Digital Preservation of Vietnamese Cultural Heritage: Opportunities and Limitations in the Age of Smart Technology

Abstract This article explores the digital preservation of Vietnamese cultural heritage in the era of smart technology. It examines both tangible and intangible heritage forms, emphasizing the urgent need for digitisation amid globalisation and technological change. The study reviews key digital preservation methods, such as 3D modelling, metadata tagging, and cloud storage, and applies theoretical frameworks like the Digital Curation Lifecycle. Opportunities through smart technologies (AI, IoT, AR/VR) and blockchain are analyzed alongside real-life case studies in Vietnam. The research also highlights challenges including technological, ethical, and financial limitations. Ultimately, it recommends strategic investment, policy support, and cross-sector collaboration to ensure ethically responsible and sustainable preservation of Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage in the digital age.