The 13th ASEAN-OSHNET Forum Opens in Da Nang

On the morning of 7 July 2026, the 13th ASEAN-OSHNET Forum (AOC-13) officially opened in Da Nang City under the theme “Advancing Digital Transformation in Occupational Safety and Health Management in ASEAN Towards the ASEAN Vision 2045.” The event was hosted by the Ministry of Home Affairs of Viet Nam, marking the country’s assumption of the Chairmanship of the ASEAN Occupational Safety and Health Network (ASEAN-OSHNET) for the 2026–2027 term.

Overview of the 13th ASEAN-OSHNET Forum (AOC-13) under the theme “Advancing Digital Transformation in
Occupational Safety and Health Management in ASEAN Towards the ASEAN Vision 2045,” held in Da Nang City on 7 July 2026.
(Source: Ministry of Home Affairs) 

The Forum brought together approximately 120 delegates from ASEAN Member States, the ASEAN Secretariat, China, Japan, as well as representatives from international organizations, including the International Labour Organization (ILO), the International Association of Labour Inspection (IALI), and numerous enterprises from across the region.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Cao Huy, Vice Minister of Home Affairs, emphasized that digital transformation is creating significant opportunities to enhance occupational safety and health (OSH) management through the application of artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and the Internet of Things (IoT). At the same time, he noted that this transformation also requires countries to address emerging issues such as data protection, ethical considerations in AI applications, and the protection of workers’ rights in the platform economy.

Vice Minister Cao Huy delivers the opening remarks at the 13th ASEAN-OSHNET Forum (AOC-13) under the theme
“Advancing Digital Transformation in Occupational Safety and Health Management in ASEAN Towards the ASEAN Vision 2045,”
held in Da Nang City on 7 July 2026. (Source: Ministry of Home Affairs)

Under the theme “Advancing Digital Transformation in Occupational Safety and Health Management in ASEAN Towards the ASEAN Vision 2045,” the Forum focuses on developing a common ASEAN policy framework, sharing experiences in applying digital technologies to OSH management, promoting inclusive digital transformation, and formulating recommendations for implementing the ASEAN-OSHNET Action Plan 2026–2030.

The year 2026 marks an important milestone as Viet Nam hosts the ASEAN-OSHNET Forum for the third time. Following AOC-13, the 27th ASEAN-OSHNET Coordinating Board Meeting (CBM-27) will take place in Da Nang from 8 to 9 July 2026, during which Thailand will officially hand over the ASEAN-OSHNET Chairmanship for the 2026–2027 term to Viet Nam.

Another key highlight of the event series is the expected adoption of the ASEAN-OSHNET Action Plan 2026–2030 at CBM-27. The Action Plan is expected to elevate regional cooperation on occupational safety and health by addressing emerging priorities such as digital transformation and AI in the workplace, OSH in the platform economy and the informal economy, psychosocial risks, emerging occupational diseases, climate change, and the green transition.

Viet Nam’s assumption of the Chairmanship of the ASEAN-OSHNET Coordinating Board and its hosting of both CBM-27 and AOC-13 demonstrate the country’s strong commitment and proactive engagement in ASEAN’s sectoral cooperation mechanisms. The events also provide an opportunity for Viet Nam to share its practical experience in advancing digital transformation in the labour sector, while promoting the country’s image, people, and culture to partners across the region and the international community.

Xuan Dai