On 15 October 2026, the Co-operative Bank of Vietnam (Co-opBank) held the First Meeting of its Science, Technology and Innovation Council (the Council) in 2026 at Co-opBank Head Office to review the Council’s activities during the 2025–2026 period and identify key priorities and tasks for 2027. The meeting reaffirmed Co-opBank’s commitment to making science, technology and innovation key drivers of greater operational efficiency, stronger governance capabilities, and enhanced coordination and support across the People’s Credit Fund (PCF) Network.
The meeting was attended by Mr. Nguyen Quoc Cuong – Chairman of the Board of Directors of Co-opBank; Mr. Khuat Duy Tuan – Member of the Board of Directors and Chairman of the Science, Technology and Innovation Council; along with members of Co-opBank’s senior management, members of the Council, and representatives of departments and units at Co-opBank Head Office.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Khuat Duy Tuan – Member of the Board of Directors and Chairman of the Science, Technology and Innovation Council, emphasized the significance of this inaugural meeting following the issuance of Co-opBank’s Regulations on Science, Technology and Innovation Activities under Decision No. 668/QD-NHHT dated 8 September 2026 and the restructuring and strengthening of the Council under Decision No. 713/QD-NHHT dated 28 September 2026. These developments represent an important step in strengthening the organizational structure and operational mechanisms for science, technology and innovation, laying the foundation for promoting scientific research, technology adoption and innovation in a systematic and practical manner aligned with Co-opBank’s development needs.
At the meeting, the Restructuring and Development Strategy Department, serving as the Standing Unit of the Council, presented a report on activities during the 2025–2026 period and outlined the Council’s priorities and tasks for 2027. Over this period, science, technology and innovation activities at Co-opBank have been gradually strengthened and expanded in line with the requirements of refining its organizational model, enhancing governance and management capabilities, advancing digital transformation, and fulfilling its role as the focal bank of the PCF Network. A notable achievement was Co-opBank’s completion of the ministerial-level science and technology research project entitled “Improving the Organizational and Operational Model of Cooperative Credit Institutions under the 2024 Law on Credit Institutions”, which was officially evaluated and rated “Good” by the State Bank of Vietnam under Decision No. 672/QD-NHNN dated 9 April 2026.
Alongside ministerial-level and institution-level research projects, Co-opBank has continued to promote technology adoption and develop digital banking products and solutions, including CFePCF, CFeBiz, Payment Hub, CFeCenter, and tools supporting governance and management. Practical experience has demonstrated that the value of science, technology and innovation lies not only in research outputs but also in the ability to translate knowledge into concrete solutions that address challenges arising in banking operations and deliver tangible benefits to individual units and the entire Network.
Based on its assessment of the results achieved, the Council focused its discussions on four key priorities for 2027: researching solutions to support the implementation of the Scheme on the Comprehensive Restructuring of the PCF Network and Co-opBank, as well as Co-opBank’s development strategy; enhancing the effectiveness of coordination and support for PCFs; strengthening risk management, inspection and internal control capabilities; and accelerating digital transformation and technology adoption in banking operations.
Participants agreed that scientific research should be driven by practical needs, closely aligned with Co-opBank’s development strategy and operational characteristics, and aimed at addressing common challenges across the PCF Network. Several proposals emphasized prioritizing research into the digitalization of operational processes, the application of artificial intelligence (AI), and the use of data analytics to support governance and management. Other proposed areas included developing early warning tools, strengthening risk management and internal controls, and supporting the restructuring of PCFs.
Notably, the meeting also focused on improving how research activities are organized by broadening participation across departments and units, encouraging cross-functional collaboration, and promoting initiatives arising from day-to-day operations. Allowing research proposals to be submitted through emulation groups and clusters, without limiting the number of proposals, will encourage staff and employees to actively undertake research, propose innovative ideas and process improvements, strengthen collaboration and knowledge sharing, and mobilize intellectual resources across the entire organization.
Delivering his keynote address at the meeting, Mr. Nguyen Quoc Cuong – Chairman of the Board of Directors of Co-opBank, acknowledged and highly appreciated the efforts made and achievements recorded in science, technology and innovation activities, particularly the successful completion of the ministerial-level science and technology research project. This achievement has helped establish a scientific and practical foundation for Co-opBank’s restructuring efforts, the improvement of its organizational model and its future development strategy. Mr. Nguyen Quoc Cuong emphasized that practical effectiveness must serve as a key measure of the quality of scientific research. Every research project and innovative initiative should originate from actual operational needs, aim to address specific challenges, and deliver applicable solutions that create value for both Co-opBank and the PCF Network.
Accordingly, science, technology and innovation activities should undergo a decisive shift in focus, from merely completing research assignments to creating practical value. Alongside strategic research projects, particular emphasis should be placed on encouraging initiatives that improve operational processes, enhance labor productivity, reduce costs, mitigate risks and improve service quality. Even small improvements should be recognized and encouraged, provided they deliver tangible benefits and can be effectively implemented and replicated.
The Chairman of Co-opBank’s Board of Directors called on the Science, Technology and Innovation Council and its Standing Unit to strengthen their roles in providing strategic direction, facilitating coordination and supporting departments and units, while prioritizing research projects aligned with Co-opBank’s development strategy and capable of being widely applied across the Network.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors also stressed the importance of evaluating the practical effectiveness of research projects following their formal acceptance, further improving financial mechanisms, simplifying administrative procedures and proactively applying technology to the management of science, technology and innovation activities.
The strategic directions outlined at the meeting reflect Co-opBank’s commitment to fostering an environment that encourages research and innovation, where every staff member and employee has the opportunity to contribute ideas, apply their professional expertise and actively participate in driving innovation and improving operational efficiency across the organization.
Guided by the motto “Connecting Knowledge – Creating Value – Growing Together”, Co-opBank continues to foster a spirit of innovation, harness collective expertise and promote the translation of research outcomes into tangible value. These efforts contribute to strengthening governance capabilities, accelerating digital transformation, promoting sustainable development and further enhancing Co-opBank’s role as the focal bank in connecting and supporting the PCF Network.
Co-opBank Restructuring and Development Strategy Department
