Vietnam’s
Manufacturing Momentum: Highlights from the 2025 ASEAN High-Performance
Machining Summit
By:
Kathryn Gerardino-Elagio, Ringier Trade Media Ltd
The 2025
ASEAN High-Performance Machining Summit, organised by Ringier Trade
Media Ltd’s Ringier Event Southeast Asia, concluded successfully on April 2
with factory tours to Denso Manufacturing Vietnam Co., Ltd and Export
Mechanical Tools Joint Stock Company (EMTC). The two-day summit drew
participation from business partners across China, Taiwan, Singapore, and Malaysia,
along with participants from India, Hong Kong, and other ASEAN nations — all
converging to better understand Vietnam’s evolving role in the global
manufacturing value chain.
Vietnam’s
Path to Global Manufacturing Competitiveness
The
summit, held in Hanoi, served as a platform for experts to share how Vietnam is
positioning itself as a hub for automotive components, electronics, and
advanced automation technologies. As the country climbs the value chain,
its journey reflects both its industrial resilience and its ambitious digital
transformation goals.
One
of the most insightful sessions came from Ms. Do Thi Thuy Huong,
Executive Board Member of the Vietnam Electronic Industries Association
(VEIA). She highlighted:
- Key production provinces
like Bac Ninh, Bac Giang, Thai Nguyen, Hai Phong, and Ho Chi Minh City now
host advanced manufacturing facilities.
- Companies such as
Samsung and Intel are deeply embedded in Vietnam’s supply chains — Samsung
producing a large share of global smartphones, and Intel operating its
largest chip assembly and test plant globally.
- However, Vietnam still
relies heavily on foreign technology and assembly operations, with limited
local innovation. Ms. Huong stressed the need for greater investment in
R&D and homegrown solutions.
She
also referenced the Vietnam Smart Manufacturing Market, projected to grow at a
CAGR of 11.2% from 2024 to 2032, fuelled by the National Digital Transformation
Program and high-tech zones like Hoa Lac and Saigon High-Tech Park.
Driving
Digital Transformation in Automotive Parts
Ms.
Pham Hoai Anh, CCO
of 1C Vietnam and representative of the Hanoi Association of Main Industries
(HAMI), presented an in-depth view of digital transformation efforts in
Vietnam’s motorcycle and automotive parts manufacturing. Her keynote aligned
with recent data showing Vietnam's strong performance in auto parts exports:
- US$13.67 billion total
exports in the first 11 months of 2024 — a 13% year-on-year increase.
- US$9.03 billion came
from auto parts exports alone, a record-breaking achievement.
- The USA (24%) and Japan
(22%) are Vietnam’s top two export destinations.
Vietnam
now ranks 3rd globally in automotive wiring component exports, following China
and India — reinforcing its growing influence in the automotive supply
ecosystem.
From
Lean to Lighthouse: A Framework for Sustainable Manufacturing
Another
compelling presentation came from Mr. Pham Minh Thang, Vice President of the
Vietnam Association of Supporting Industries (VASI) and CEO of P&Q
Solutions
He
introduced VASI’s “Lighthouse Manufacturing” initiative — an integrated model
for sustainable and digitally empowered manufacturing excellence.
Key
points included:
- Members who completed
Lean Transformation achieved 20%+ annual efficiency growth.
- Efforts in automation,
digitalisation, and on-roof solar energy adoption show promising but
fragmented progress.
- The next phase focuses
on building a Manufacturing Excellence Model anchored by:
- Lean Manufacturing as
foundation
- Productivity
measurement systems
- Digital & green
transformation
- Leadership development
at the core
He
emphasised a collaborative network involving research bodies, tech providers,
and industry players to push for systemic transformation.
Industry
Innovations and Tech Spotlights
Several
technical presentations also enriched the summit’s agenda:
- Mr. Xiong Hui from Han’s
Laser explored how laser technology is modernising automotive
manufacturing.
- Mr. Vipin Kumar Rajput
from CERATIZIT discussed machining challenges and their solutions.
- Mr. Kan Huang of Radici
Group delved into new material demands in e-mobility.
- Executives from
Automech, V-PROUD, and VINFAST shared insights on CNC programming, quality
assurance, and lifecycle management in vehicle development
Wrapping
Up with Real-World Insights
The
final day featured exclusive factory tours to Denso Manufacturing Vietnam Co.,
Ltd and EMTC, offering delegates a firsthand look at Vietnamese manufacturing
in action. These visits not only showcased technical capabilities but also
illustrated how global partnerships and local expertise are blending in
Vietnam’s industrial landscape.
Final
Thoughts
The
2025 ASEAN High-Performance Machining Summit offered more than just expert
talks and factory visits — it provided a real-time snapshot of Vietnam’s
dynamic transformation. No longer just a destination for low-cost assembly,
Vietnam is steadily shaping its identity as a forward-thinking,
innovation-driven manufacturing hub.
From
government-backed digitalisation programs to increasing adoption of smart
manufacturing practices, the country is building the foundations to lead
Southeast Asia in high-performance machining and industrial automation. The
summit brought together thought leaders, manufacturers, and solution providers
who are not only adapting to these changes — they’re helping drive them.
What
stood out most was the openness and enthusiasm for collaboration. Participants
from China, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, India, and beyond had the opportunity
to exchange ideas and forge connections with Vietnamese companies, local
industry associations, and policy influencers. Whether you’re a business
seeking regional partnerships, a solutions provider looking for market
expansion, or an industrial leader exploring what's next, Vietnam offers a
compelling story — and the ASEAN High-Performance Machining Summit is where
that story unfolds.
As
the summit concluded with real-world factory insights and cross-border
conversations, it became clear: the groundwork is being laid now for long-term
success. For companies invested in the future of precision manufacturing and
sustainable growth in Asia, this is the moment to engage.
We
look forward to welcoming more partners, innovators, and regional leaders to
the next edition of the summit. Your next opportunity to be part of Vietnam’s
industrial journey starts here.
