Vietnam Makes Push to Connect VNeID with Singapore and ASEAN Digital IDs

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Vietnam is accelerating plans to connect its VNeID digital identity platform with electronic identification systems in Singapore and other ASEAN countries, potentially leading to smoother cross-border digital services.

The initiative is part of a directive from General Secretary and State President To Lam to address persistent weaknesses in Vietnam’s digital transformation program. Despite significant investment, authorities say progress has been constrained by slow implementation, limited data sharing, and insufficient accountability among public agencies.

Only 12.2% of allocated funding for digital transformation projects has been disbursed, while databases and information systems remain fragmented. To Lam said agencies must treat data as a strategic national resource, ensuring that records are accurate, standardized, regularly updated, and available for sharing among relevant bodies.

Connecting VNeID with regional identity systems could support more efficient services for citizens and businesses operating across ASEAN. However, the announcement does not provide a timetable or technical framework for interoperability with Singapore or other ASEAN member states.

Government bodies have been told to reuse information already held in national databases instead of repeatedly requesting documents from citizens and businesses.

The directive also shows that Vietnam plans to expand the services available through VNeID domestically and continue developing digital identification systems for vehicles. It places particular emphasis on responsible and accountable use of artificial intelligence.

Vietnam’s initiative reflects a pattern of moving toward interoperable, reusable digital identity across APAC as a whole.