Google supports shape of Vietnam’s AI future

Overview of the conference. Photo: NIC

Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Do Thanh Trung emphasised, “As the agency responsible for advising on socioeconomic development strategies, the ministry has proposed and secured the prime minister’s approval for an initiative named ‘Developing Human Resources for the Semiconductor Industry by 2030, with Orientation to 2050’. The programme aims to ensure that Vietnam has at least 5,000 engineers with advanced AI expertise serving the semiconductor industry by 2030.”

Trung further stated, “To foster the robust development of Vietnam’s AI community and position the country as a leading AI research and application hub in the region, the MPI will continue to support and advise on policies to advance AI technology.”

Andrew Ure, Google managing director of Southeast Asia government affairs and public policy, highlighted Vietnam’s favourable environment for AI development, “With a young, tech-savvy population and a dynamic digital landscape, Vietnam is well-positioned to harness AI’s opportunities. We are delighted to collaborate with the NIC to launch the first “AI Policy & Skilling Lab” in Vietnam. This programme aims to work with the government, ministries, and research organisations to build an AI-driven future that benefits all.”

The Google representative underscored the economic potential of AI for Vietnamese businesses. “If AI tools are widely adopted, Vietnam’s enterprises could generate up to $79.3 billion by 2030, equivalent to nearly 12 per cent of the nation’s projected GDP,” he added.

However, to achieve this, Google’s report recommends strengthening Vietnam’s technical infrastructure for AI-driven innovation, preparing a workforce ready for AI adoption, and increasing accessibility to AI across all sectors of the economy.

The report also emphasises the importance of retaining and nurturing local talents by expanding access to digital education and implementing corporate training programmes. Closing the digital skills gap through advanced training and technology adoption could unlock significant economic opportunities for Vietnam.

During the workshop, experts from government agencies, research institutions, and businesses proposed solutions to encourage proactive investment in AI research and development, build a high-quality AI workforce, and develop an AI innovation ecosystem. This would create a supportive environment for nurturing and advancing AI-driven ideas.

Another key topic discussed was the establishment of a comprehensive legal framework for AI. Participants emphasised the need for regulations to ensure AI is developed and applied safely, responsibly, and in alignment with ethical values.

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