on innovation pushed by science and technology?
Việt Nam is at present an economic system with a GDP dimension ranked roughly between thirty first and thirty third in the world, but its GDP per capita ranks solely round 118th (these figures might differ barely relying on the information supply, however the hole between the two rankings stays important). Escaping the ‘middle-income lure’ is a troublesome problem for the nation, as the benefit of low cost labour is step by step diminishing alongside an getting older inhabitants, whereas pure sources are finite.
As far as I’m involved, the resolution to this drawback lies in Việt Nam shifting towards a progress mannequin based mostly on labour productiveness, that means the creation of manufacturing worth based mostly on information and technology, slightly than counting on capital, low cost labour and uncooked sources as in the previous.
To obtain this transformation, Việt Nam naturally wants systematic and well-directed funding in primary science, utilized science and technology. The Party and the State have been insightful and well timed in figuring out the growth of science and technology as an pressing requirement for the present interval. However, since the nation’s sources are restricted, it’s important to choose the proper strategic focal factors and purpose for technological autonomy, avoiding fragmented investments that waste the finances with out yielding proportional outcomes.
As a researcher, I imagine that we first want to dismantle the heavy administrative administration mechanisms that at present hinder the execution of scientific duties. This have to be accompanied by a shift in mindset: accepting the inherent dangers and time lags of scientific analysis. The journey from a analysis end result to a sensible utility is usually lengthy and doesn’t all the time assure success. Furthermore, there wants to be stronger coordination between the private and non-private sectors in commissioning and implementing science and technology duties, making certain that analysis is carefully linked to the actual wants of the economic system whereas mobilising all accessible sources for growth.
Most importantly in the present stage, for my part, is the funding in high-quality human sources for science and technology. To obtain this, it’s essential to construct in-depth STEM programmes ranging from the normal training stage, reform larger training towards a research-oriented mannequin, and set up giant, prestigious analysis centres able to each coaching and growing a home workforce. Additionally, there have to be insurance policies to assist expertise and entice abroad Vietnamese intellectuals, creating the proper situations for them to really feel safe in contributing to the nation.
Finally, worldwide cooperation in science and technology have to be intensified. Through such collaboration, home specialists can acquire entry to the cutting-edge information the world is pursuing, whereas younger college students can mature quickly to meet the nation’s demand for high-quality human capital.
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| Party General Secretary and State President Tô Lâm chairs the assembly of the standing board of the Central Steering Committee on Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Transformation in Hà Nội on May 21. VNA/VNS Photo Thống Nhất |
In latest remarks, Party General Secretary and State President Tô Lâm referred to as for a unified understanding that quantum technology is a matter of national technique, slightly than simply pure scientific analysis, and the growth of quantum technology have to be built-in into the total implementation of Resolution No 57-NQ/TW. Could you elaborate on these factors?
As a physicist, I perceive why quantum technology is excess of simply ‘pure scientific analysis’. Today, quantum technology has moved beyond the laboratory to become a vital foundation for national functionality. This is exactly why developed nations are allocating substantial sources to put money into each quantum science and quantum technology.
The first precedence, as emphasised by General Secretary and President Tô Lâm, is safety. While present quantum algorithms can not but decrypt the cryptographic techniques in use immediately, if Việt Nam doesn’t proactively analysis post-quantum cryptography to put together for the future, it is going to create a particularly harmful vulnerability for national safety.
Furthermore, the growth of quantum technology have to be built-in into the broader framework of science and technology growth below Resolution No 57, advancing in parallel with different spearhead sectors. The synergy between these superior applied sciences is each pure and logical. In my view, that is a very profound perception inside the assertion made by General Secretary and President Tô Lâm.
How would you consider the position of quantum technology in assembly the nation’s necessities for strategic autonomy in the new period?
As beforehand famous, I extremely commend the coverage of integrating quantum technology into the total framework for science and technology growth and digital transformation established by the Party and State. Beyond the strategic significance of digital safety talked about earlier, quantum technology contributes to our autonomy in varied different strategic sectors – and curiously, this synergy is bidirectional.
On one hand, semiconductor technology performs a vital position in manufacturing the {hardware} for quantum units. Conversely, quantum simulation can lead to breakthrough contributions in growing new supplies, that are important for each the semiconductor business and national defence. This represents a pure and logical resonance between superior applied sciences.
Furthermore, quantum sensors play a vital position in digital transformation. With GPS-independent quantum positioning technology, coordinates might be decided precisely even in the absence of satellite tv for pc indicators or in the presence of jamming, a functionality of immense significance for specialised environments and national defence situations. In one other course, quantum magnetic sensors can measure ultra-weak electromagnetic indicators from the mind and coronary heart with out bodily contact. This opens up new sources of biomedical information for AI-driven diagnostics, a burgeoning area inside digital healthcare.
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| Dr Nguyễn Xuân Dũng in talks with Prof. Duncan Haldane – laureate of the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2016 on the sidelines of an occasion hosted by the Gia Lai Province-based International Centre for Interdisciplinary Science and Education (ICISE). Photo ICISE |
Quantum technology is a nascent, complicated and quickly evolving area that spans many disciplines, requiring deep and systematic analysis. How ought to Việt Nam establish a path that’s appropriate for its national situations?
The first precept is to select based mostly on benefits and wishes, slightly than following ‘fads’. This level has been emphasised in the speeches of General Secretary and President Tô Lâm. Quantum technology is a huge area, starting from computing and communications to sensors and supplies. Việt Nam can not, and mustn’t, try to do all the pieces.
