As 2025 draws to a close, the pulse of Vietnam’s society can be felt not just on its bustling streets or through its vibrant cultural events, but also in the digital footprints left by millions of internet users. According to Google’s recently announced 'Year in Search 2025' list, Vietnamese netizens have displayed a keen appetite for innovation, a deepening sense of national pride, and a growing focus on sustainability—all of which were echoed in the year’s most-searched topics and major national events.
Google’s annual report, published on December 14, 2025, highlighted ten primary topics that dominated Vietnamese searches: General Trends, Image Creation, Movies (general), Vietnamese Movies, Concerts, Songs, News, How-To, Definitions, and Travel. The list, as reported by Bao Phap Luat, offers a unique lens into what captured the imagination and attention of the Vietnamese public over the past year.
One of the most striking trends was the overwhelming dominance of artificial intelligence (AI) in the 'General Trends' category. Keywords such as DeepSeek, ChatGPT, and Grok were among the most searched, reflecting the powerful draw of AI technology in daily Vietnamese life. The e-Conomy SEA 2025 report, cited by Bao Phap Luat, found that a staggering 81% of Vietnamese users interacted with AI every day, and 83% were actively learning about AI—numbers that place Vietnam at the forefront of AI adoption in Southeast Asia.
This surge in AI interest was not just about curiosity. The nature of searches shifted from basic questions like "What is AI?" to more practical queries such as "how to make videos with AI" or "create images with AI." This evolution underscores how AI is becoming an essential tool for creativity, learning, and even everyday problem-solving in Vietnam.
But technology wasn’t the only domain to see a surge in national engagement. Vietnamese-made films drew significant attention, with the historical drama 'Mưa Đỏ' making waves across three separate search categories: General Trends, Movies (general), and Vietnamese Movies. Other homegrown titles such as 'Nhà Gia Tiên', 'Đèn Âm Hồn', 'Địa Đạo', and 'Từ Chiến Trên Không' also saw high search volumes, underscoring the resonance of locally produced stories rooted in Vietnam’s history and culture.
International cinema wasn’t left out either. Popular global releases like 'When Life Gives You a Hammer', 'Squid Game 2', and 'Khom Lưng' also made the list, demonstrating the Vietnamese audience’s eclectic taste and openness to diverse storytelling.
Music and live entertainment followed a similar pattern. In the 'Concert' category, events with strong historical and patriotic themes such as 'V Concert', 'Tổ Quốc Trong Tim', and 'Việt Nam Trong Tôi' led in searches. Songs celebrating cultural and historical heritage like 'Bắc Bling', 'Còn Gì Đẹp Hơn', and 'Nỗi Đau Giữa Hòa Bình' were among the most sought-after tracks, while contemporary hits such as 'Mất Kết Nối', 'Gã Săn Cá', 'Một Đời Vì Em', and 'Tái Sinh' reflected the public’s broad musical interests.
News-related searches in 2025 were dominated by practical concerns, particularly weather updates. Information on storms Wipha, Kalmaegi, Kajiki, and the 10th and 11th storms of the year were among the most frequently sought news items, highlighting the population’s vigilance in the face of natural disasters. Social issues like province mergers also drew significant attention, showing a populace keenly attuned to changes in local governance.
Meanwhile, the 'How-To' category revealed the diversity of daily life. From making tea with lychee and salty syrup to crafting lychee jelly and mid-autumn lanterns, traditional skills remained popular. Newer interests, such as "how to make AI videos," signaled the blending of heritage and modernity in Vietnamese society.
Travel searches painted a telling picture of the year’s economic and environmental realities. All of the top ten most searched destinations were domestic: Da Lat, An Giang, Mui Ne, Da Nang, Ha Long, Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, Ca Mau, Phu Quoc, and Vung Tau. As Bao Phap Luat observed, this trend indicates a preference for trips connected to nature and local culture—a response, perhaps, to economic challenges and the ongoing threat of frequent floods and storms that made overseas or distant travel less appealing.
While digital trends offered a window into the nation’s collective mind, real-world events underscored Vietnam’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. On December 12, 2025, the final round of the National Innovation Startup Talent Search competition took place at Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square in Hanoi, as part of TECHFEST Vietnam 2025. The event, as reported by ICTV, brought together ten outstanding teams from both inside and outside the country, all driven by the theme of "Green Growth and Digital Transformation: Innovation for a Sustainable Vietnam."
Organized by the National Startup Support Center (NSSC) and the Department of Startup and Technology Enterprises (NATEC), in partnership with Start-up World Cup Vietnam, Impact Square, and MSD United Way Vietnam, the competition was more than just a contest. It was a celebration of responsibility, environmental stewardship, and long-term development aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Le Toan Thang, Director of the National Innovation Startup Support Center, emphasized the competition’s importance in implementing key national policies, specifically referencing Resolution 57-NQ/TW (December 22, 2024) and Resolution 68-NQ/TW (May 4, 2025). He noted, "This year’s competition is not just about selecting potential projects but also about supporting startups in improving their products, business models, and meeting ESG standards." The process, which spanned from October to December, helped contestants refine their offerings and align with international benchmarks.
The choice to hold the final in the public space of Hoan Kiem Lake’s pedestrian street allowed citizens, tourists, and the broader startup community to directly experience new technological solutions, making innovation a tangible part of everyday life.
For the first time, international teams joined the final, marking a milestone in Vietnam’s integration with the global innovation ecosystem. Silvie Park, Executive Director of Start-up World Cup Vietnam and Pegasus Technology Fund, observed that "Vietnam’s startup ecosystem is entering a strong development phase," noting the competitiveness and adaptability of local teams.
Nguyen Phuong Linh, Director of MSD United Way Vietnam, highlighted the competition’s new emphasis on social and environmental impact, saying, "This year’s TECHFEST integrated criteria for social, environmental, and sustainability impact, reflecting national strategy and international trends." She also pointed out the diversity of participants, from scientists and young entrepreneurs to female leaders, helping to shape a more inclusive and robust national innovation ecosystem.
After rigorous presentations and Q&A sessions, the jury awarded the top prize and $20,000 to Growlab, who will represent Vietnam at the Start-up World Cup 2026 in San Francisco. The runner-up, Volterra, received $7,000 for its AI platform supporting electric vehicle charging infrastructure and Net Zero 2050 goals. The third prize, also $20,000, went to IDO’s Biglead CRM, a comprehensive tech solution for digital and green transformation. Two additional prizes of $15,000 each were awarded to Dayladau and PLANTNER for their growth potential and sustainable impact.
Looking back, 2025 was a year where Vietnam’s digital and real-world narratives intertwined—AI and innovation flourished, national pride surged in entertainment, and sustainability became a guiding principle. Whether through a Google search or a startup pitch, the Vietnamese people signaled their readiness for a future that’s both smart and sustainable.
