Vietnam has a
robust and fast-growing security market where users are increasingly adopting some of the latest security technologies. Yet this does not mean the market is all smooth sailing as various challenges still persist. This article looks at some of the latest trends and challenges in the Vietnam security market.
Key trends in Vietnam security market
More and more, Vietnam has caught up with some of the latest trends in security. These include AI and edge computing,
mobile access control and security systems unification.
“A major trend is the rise of edge AI and video analytics, utilizing camera-embedded AI for facial recognition, license plate recognition (LPR), behavioral analytics, and proactive threat detection. Another dominant trend is mobile access control and cloud integration, where the industry is moving away from traditional physical cards toward smartphone-based credentials via BLE or NFC and cloud-managed security platforms. Finally, we are witnessing a strong convergence of IoT and smart building technologies, where security systems like CCTV and intrusion alarms are being seamlessly merged with building management systems (BMS) and smart lighting,” said Peter Ngo, CEO of Estellar Group.
“AI-powered video analytics remains a prominent technology trend in Vietnam’s security market, but adoption is expanding beyond AI cameras alone. We are seeing growing demand for intelligent operations platforms that unify video surveillance, access control, alarm systems, operational data, and AI-driven analytics. Edge AI, mobile credentials, cloud-enabled management, and data-driven security operations are gaining traction,” said Shelby Do, Chairman of TECHPRO Investment Corp.
Another trend that is fast picking up in the Vietnam security market is thermal technology, which has important applications in various verticals, for example airports and
data centers, that are booming across Vietnam.
“We are seeing growing interest in thermal imaging, particularly for critical infrastructure, industrial facilities and perimeter security applications where reliable detection is required around the clock, in all lighting and weather conditions,” said Michael Fu, Business Development Manager for ASEAN and China, Intelligent Transportation Systems and Security Solutions at Teledyne FLIR.
“Thermal camera adoption … this trend continues to accelerate, as this equipment can be used for areas such as early fire and hazard detections. Additionally, thermal cameras can proactively protect perimeters and port security by detecting unauthorized personnel or vehicles across unlit fence perimeters. They detect human heats signatures across a range of difficult viewing conditions, and can send alerts and flag when intrudes are approaching a secure site,” said Ta Quang Huy, Senior Country Manager for Vietnam at Hanwha Vision.
Challenges
Despite the positive sentiment pulsating in Vietnam’s security market, certain challenges still remain. These challenges, and the proper solutions needed to address them, are summarized as follows.
Price sensitivity: Price sensitivity remains a challenge in Vietnam where many users are still budget-driven. That said, in their sales pitch, solutions providers must steer their customers to a product’s long-term value, not just initial cost.
“Intense price competition remains an issue because the market has long been dominated by low-cost, mass-market brands, making it hard for premium solutions to compete on initial cost. To overcome this, players must pivot from traditional product selling to expert consulting, which means focusing on solution consulting and long-term value while educating clients on total cost of ownership (TCO), long-term reliability, and integration capabilities,” Ngo said.
“The market remains price-sensitive, with middle to low-cost, uncertified hardware crowding out high-end solutions. Shift sales strategies toward TCO, highlighting energy efficiency, AI automation, and long-term compliance benefits over upfront hardware costs,” said Annie Tran, Regional Sales Manager for Vietnam at Network Optix.
Shortage of skilled system integrators: As security systems get more complex, SIs well versed in setting up sophisticated solutions are in stronger demand than ever.
Offering academies or training courses to local sales partners can be helpful in this regard.
“Complex AI-VMS and IoT platforms often struggle due to a shortage of qualified local integration talent. Security vendors are establishing local training academies to certify integrators on network architecture and cybersecurity,” Tran said.
Cybersecurity: Finally, cybersecurity remains a key concern, especially for those using low-cost, outdated systems that are more easily targeted by hostile actors. Adhering to international and local regulations has therefore become critical.
“End users are becoming more aware that security systems must not only protect physical assets but also withstand cyber threats. The industry can address these challenges by focusing on quality, cybersecurity compliance, system integration and long-term operational value rather than simply competing on price,” Fu said.
In this regard, the Vietnamese government has promulgated various laws and regulations promoting cybersecurity. “New government policies supporting ‘Made in Vietnam’ are creating a shift in the market, as the expectations are changing. Obtaining laboratory certifications ensuring that devices are secure is important for continued market presence in Vietnam. Hanwha Vision has a Vietnam-based manufacturing subsidiary for global and local markets, and the cameras are device are proudly made in Vietnam with precision efficiency, embedded security and high quality,” Huy said.
New cybersecurity regulation lauded
Perhaps nowhere is Vietnam’s commitment to cybersecurity more manifested than in QCVN 135:2024/BTTTT, a national technical regulation requiring that all IP cameras sold or used in Vietnam meet strict cybersecurity standards, including secure authentication, password management and firmware update mechanisms.
The regulation is lauded by most security players in Vietnam.
“Although the regulation primarily applies to camera manufacturers, it benefits the entire security ecosystem by raising cybersecurity standards. Customers are becoming more conscious of secure and compliant deployments, and they increasingly expect trusted AI software to work alongside certified hardware. We see this as a positive step toward building more reliable security solutions,” said Mei Guu, President of CyberLink Business Unit 2.
“These regulations establish a high-security precedent for Southeast Asia, prioritizing cybersecurity compliance while removing unsecured, low-cost devices from the local market. Motorola Solutions aligns with such requirements through our enterprise resilient strategy and privacy-centric AI frameworks. Our on-premise architectures, like Avigilon Unity and Visual Alerts, are specifically designed for data sovereignty and compliance, allowing users to retain control of their video data locally,” said Jason Tan, VP for Video Security, Asia Pacific at Motorola Solutions.