On the morning of April 16, 2026, Hanoi University of Science and Technology officially announced the launch of the Cyber Clinics Incubation Program for Vietnam’s Digital Economy, funded by The Asia Foundation (TAF). The program is implemented under the supervision of the Ministry of Education and Training, from April 2026 to March 2027.

The program aims to develop and operate a “Cyber Clinic” model at Hanoi University of Science and Technology, directly implemented by the Institute for Digital Technology and Economy. It seeks to build a high-quality information security workforce aligned with the practical needs of the digital economy.

Bridging the gap between education and practice

In his opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Huynh Dang Chinh, Vice President of Hanoi University of Science and Technology, emphasized the importance of connecting three key pillars in technology development and education: small and medium-sized enterprises, digital transformation platforms, and the information security workforce.

In the context of rapid digital transformation, information security is no longer just a technical requirement but a critical foundation for sustainable economic growth.

Cyber Clinic

To address practical needs from businesses and the market, the program introduces the “Cyber Clinic” model at Hanoi University of Science and Technology. This approach integrates academic learning with hands-on practice, allowing students and trainees to gain professional knowledge while directly supporting enterprises in information security and digital risk management.

Representing The Asia Foundation, Ms. Anthea Mulakala, Senior Director for International Development Cooperation, highlighted that the Cyber Clinic is a practical solution as businesses increasingly face complex cybersecurity challenges. She also noted that the model is part of a regional network across 13 countries, enabling universities to share experiences and build a community of practice.

Key activities of the program

According to Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Thi Xuan Hoa, Vice Director of the Institute for Digital Technology and Economy, the program will be implemented from April 2026 to March 2027 across seven provinces and cities in Vietnam, including Hanoi, Quang Ninh, Dien Bien, Lao Cai, Thanh Hoa, Da Nang, and Can Tho.

Key activities include:

• Establishing the Cyber Clinic model based on Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), supported by technical systems
• Developing a training program on information security and risk management
• Training 80–100 students and trainees with a practice-oriented approach
• Supporting 200–300 enterprises in enhancing their information security capacity
• Selecting 10 outstanding participants for career development, while sharing the model through workshops and building a monitoring and evaluation framework

The program will be implemented across multiple localities, expanding its impact and improving accessibility for the business community.

Expected impact and long-term vision

Through this initiative, the Institute for Digital Technology and Economy aims to narrow the gap between education and real-world needs, while strengthening the information security capabilities of businesses during digital transformation.

The launch event marks not only the beginning of the program but also a step toward building a collaborative ecosystem among universities, enterprises, and international organizations, contributing to the sustainable development of Vietnam’s digital economy.