Long Châu Pioneers Digital Health Initiative at the 2025 Swiss-Vietnamese Economic Forum

The Swiss-Vietnamese Economic Forum 2025 (SVEF 2025) marks its inaugural edition in Vietnam, co-hosted by the Da Nang People’s Committee and the Swiss Embassy in Vietnam. The event attracted nearly 400 domestic and international delegates, including government leaders, business communities, investors, academics, and ecosystem partners from Switzerland, Vietnam, Europe, and ASEAN.

Under the theme “Innovative Partnerships for Sustainable Growth: Connecting Vietnam with Regional and Global Ecosystems,” SVEF 2025 serves as a catalyst for fostering practical collaborations, harmonizing policies, capital flows, and knowledge to drive sustainable growth. It aims to expand economic, investment, and innovation partnerships between Vietnam and Switzerland, as well as the broader European region.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Thomas Gass, Ambassador of Switzerland to Vietnam, expressed the forum’s ambition to deliver tangible commitments and initiatives that strengthen Swiss-Vietnamese cooperation.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, Ms. Le Thi Thu Hang, emphasized the forum’s significance in showcasing the robust partnership between the two nations, further solidifying and broadening their bilateral relations.

Mr. Philipp Rösler, Chairman of the Swiss-Vietnamese Economic Forum, highlighted SVEF 2025’s focus on translating strategy into action to synchronize policies, capital, and knowledge, thereby fostering innovation and growth.

Within the framework of SVEF 2025, alongside discussions on regional and global trade integration, legal frameworks for foreign investment, fintech, digital finance, and the development of an International Financial Center (IFC), the deep-dive session on “Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare Innovation” garnered significant attention from delegates, experts, and businesses.

The session featured Dr. Chris McBrearty, Health Governance Specialist (UNDP Vietnam & WHO Vietnam), Mr. Huynh Thuan, Deputy Director of Da Nang Department of Health, Ms. Nguyen Do Quyen, Deputy CEO of FPT Retail and CEO of Long Chau Pharmacy and Vaccination Center Chain, and senior leaders from Vietnamese and international pharmaceutical companies.

Long Chau’s senior representatives and speakers shared practical insights into healthcare delivery and contributed ideas on leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) for comprehensive healthcare solutions.

Ms. Nguyen Do Quyen, Deputy CEO of FPT Retail and CEO of Long Chau Pharmacy and Vaccination Center Chain, discussed strategies for applying personalized AI to deliver swift, convenient, and comprehensive healthcare solutions to millions of Vietnamese.

“Currently, Long Chau operates 2,400 pharmacies and over 200 vaccination centers nationwide, serving 33 million Vietnamese customers—equivalent to one-third of the country’s population. With over 16 million transactions and 30 million website visits monthly, technology is indispensable for our rapid and sustainable growth. It enables us to analyze, understand, and create personalized health profiles for each customer, delivering tailored care solutions,” shared the Deputy CEO of FPT Retail.

Ms. Quyen also emphasized that AI acts as a bridge, enabling pharmacists to provide timely advice, helping individuals better assess health risks, and improving treatment adherence for millions. Long Chau places humans at the center, with AI complementing rather than replacing pharmacists. This approach ensures faster, more accurate, and trustworthy interactions with customers.

Vietnamese, including older adults, are highly receptive to technology, readily engaging with pharmacists and Long Chau’s platforms via apps to share health concerns. This trust motivates Long Chau to act as an extension of the healthcare system, bringing standardized medical knowledge closer to the public.

According to Ms. Quyen, AI is also integral to training Long Chau’s pharmacists. Personalized AI-driven curricula ensure pharmacists master specialized knowledge, enhancing their professional skills and customer experience.

For Long Chau, technology is more than a tool—it’s the foundation for understanding and serving customers, positioning the network as the first touchpoint in Vietnam’s comprehensive healthcare journey.