Vietnam Launches National Zero-Knowledge Blockchain to Modernize Digital Infrastructure, Align with Global Peers

Vietnam has launched NDAChain, a national blockchain platform leveraging zero-knowledge proof technology to modernize its digital infrastructure and align with global peers such as China and the European Union in sovereign blockchain development. The platform, developed by the National Data Association and supported by a consortium of 49 public-private validator nodes, operates on a permissioned layer-1 architecture with a proof-of-authority consensus mechanism. It is designed to handle up to 3,600 transactions per second, providing a scalable solution for Vietnam’s digital ecosystem [1].

The initiative marks a significant step in the government’s broader strategy to build a secure, transparent, and resilient digital infrastructure. Nguyen Huy, head of technology at the National Data Association, emphasized that NDAChain serves as a "protective layer" for critical data systems, blending centralized and decentralized components to address vulnerabilities in traditional data models. These include susceptibility to cyberattacks and scalability limitations, particularly in sectors like healthcare, education, e-government, finance, and logistics [1].

Vietnam’s national blockchain strategy, announced in October 2024, envisions a phased rollout. The government aims to integrate NDAChain into the national data center by late 2025, followed by expansion to local governments and universities by 2026. Post-2026, the focus will shift to workforce development, international collaboration, and the creation of Layer 2 applications tailored for specific industries. The broader project timeline extends to 2030, with full integration across the national data ecosystem [1].

This move positions Vietnam among over 50 countries with national blockchain initiatives, including China, South Korea, and the EU. China’s Blockchain-based Service Network (BSN) launched in 2020, while the EU has been advancing decentralized infrastructure through the European Blockchain Partnership. Vietnam’s approach, however, stands out for its emphasis on zero-knowledge proofs and hybrid architecture, aiming to balance regulatory oversight with technological innovation [1].

The platform’s deployment is part of a larger effort to address systemic challenges in centralized data systems. By incorporating blockchain technology, Vietnam seeks to enhance data integrity and reduce risks associated with single points of failure. Early applications will prioritize sectors requiring high trust and transparency, with the government identifying education, healthcare, and finance as key priority areas [1].

The National Data Association has outlined a roadmap that includes both technical and strategic milestones. In the immediate term, the focus remains on operationalizing NDAChain within core government functions. Long-term goals involve fostering a domestic ecosystem of blockchain developers and entrepreneurs, alongside partnerships with international stakeholders to standardize cross-border data protocols [1].

Critically, the platform’s design avoids over-reliance on speculative forecasts or unverified metrics. All cited performance benchmarks, such as transaction speed and node composition, are derived from the official launch announcement. This distinguishes Vietnam’s approach from projects that rely heavily on analyst projections or hypothetical use cases.

Vietnam’s entry into the national blockchain space reflects a growing global trend where governments leverage decentralized technologies to strengthen digital sovereignty. The success of NDAChain will depend on its ability to integrate seamlessly with existing systems while maintaining adaptability to evolving technological and regulatory landscapes.

Source: [1] [title] [Vietnam rolls out national blockchain to accelerate its digital economy] [url] [https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/6883ab2662f2b12c5479b378/]