International cooperation in digital transformation and artificial intelligence in healthcare: Strengthening hospital capacity in the context of APEC integration - Evidence from Thong Nhat Hospital

This study examines the role of international cooperation in advancing digital transformation, the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), and the modernization of hospital governance, drawing on a case study of Thong Nhat Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. Based on survey data collected in 2025 from 162 officials, staff, and trainees, the findings indicate that international collaboration has a positive impact on professional capacity, scientific research, and management practices. However, several constraints persist, including limited foreign language proficiency, insufficient information-sharing mechanisms, and financial constraints. Anchored in the APEC framework on AI and digital healthcare cooperation for the 2026 - 2030 period, the study provides an evidence-based assessment of the opportunities and challenges shaping hospital integration into regional digital health initiatives.