Man with desire to bring Vietnamese genomes to world gene map
Ten years ago, Cao Anh Tuan gave up his dream job at Google to join five other Vietnamese PhDs from top US universities to return to the research lab and develop gene decoding technology using artificial intelligence technology.
Hanoi (VNA) - Ten years ago, Cao Anh Tuan gave up his dream job at Google to join five other Vietnamese PhDs from top US universities to return to the research lab and develop gene decoding technology using artificial intelligence technology.
In 2018, their company Genetica was present in Vietnam with the aspiration to bring the genomes of Vietnamese people and Asians in general to the world gene map, as well as establish Asia's leading genetic decoding centre in Vietnam.
To date, Genetica's services have been available in the United States, Singapore and Vietnam. Patents are registered and can be deployed in dozens of countries.
According to Tuan, Genetica has built the first American standard laboratory in Vietnam and the second American standard laboratory in Southeast Asia (after Singapore) to gradually bring Asian genetic engineering services to Vietnam.
Cao Anh Tuan of Genetica (Photo: Genetica)
The Genetica team is now ready to go further in the Southeast Asian and New Zealand markets, where large numbers of Asians live.
Notably, during the recent COVID-19 outbreak, Genetica has developed a tool to help diagnose genes that are more susceptible to COVID-19 and the risk of severe complications.
Tuan said that since the pandemic broke out, his research team discussed the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to find solutions to combat the coronavirus.
Therefore, Genetica's G-CoVi (Gene Coughing Virus) product was born to provide information about the risk of virus infection through each person's genetic parameters.
In addition, Genetica can analyse the genetic code for Asians to support child bearing and education planning, personalise nutrition and exercise plans as well as prevent potential diseases, including 18 common cancers in Vietnam and Asia.
The company is currently coordinating with the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases in implementing a project to assess the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection based on the genetic characteristics of Vietnamese people.
After being approved by the Ministry of Health, it will be widely published, contributing to the world's large gene data bank./.
Vietnam has become one of the pioneers in the world in research and application of stem cell therapy to treat autism spectrum disorder (ASD) following new findings of the research body of Vinmec, a member of VinGroup.
Vietnam is marking International Thalassemia Day on May 8 with a message calling on people to conduct pre-marriage counselling and health check-ups for their own happiness and the country’s prosperity, the General Office for Population and Family Planning said on April 12.
For the first time, Vietnamese scientists have successfully built a technological process for sequencing the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus genome using the PacBio long-range genome sequencing technique. This is an important basis for quickly and accurately identifying variants in particular and new pathogenic viruses.
With the government's strong direction and active participation from businesses and citizens, national digital transformation is deepening, with a focus on building a digital government, economy, and society.
VietNEST (Vietnamese Nurturing Education for Science & Traditions) is a mobile app and digital platform for Vietnamese language learning among overseas children.
The networks bring together universities, research institutes and domestic and foreign businesses. Members will work closely in training, research, and technology transfer by sharing curricula, improving faculty capacity, providing access to laboratories and research facilities, and jointly implementing science and technology projects.
The Better Choice Awards (BCA) 2025 is a key highlight in the lead-up to Vietnam Innovation Day that falls on October 1, an annual event expected to attract hundreds of innovative enterprises, research institutions, investment funds, and startups from both Vietnam and abroad.
The new line serves as a critical backup route, strategically complementing existing submarine cables and enhancing the resilience, proactivity, and security of Vietnam’s telecommunications infrastructure.
Vietnam is actively yet cautiously preparing for the construction of its first nuclear power plant in Ninh Thuan (now the south-central coastal province of Khanh Hoa). The resumption of the programme after years of suspension carries considerable significance for the nation’s development in a new era as it strives to gradually reduce and ultimately phase out coal-fired power to realise the Government’s commitment to Net Zero by 2050.
The government leader reaffirmed Vietnam’s goal of achieving self-reliance in the design, manufacturing, and test of necessary semiconductor chips by no later than 2027.
With the launching of its two-tier local administration model, the city is incorporating technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain to enhance service delivery for citizens and businesses, aligning with the Politburo’s Resolution 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation.
Vietnam has issued many key policies to support semiconductor development, notably the Politburo’s Resolution 57 on science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation. Other initiatives include the Semiconductor Industry Development Strategy to 2030, with a vision to 2050, and the Human Resources Development Programme for the Semiconductor Industry.
Vietnam is no longer just an emerging blockchain market, it is stepping into a leadership role, with global investors, developers, and experts recognising its growing potential to become a leading hub for digital assets in the region.
Taking place on August 1–2, the event features more than 20,000 attendees and over 200 speakers from Vietnam, the h Korea, Singapore, the UAE, Hong Kong (China) and the US.
Dung directed the Ministry of Science and Technology to revise the national startup scheme, ensuring it clearly defines the scope and content, grounded on strong political and legal foundations, international best practices, and well-reasoned arguments for submission to the Government.
The two-day academic forum, themed “Resilience, Sustainability & Digital Transformation in a Changing World: Perspectives from Southeast Asia”, aims to share interdisciplinary research insights, focusing on adaptive capacity, sustainable development, and digital transformation amid evolving global and regional landscapes.
With such a rapid economic growth, Vietnam must diversify energy sources and nuclear power is a rational choice to ensure the national energy security, said Associate Professor Kei Koga from the Nanyang Technological University (Singapore).
Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung emphasised that Vietnam has a clear strategy and ambition in this field, and is rapidly emerging as a central hub and key link in the regional and global semiconductor value chains.
According to Cushman & Wakefield’s latest Asia-Pacific Data Centre Investment Landscape report, Vietnam now ranks second in the region for data centre investment returns, with a yield on cost (YoC) of 17.5–18.8%, just behind Singapore’s 21–23%.
Vietnam is taking drastic yet cautious steps in building a culture of nuclear safety and security, with the aim of having its first nuclear power plant operational by the end of 2030 and using this specific energy source effectively and sustainably.
Vietnam’s 5G strategy has been clearly outlined in national digital technology and infrastructure policies. A wide range of solutions is being vigorously implemented to achieve the target of an average internet speed of 100 Mbps by 2025 and full nationwide 5G coverage by 2030.
The visit aimed to assess the new two-tier local government model, preparations for upcoming Party congresses at levels, and implementation of the Politburo’s Conclusion on school construction in border areas.
Illustrative image (Source: Vinmec) 
Cao Anh Tuan of Genetica (Photo: Genetica) 
