First introduced to the internet in 1994, the “.vn” national domain marked Vietnam’s sovereign presence online. For more than 30 years, “.vn” has played a vital role in connecting citizens to the digital world. Recently, the National Strategy on Digital Economy and Digital Society Development through 2025, with a vision toward 2030, identified the national domain “.vn” as one of the essential indicators to be achieved. Popularizing the use of “.vn” domains helps safeguard national sovereignty in cyberspace, as affirmed in Resolution No.57 dated December 22, 2024, issued by the Politburo regarding breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation.

The “.vn” domain, integrated with digital services such as websites and email, is a tool enabling individuals and businesses to establish a secure and trustworthy online presence. Through this Program, the province aims to initially promote “.vn” domain registration among schools and students to support learning, teaching, and research. This will gradually extend to enterprises, cooperatives, and the general public, helping improve work efficiency, develop individual and business sectors, and build trustworthy digital personal brands.

The program specifically targets newly established businesses within one year and individual business households with official business registration. These entities are offered two years of free access to the national domain “biz.vn” along with associated digital services such as business websites and email. The use of the “biz.vn” domain helps organizations establish credibility in the digital space, enhance competitiveness, and promote brand visibility both domestically and internationally.

In parallel, the program offers incentives for individuals, especially young people aged 18 to 23, including students and recent graduates. Citizens in this group are granted two years of free access to the personal domain “id.vn” and accompanying digital services such as personal websites, email, blogs, and online CVs. This presents an opportunity for young people to build their digital identities, develop personal brands, and gradually assert their professional image in education, work, and entrepreneurship in the digital world.

Being a mountainous province, Điện Biên faces challenges due to limited digital literacy among its population. To overcome this, the Department of Science and Technology has closely coordinated with the Vietnam Internet Center (under the Ministry of Science and Technology), other departments, agencies, localities, and community digital teams to intensify efforts in raising awareness about the benefits and significance of using “.vn” domains. Adopting the motto “go to every alley, knock on every door,” officials not only provide theoretical guidance but also work hands-on with business households, assisting them step by step in registering “biz.vn” domains and getting accustomed to digital tools and services.

Local colleges and training institutions with eligible students have been engaged in promoting the use of “id.vn” domains and related digital services (such as websites, email, CVs, and blogs) to support research, learning, and digital skill development, while building personal brands and increasing community engagement and job opportunities in a safe, reliable online environment.

To date, over 14,400 local officials and educators have participated in training sessions to improve digital skills and learn how to register and use “.vn” domains and related services for online presence and brand development. Additionally, the province is home to more than 1,300 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and 45 digital technology firms. Currently, over 84% of SMEs use digital platforms, and more than 40% have accessed and participated in the SMEdx Program (https://smedx.mic.gov.vn), which supports digital transformation for SMEs.

Government agencies in the province have also emphasized the use of the national domain “.vn” to enhance service quality in alignment with trends in globalization and digitalization. For instance, on April 23, the Điện Biên Phủ Online Newspaper officially changed its domain name from baodienbienphu.com.vn to baodienbienphu.vn. Registering and being authorized to use the domain baodienbienphu.vn brings several benefits: representing a Vietnamese brand, building domestic customer trust, ensuring information accuracy and reliability under the management of the Vietnam Internet Center, and improving search engine optimization (SEO), thereby enhancing professionalism and content development flexibility.

To ensure the program’s effectiveness, the Department of Science and Technology and the Vietnam Internet Center have issued implementation guidelines and printed communication materials, available at https://hiendienonline.tenmien.vn/tai-lieu-truyen-thong. They have also organized training courses and communication activities throughout the province. Relevant departments and units have been proactive in disseminating information about the Program to officials, staff, union members, students, and learners, encouraging them to experience digital services and develop personal brands.

Localities have established technical support teams composed of youth union members, students, and community digital task force members to assist people, businesses, households, and retail stores in safely accessing and using digital services. These teams also teach basic skills for building a digital brand, such as understanding customer needs, identifying appropriate sales channels, selecting suitable digital platforms, producing quality content, seizing market opportunities, and defining competitive positioning.

The provincial Business Association has worked to promote the Program to customers through SMS, mobile apps, and business websites, particularly targeting prioritized groups such as newly established businesses, household enterprises, and young entrepreneurs. Program content has been integrated into customer consultation and support activities, as well as technical assistance at seminars, training sessions, and communication campaigns about registering and utilizing “.vn” domains and related digital services like websites and email.

The widespread adoption of the national domain “.vn” is not only a response to the digital economy’s growth trends but also a means to enhance the competitiveness of SMEs, promote e-commerce and digital tourism, and develop local service sectors. This is an opportune moment for organizations and individuals to leverage State support policies, gradually establish a professional online presence, and contribute to the province’s sustainable development in the coming period.