From BLOCK71’s work in Vietnam, we see great potential in the local startup community—they are talented, creative, and resilient.

However, it’s important to note that to sustainably attract foreign investment, we need three main conditions: readiness, presence, and credibility.

First is being ready to receive investment. I notice many Vietnamese startups already have strong ideas and technological capabilities, but they still lack certain business requirements that investors set, such as: solid regional market access plans, reasonable economic models, and clear governance structures…

This isn’t a barrier of capability but rather a matter of experience and the maturity level of the ecosystem. Building more structured advisory and acceleration programs can quickly bridge this gap.

    Second is the level of international presence. Vietnam’s startup ecosystem is very vibrant, but still lacks attention from foreign investors, except for a few fields like fintech and e-commerce.

    Founders need more access to global networks, cross-border development programs, and platforms to tell their stories in ways that resonate with investors.

    That’s also why initiatives like UniVentures@BLOCK71 were created, aiming to connect Vietnam with Singapore and the broader region.

    Third is regulatory clarity and trust. Foreign investors seek stability, predictability, and convenience when entering a market.

    Simplifying investment procedures, making cross-border capital flows more transparent, and strengthening intellectual property protection would make a big difference. When investor rights are clearly protected, capital will naturally flow in.

    If I had to choose one top priority factor, I would choose trust and transparency. This is the foundation of every successful startup ecosystem—it builds investor confidence, attracts long-term capital, and encourages founders to think globally.

    Ho Chi Minh City has taken bold steps in reform, with local authorities empowered to experiment and attract innovation.

    If these reforms are combined with entrepreneurship education and stronger governance standards, the city could accelerate its transformation from a fast-growing market into a reliable destination for global investment and innovation.

    At BLOCK71, we see our role as building connecting bridges between Vietnamese founders and international advisors, markets, and investors. The potential is already there—what’s needed next is trust, structure, and partnerships to unlock that full potential.

    Southeast Asia’s technology ecosystem leaders gathered at the Saigon Summit event to discuss Vietnam’s development and the opportunities ahead.

    BLOCK71

    BLOCK71 is a tech startup hub and ecosystem builder that originated in Singapore in 2011. It was established through a collaboration between the National University of Singapore (NUS), government agencies, and private investors to provide affordable co-working space and support for budding entrepreneurs. The model has since expanded internationally, fostering innovation and connecting startups with mentors and investors.

    Vietnam

    Vietnam is a Southeast Asian country with a rich history shaped by millennia of Chinese influence, French colonization, and the Vietnam War. Its culture is a vibrant blend of indigenous traditions, Confucian principles, and colonial legacies, reflected in its cuisine, art, and festivals. Today, it is known for its bustling cities, stunning natural landscapes like Ha Long Bay, and its rapid economic development.

    Singapore

    Singapore is a sovereign city-state and island country in Southeast Asia, founded as a British trading colony in 1819 by Sir Stamford Raffles. It gained independence in 1965 and rapidly transformed from a developing nation into one of the world’s most prosperous countries, renowned as a global financial hub. Today, it is celebrated for its multicultural heritage, modern skyline, and landmarks like Marina Bay Sands and the Gardens by the Bay.

    Ho Chi Minh City

    Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam. It served as the capital of the French colony of Cochinchina and later of the independent Republic of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Following the Fall of Saigon in 1975, it was renamed in honor of the revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh.

    Saigon Summit

    The Saigon Summit refers to the 1967 meeting in South Vietnam between U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson and key allied leaders, including Australia’s Prime Minister Harold Holt. Its primary purpose was to demonstrate international support for the South Vietnamese government during the Vietnam War and to discuss military strategy. The summit is often remembered for the controversial phrase “all the way with LBJ,” used by Holt to affirm Australia’s commitment to the war effort.

    UniVentures@BLOCK71

    UniVentures@BLOCK71 is a collaborative innovation hub in Singapore that connects universities, startups, and industry partners. It was established as part of the BLOCK71 ecosystem, which began in 2011 as a public-private initiative to support technology entrepreneurship. The space provides resources and networking opportunities to help academic research and ideas transition into viable commercial ventures.