Communist Party, Union

Digital transformation can only truly succeed when workers are recognised as both agents and direct beneficiaries. All the latest technologies, every robotic arm on the factory floor, are rendered meaningless without the guiding hand and independent, creative thinking of the worker.

This perspective, advanced by Mr Nguyễn Huy Thông, President of the Vietnam Chemical Industry Trade Union, at the Conference reviewing Workers’ Month and the Action Month for Occupational Safety and Health 2026 of the Industry and Trade sector (recently organised by the Vietnam Industry and Trade Union), opens a new dimension in the digitalisation discourse: Digital transformation is not simply about technological investment, but a revolution to liberate and elevate the power of labour.

In his remarks, Mr Nguyễn Huy Thông painted a picture of transformation in an industry long associated with tradition and heavy manual work.

Breakthroughs in Factory Technology – Closely Tied to Worker Safety

No longer just words on paper, core initiatives of the Group—such as Resolution No. 28 and Plan No. 88 on comprehensive digital transformation for 2026–2030—have been realised through technological solutions now deployed efficiently and synchronously across production sites.

Major brands such as LIX Detergent, NET Detergent, and Đạm Ninh Bình now showcase the robust adoption of automated robotic arms in finished product packaging—a modern image once only seen in documentaries about developed economies. Yet, as Mr Nguyễn Huy Thông notes, the true value from the union’s perspective extends beyond mere quantitative results.

He highlights the use of technology to create an absolutely safe working environment. In a sector renowned for its hazards and inherent risks, the introduction of advanced ultrasonic pipe inspection technology from Europe and America to detect hidden corrosion is a breakthrough.

Technology has supplanted the naked eye in detecting potential ruptures in high-pressure systems, enabling the early and remote prevention of chemical incidents that could directly endanger hundreds of workers.

A seamless integration of management digitalisation (ERP, warehouse, materials, and online equipment maintenance) with e-commerce through the Vinachem Market platform evidences a truly holistic approach to transformation.

According to Mr Nguyễn Huy Thông, this model not only sustains impressive double-digit growth—turnover reaching 60 to 70 trillion VND per year—but, more importantly, eases administrative burden and saves operational costs, allowing the Group to reinvest in welfare and upskill its workforce.

Notably, the digital leap is further exemplified by the transformation of blending units, which have proactively adopted clean energy (solar, wind) to optimise costs and address the sector’s stringent environmental demands.

Moreover, digital transformation now encompasses all internal trade union activities, from membership management and online training to policy communications via digital platforms, maximising administrative efficiency.

Championing the Worker as Agent and Nurturing Creative Drive

Reflecting on the successes of 2024–2025, with more than 30 Creative Labour Awards bestowed by the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour, Mr Nguyễn Huy Thông distilled several key lessons. First and foremost, digital transformation demands unified political resolve.

This is a grand undertaking that requires significant investment and a complete overhaul of management habits. As such, Mr Nguyễn Huy Thông was frank in pointing out that union initiatives will remain superficial unless underpinned by unified leadership from the Party Committee and decisive, risk-embracing action from company management.

Digital transformation is an intricate interplay of technology and finance; it cannot thrive on trade union enthusiasm alone. Crucially, establishing the worker as a central agent is the key determinant of success or failure. Technology is merely a tool—people are the driving force.

Investing in equipment without investing in the digital skills of workers is a grave waste. The continuity of any digitalisation strategy is unthinkable without mechanisms to nurture creative motivation. Technical innovations and production rationalisation must be recognised and rewarded both materially and spiritually. Timely incentives are the very solvent that fuels autonomy, turning every production worker into a “digital innovator” at their post.

To further spread this movement, Mr Nguyễn Huy Thông put forward four recommendations to the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour and the Vietnam Industry and Trade Union.

He called for the continued design of targeted emulation movements tailored to each sector’s realities; more resources for advanced digital skills training—especially in artificial intelligence and big data analysis—for workers; new mechanisms to honour exemplary models; and the improvement of union-management coordination to maximise high-quality human resources and enhance productivity.

Through his address, Mr Nguyễn Huy Thông sent a clear message: The Trade Union does not stand on the sidelines of digitalisation. On the contrary, it is both a partner and a shield—protecting legal rights, raising productivity, and building happiness for the workforce in this new era of industrial revolution.