Based on that precept, I imagine we are able to categorise the instructions into three ranges of precedence. I have to emphasise that that is a subjective private opinion and definitely has its limitations, as my information can not absolutely cowl or deeply embody each side of quantum science and technology.
High precedence: Act instantly, as it’s each pressing and possible. First and foremost is Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC). This is a job that wants to be performed now; the technological boundaries are low (primarily involving arithmetic and software program with out requiring costly infrastructure), but its significance for national safety is vital. Next are Quantum Sensors; sure sorts have a lot decrease manufacturing boundaries in contrast to quantum computer systems and supply early sensible functions in national defence and digital healthcare.
Medium-term: Invest in foundations and take part selectively. Regarding Quantum Computing, for my part, Việt Nam mustn’t rush into manufacturing 1,000-qubit {hardware} to compete with the US or China—that’s an extremely costly race the place our chances are high slim. Instead, we should always concentrate on quantum algorithms and software program, accessing {hardware} via worldwide cloud platforms, and constructing quantum communication capabilities utilizing current fibre optic infrastructure. This permits us to ‘be part of the recreation’ with out bearing large {hardware} prices. Additionally, we are able to develop quantum simulation to serve analysis into new supplies, which concurrently masters quantum technology and advances materials science.
Long-term and steady funding: human sources and primary analysis. This is the level I need to emphasise most from the perspective of a primary scientist. Việt Nam possesses a actual benefit that we frequently undervalue: a sturdy custom in arithmetic. Theoretical quantum analysis is the ‘most cost-effective’ endeavour; it does not require clear rooms or million-dollar tools, it solely requires sensible minds. Investing in coaching human sources and primary analysis is the funding with the highest multiplier impact and is the most sustainable, as a result of whereas technology modifications quickly, a group of elite specialists can adapt to any shift.
Finally, as a result of this area is ‘fast-moving and entails many sectors’, worldwide cooperation isn’t just an choice – it’s a prerequisite. No single nation can go it alone in the quantum area. Việt Nam wants to proactively join with the world’s main centres in order that home specialists can entry the most superior information and the youthful technology can develop shortly in a world-class atmosphere.
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| A laboratory of Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City. The college has invested in lots of trendy sensible laboratories for each home and worldwide college students to conduct analysis, research, and develop science, engineering and technology. VNA/VNS Photo Thanh Vũ |
In which fields ought to Việt Nam prioritise quantum technology growth to obtain the most sensible outcomes for national growth over the subsequent 5 to 10 years?
I would really like to suggest 4 precedence areas for the subsequent 5 to ten years, ranked by the urgency of national curiosity and the certainty of the outcomes.
First and most necessary is Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC). This is a direct precedence with a comparatively low barrier to entry as a result of it depends totally on arithmetic and software program. However, its safety implications are existential. The particular purpose have to be to transition vital techniques – comparable to banking, e-government and national defence databases – to quantum-resistant cryptographic requirements.
Second is Quantum Sensing. This area gives ‘low-hanging fruit’ as a result of the manufacturing hurdles are decrease than these for quantum computer systems. Potential functions embrace biomedical sensors for digital healthcare, sensors for mineral exploration, and infrastructure monitoring.
Third is Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). The goal right here isn’t nationwide protection, however slightly the implementation of selective pilot tasks for ultra-secure communication strains serving a few vital authorities companies.
Fourth is Software, Algorithms, and Human Capital. To be blunt, a sensible lead to the subsequent 5 to ten years isn’t a ‘Made in Vietnam’ quantum pc. Instead, it’s a strong group of specialists and a number of other analysis teams able to mastering algorithms and utilising worldwide cloud-based {hardware} to resolve Việt Nam’s particular challenges.
To develop quantum technology, to what extent does Việt Nam want to put together its infrastructure, human sources and worldwide cooperation?
This query encapsulates three key situations, every requiring a completely different stage of depth.
Infrastructure funding ought to be adequate, centralised, and shared, slightly than large and fragmented. Instead of constructing quite a few scattered laboratories, sources ought to be concentrated into a few key national centres. This entails accessing quantum computing {hardware} by way of worldwide cloud companies, utilising current fibre optic networks for communication pilots, and limiting manufacturing funding to chosen areas comparable to sensors and supplies, ideally built-in with semiconductor infrastructure for shared utility.
Human sources is the place the best effort have to be concentrated. The purpose isn’t to mass-train hundreds of individuals, however to construct a ‘vital mass’ of a number of hundred real specialists over the subsequent 10 years. This might be achieved via in-depth home coaching, sending prime expertise overseas and creating situations for their return, and tapping into the information of the abroad Vietnamese neighborhood. Việt Nam has a real benefit in its custom of arithmetic and theoretical physics, which ought to be leveraged to the fullest.
International cooperation isn’t an choice however a obligatory requirement, at a deep but selective stage. It is important to set up joint laboratories, alternate specialists, ship college students to world-class centres, and take part in worldwide requirements. However, depth should go hand-in-hand with selectivity. In delicate areas comparable to post-quantum cryptography or national defence, Việt Nam should keep its autonomy and select companions fastidiously. We should cooperate to develop, not to become dependent.
In abstract, these three ranges should not equal: infrastructure wants to be restrained and centered, human sources require most funding, and worldwide cooperation have to be deep however selective. If a prime precedence have to be chosen, I place human sources above all else. With a gifted group, infrastructure and cooperation will comply with; with out the proper folks, no amount of cash poured into tools will create actual worth. VNS