Introduction
Vietnam, one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing economies, is rapidly embracing artificial intelligence (AI) as a cornerstone of its national development strategy. In recent years, Vietnam has made significant strides in adopting AI across various sectors—from finance and healthcare to agriculture and education. Backed by strategic government initiatives, private sector engagement, and a burgeoning tech-savvy population, Vietnam is well-positioned to become a regional leader in AI innovation and implementation.
This article explores Vietnam’s AI journey, highlighting its achievements, ongoing projects, and the road ahead toward sustainable, ethical, and inclusive technology-driven growth.
Government Vision and Strategic Framework
Vietnam’s AI ambitions are formally embedded in its National Strategy on Research, Development and Application of Artificial Intelligence until 2030, which was approved by the Prime Minister in 2021. This landmark initiative sets a clear objective: to make Vietnam one of the top four nations in ASEAN for AI development and to establish at least 10 prestigious AI brands globally by 2030.
The strategy outlines key goals such as:
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Establishing a robust AI ecosystem.
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Promoting open-source AI platforms.
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Enhancing human resource development in science and technology.
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Encouraging partnerships between academia, government, and private enterprises.
Notably, Vietnam plans to increase AI adoption in smart city development, e-governance, and public administration, positioning itself as a digital-first government that leverages AI for efficiency and transparency.
AI in Industry: Sectoral Transformation
1. Finance and Banking
Vietnam’s leading financial institutions such as Vietcombank, BIDV, and Techcombank are integrating AI for fraud detection, customer personalization, and credit scoring. AI chatbots are now common in customer service channels, reducing operational costs while enhancing client satisfaction.
2. Healthcare
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Vietnamese hospitals utilized AI for patient triage, CT scan interpretation, and vaccine distribution management. Companies like VinBrain (a subsidiary of Vingroup) are developing AI-based diagnostics, contributing to smarter, more scalable healthcare solutions.
3. Agriculture
AI-enabled drones and IoT devices are being used to monitor crop health, predict yields, and automate irrigation. Projects like VNFarm are paving the way for smart agriculture to improve food security and farming efficiency.
4. Education
Vietnam’s EdTech startups, such as Topica Edtech Group, are incorporating AI to personalize learning and expand access to quality education—especially in rural areas. The Ministry of Education is also experimenting with AI in grading and curriculum design.
Talent Development and Research
Vietnam has been proactive in nurturing AI talent through:
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AI research centers established in collaboration with top universities like the Hanoi University of Science and Technology and Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology.
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Public-private training programs and tech bootcamps.
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Strategic partnerships with international tech firms including NVIDIA, Samsung, and Microsoft.
These efforts are closing the skill gap and positioning Vietnam as a regional AI R&D hub.
International Collaboration and Investment
Vietnam's open-door policy to foreign direct investment (FDI) has attracted major players in the AI space. Collaborations with Japan, South Korea, the U.S., and EU nations are bolstering AI research, infrastructure development, and regulatory frameworks.
In 2023, the World Economic Forum included Vietnam in its “AI Readiness Index” as one of the most improved nations globally. The Vietnam Artificial Intelligence Festival (AIF) is now an annual platform for cross-border AI dialogue and showcases Vietnam’s growing influence in the global tech community.
Ethical AI and Regulatory Considerations
While innovation is encouraged, Vietnam is also conscious of the risks posed by AI, such as data privacy, job displacement, and algorithmic bias. The government is working on developing a National Data Protection Law and AI ethics guidelines aligned with global norms such as the OECD AI Principles and UNESCO's AI ethics recommendations.
Conclusion: A Promising AI-Driven Future
Vietnam’s strategic investments in AI infrastructure, education, and governance are laying the foundation for a future where technology is a tool for empowerment, equity, and economic resilience. With strong leadership, international partnerships, and a focus on ethical innovation, Vietnam is charting a clear and promising path toward becoming a digital powerhouse in Asia.
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