The “Digital Literacy for the People” initiative, launched under the direction of General Secretary To Lam, reflects the Party’s strategic vision and commitment to universalizing digital knowledge and skills for all citizens. This initiative serves as a fundamental foundation for building a digital society, digital economy, and digitally empowered citizenry in the new era. Beyond a conventional training program or emulation campaign, “Digital Literacy for the People” represents a modern-day democratization of knowledge in the digital age, contributing to bridging the digital divide and enhancing the technological capabilities and adaptability of organizations and individuals alike.
In implementing this major policy, the initiative is driving comprehensive and coordinated transformation from the central to local levels, across all sectors and fields, reaching every grassroots unit, officer, and employee. Within this broader context, the banking sector – given its role as the lifeblood of the economy and as a pioneer in digital transformation – has proactively responded through a range of innovative and practical initiatives.
Mr. Nguyen Thac Tam – Deputy General Director of Co-opBank delivered remarks at the training program “Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Banking” organized by Co-opBank
Translating Major Policy into Concrete Action
Aligned with the directives of the Party, the Government, and the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV), and in implementation of Plan No. 01-KH/BCĐTW dated March 21, 2025, issued by the Central Steering Committee on the development of science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation, as well as Decision No. 2222/QD-NHNN issued by the SBV promulgating the program for training and disseminating digital knowledge and skills for officials, civil servants, public employees, and workers, the Co-operative Bank of Vietnam (Co-opBank) issued Plan No. 05/KH-NHHT dated June 12, 2025, officially launching the “Digital Literacy for the People” initiative across its entire system.
The overarching objective identified by Co-opBank is clear: to build a universal, robust, and consistent foundation of digital capabilities for its workforce, placing people at the center as the cornerstone of Co-opBank and People’s Credit Funds (PCFs) network’s sustainable digital transformation process.
The “Digital Literacy for the People” initiative at Co-opBank is implemented through a practical, accessible approach tailored to six learner groups, from the Bank’s leadership and unit heads to frontline operational staff. Notably, more than 300 “Digital Champions” comprising young officers with strong technological competence, innovative mindsets, and knowledge – dissemination capabilities – have been selected and trained to serve as the core force driving the initiative within each unit.
Guided by the principle of “common – practical – immediately applicable,” the training content emphasizes practical application over excessive theory, focusing on equipping essential digital skills that enable officers to understand correctly, act appropriately, and operate securely in the digital environment, while gradually cultivating data- and technology-driven work habits.
The trainees actively engaged in exchanges and discussions on digital transformation and the application of AI in information processing activities
Transforming Mindsets, Elevating Performance, Closely Aligned with Banking Practice
In 2025, Co-opBank implemented a range of key training programs, laying a relatively comprehensive digital capability foundation for its workforce.
Notably, the Information Security Training Course for officers across the entire system focused on identifying risks of information leakage and security breaches, attack methods in the digital environment, and skills for protecting personal and professional information. This course is regarded as a foundational program, contributing to enhanced awareness and responsibility among each officer in ensuring system security.
In 2025, Co-opBank implemented a series of key training programs, establishing a comprehensive digital capability foundation for its workforce.
Notably, the Information Security Training Course for officers across the entire system focused on identifying risks of information leakage and security breaches, recognizing attack methods in the digital environment, and developing skills for protecting personal and organizational information. This course serves as a foundational program, contributing to enhanced awareness and accountability among officers in ensuring system security.
Additionally, the course on “Legal Issues in Digital Transformation” provided a comprehensive perspective on the legal framework governing digital banking operations, covering electronic transactions, electronic contracts, and personal data protection, as well as emerging issues such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, digital assets, and the legal challenges arising in the context of digital transformation. With the participation of more than 200 officers, the course received high ratings for its current content, practicality, and strong applicability to management, governance, and operational functions.
Notably, the course on “Applying AI in Banking Operations” enabled officers to approach artificial intelligence technology in an accessible manner, gradually cultivating mindsets and habits for applying AI in daily work. Through content covering AI fundamentals, applications in finance and banking, and the proposed “Digital Initiative” framework, the course introduced new approaches to improving work efficiency, innovating processes, and enhancing service quality.
In addition to internal training, Co-opBank proactively enrolled officers in specialized training courses organized by the Vietnam Banks Association and professional institutions, covering topics such as advanced AI, IT risk identification, and the application of AI in marketing and communications, thereby continuously updating knowledge, broadening perspectives, and strengthening the workforce’s digital capabilities.
Managers of departments at the Co-opBank Head Office participated in the training course on the AI Assistant “C-AGENT”
The Journey Toward Building a Comprehensive Digital Ecosystem
The coordinated implementation of the “Digital Literacy for the People” initiative has delivered measurable results: 100% of units across the Co-opBank system participated in and completed their training plans; legal awareness, information security consciousness, and officers’ capacity to apply technology have improved significantly. The application of AI in daily work has gradually become more widespread, extending beyond the technology domain to professional, management, and support functions.
More importantly, the initiative has contributed to cultivating and reinforcing a culture of continuous digital learning throughout the system, where each officer not only receives training but also proactively pursues self-directed learning and adapts to the rapid pace of technological change.
Co-opBank officers guide customers in using Co-opBank Mobile Banking services
“Digital Literacy for the People” at Co-opBank extends beyond popularizing skills; it is oriented toward transforming mindsets, working methods, and the workforce’s approach to technology. When equipped with legal knowledge, digital skills, and the ability to apply AI safely and responsibly, each officer becomes an active contributor to the effective operation and utilization of the digital platforms and modern technology systems that Co-opBank is progressively deploying.
Looking ahead to 2026, Co-opBank plans to launch a system-wide eLearning platform and develop electronic learning materials on information security; digital security and safety; communication and collaboration in the digital environment; problem-solving through digital technology; safe and responsible use of AI; and the utilization and governance of digital data. The eLearning system will establish a unified and modern digital learning platform, ensuring that 100% of staff members can access and complete at least one digital competency course in the first year of implementation, with gradual expansion to soft skills and advanced digital professional competencies in subsequent years.
On its digital transformation journey, Co-opBank consistently places member PCFs at the center. Through proactive and innovative approaches, Co-opBank has actively conducted outreach, consultation, and guidance on the use of digital platforms and online financial services, as well as warnings about fraud and scams in the digital space, for PCFs and their members. These efforts progressively enhance digital literacy awareness among PCFs and their members, contributing to financial inclusion and sustainable development at the local level.
From the spirit of serving “the people” to the goal of becoming “modern,” the “Digital Literacy for the People” initiative at Co-opBank is steadily establishing its role as a critical foundation for sustainable digital transformation. It contributes to enhancing competitiveness, strengthening Co-opBank and PCFs network, and delivering tangible contributions to the process of building a digital society and digital economy in alignment with the Party’s and the State’s strategic direction.
“From the spirit of ‘popular education’ to the goal of ‘modernization’, the ‘Digital Popular Education’ movement at Co-opBank is gradually affirming its role as a vital foundation for sustainable digital transformation.”
Reporter
