10-5-2025 – Vietnam has embarked on an ambitious venture to craft its own layer-1 blockchain through the 1Matrix initiative. Spearheaded by a coalition of prominent Vietnamese institutions—including Techcombank, Techcom Securities, Masterise Group, and One Mount Group—this project seeks to anchor the nation’s digital ambitions in homegrown innovation, diminishing dependence on foreign technological frameworks. The initiative, now aligned with the Vietnam Blockchain Association (VBA), embodies Vietnam’s broader vision of fostering a robust digital economy while safeguarding national interests.
The 1Matrix project stands in stark contrast to Vietnam’s earlier blockchain triumph, Ronin, a layer-1 platform developed by gaming startup Sky Mavis. Ronin captivated global audiences with its flagship game Axie Infinity, securing backing from international heavyweights like a16z and Animoca Brands. While Ronin’s success was rooted in the vibrant world of gaming, 1Matrix is a far more sober endeavour, designed as a versatile blockchain to serve Vietnam’s strategic priorities across multiple sectors. Its mission is not merely technical but profoundly nationalistic, aiming to bolster data sovereignty, fortify cybersecurity, and elevate Vietnam’s stature on the global stage.
Phan Duc Trung, who chairs both 1Matrix and the VBA, underscores the initiative’s significance: “By mastering blockchain technology and securing its intellectual property, Vietnam can harness this innovation to drive its digital economy, societal progress, and long-term development. This is about asserting control over our data and strengthening our nation’s global standing.” The project has garnered high-profile endorsements, including from Lieutenant General Dang Vu Son, former head of the Government Cipher Committee, and a strategic alliance with Boston Consulting Group, lending it both gravitas and expertise.
Launched under the “Make in Vietnam” ethos, 1Matrix is a cornerstone of the nation’s blockchain strategy, which champions domestic technological advancement. Unlike its gaming-centric predecessor, this initiative is poised to underpin Vietnam’s digital infrastructure, reflecting a maturing ambition to not only participate in the global tech race but to shape its course with sovereign ingenuity.
