A panel at Việt Nam -ASEAN value chain cooperation initiative. VSM 70, part of the initiative, will select 70 companies for a pilot programme to help companies adopt smart manufacturing and improve production. — VNA/VNS Photo

HCM CITY — The Centre for Smart Manufacturing and Global Value Chains under the HCM Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (HCMC C4IR) on August 21 launched VSM 70, a pilot programme to help companies adopt smart manufacturing and improve production, and applications are now open.

Nguyễn Dạ Quyên, co-head of the centre, said VSM 70 is part of a Vietnam-ASEAN value chain cooperation initiative. It will select 70 companies for the first season, with a 90-day improvement period and no participation fees.

Selected companies will have their operations assessed and benchmarked against international best practices. They will get tailored improvement roadmaps and direct support from experts at their factories. They will also join a business community to share real-world experience, and must name one point of contact, share accurate operational data, and keep leaders involved throughout the process.

VSM 70 addresses increasingly stringent market requirements for domestic suppliers, including quality, delivery schedules, traceability and emissions. It takes a hands-on approach by tackling real problems in factory operations and management to make businesses more competitive in supply chains.

It rests on four principles, including no fees, technology neutrality, confidentiality of business information, and businesses as primary stakeholders, with the State playing an enabling role rather than taking over. It supplies direct technical support and is not a funding, certification or award.

The first season accepts applications from August 21 to September 15. Two rounds of selection are expected in September, with results announced and agreements signed in October. On-site work at participating companies is scheduled to begin in October-November, while the 90-day improvement phase is expected to start in December.

According to Quyên, the first season will prioritise five industry groups, including electronics and mechatronics, food and beverages, mechanical engineering and supporting industries, apparel and footwear; and plastics, chemicals and packaging.

Beyond direct company support, VSM 70 is calling on government departments, agencies, business associations and industrial park management boards to spread the information and nominate companies. Lead and foreign-invested enterprises can help identify domestic suppliers, while international partners, research institutes, universities and expert networks will provide professional support, share knowledge and consolidate practical experience. — VNA/VNS​

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