Following the success of the annual conference held in Hanoi in October 2025, LAWASIA and the Korean Bar Association jointly organized the 39th LAWASIA Conference 2026 in Seoul, South Korea, from September 14–16, 2026.
Under the theme “Global New Order – Challenges and Perspectives,” the conference provided a forum for bar association leaders, judges, professional organizations, and lawyers to exchange views on developments in the global legal landscape.
The program covered various areas, including business law, human rights and the rule of law, environmental law, alternative dispute resolution, family law, criminal law, and intellectual property. The discussion sessions addressed issues affecting legal practice across Asia and around the world.
As part of the conference, Lawyer Luu Xuan Vinh – Founding and Managing Lawyer at Asia Legal presented on the topic: “Navigating Vietnam’s Evolving Data Governance Regime: Impacts on the Digital Economy & Foreign Investment.” His presentation focused on developments in Vietnam’s data governance framework, including their implications for the digital economy and foreign investment.
Legal Framework for Cybersecurity, Personal Data Protection, and Data Security
The presentation examined the relationship between three groups of legal regulations: the Law on Cybersecurity, the Law on Personal Data Protection, and the proposed Law on Data Security. These regulations were discussed in the context of Vietnam’s efforts to promote the development of the digital economy.
Lawyer Luu Xuan Vinh analyzed legal requirements relating to personal data protection, including the classification of basic personal data and sensitive personal data. The presentation also addressed data processing impact assessments and cross-border data transfer documentation.
From a legal perspective, he highlighted several requirements outlined in the materials, including the obligation to conduct Personal Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIA), the preparation of Cross-Border Data Transfer (CBDT) documentation, and the appointment of Data Protection Officers (DPOs) for organizations processing significant volumes of data.
The presentation also covered Decree No. 356/2025, which was introduced in the materials in connection with administrative sanctions and enforcement mechanisms in the field of personal data protection.
Legal Issues for Foreign-Invested Enterprises
Notably, the discussion focused on compliance challenges faced by foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs). Key issues included risks associated with third-party data processors, cross-border data transfers, and data management requirements within information technology systems.
Through his analysis, Lawyer Vinh highlighted issues that businesses should consider when organizing data processing activities. The use of regional data centers and the transfer of data to overseas systems may give rise to legal requirements relating to reporting and compliance.
The materials also addressed domestic data storage requirements applicable to certain service providers within the regulatory scope. In addition, the proposed Law on Data Security introduced concepts relating to core data, important data, and ordinary data.
Compliance Considerations for Foreign Investors
Based on the legal issues analyzed, the presentation outlined several considerations for foreign-invested enterprises. These included reviewing consent requirements and conducting personal data protection impact assessments. Businesses were also advised to classify data and consider data segregation mechanisms within their information technology systems.
The discussion further addressed the establishment of local compliance functions. The appointment of a Data Protection Officer in accordance with applicable legal requirements was among the considerations presented.
These issues highlight the importance of monitoring legal developments in data governance in Vietnam. Such monitoring provides a basis for businesses to assess compliance requirements in digital business operations and foreign investment activities.
Asia Legal at the 39th LAWASIA Conference
The 39th LAWASIA Conference provided an opportunity for legal professionals and representatives of legal organizations across the region to exchange views on legal issues amid a changing international landscape. The event also contributed to strengthening connections and fostering cooperation among the legal communities of different countries.
Through its participation, Asia Legal had another opportunity to engage with international legal professionals, maintain connections with emerging legal developments, and support cross-border legal cooperation.
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Asia Legal – Business Law Firm
Website: asialegal.vn
Email: info@asialegal.vn
Tele: 084 400 8484
Address: No. 23, Lot N03, Dich Vong New Urban Area, Dich Vong Street, Cau Giay Ward, Hanoi, Vietnam
