Vietnam shows potential as global AI hub

The event, AI4VN 2024, was organised under the direction of the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) and served as a networking platform for managers, experts, scientists, businesses, and investors interested in AI, both domestically and internationally.

In his opening remarks, Bui The Duy, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology said, "AI4VN 2024 marks a significant milestone in the seven-year journey of these events to promote the development and application of AI in Vietnam."

Duy expressed hope that AI4VN would help Vietnamese businesses find solutions in AI applicable to daily life and connect with international organisations to seek suitable technological solutions, contributing to the development of a sustainable AI ecosystem and positioning Vietnam as a regional and global AI development hub.

Addressing the event, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang said, "AI has become a key technology of the fourth industrial revolution and will play a crucial role in transforming the world."

Recognising AI's importance, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has issued a national strategy for AI research, development, and application towards the end of the decade, aiming to make AI a vital technological field in Vietnam.

"I call on all of us to collaborate and share information, experiences, and solutions regarding policy development and management. This includes sharing best practices in promoting AI research and applications, as well as experiences in forming and developing a high-quality workforce. These efforts will contribute to the advancement of a sustainable AI ecosystem in Vietnam," DPM Quang said.

DPM Tran Luu Quang delivering a keynote address at the event

The morning session featured four workshops focusing on AI solutions in various aspects of life: AI Automation; Generative AI applications for small- and medium-sized enterprises; Data Centers and AI Cloud; and AI applications in Healthcare. The aim was to gather suggestions and proposals from businesses and research institutions, providing policymakers with insights to develop solutions and guidelines for fostering a sustainable AI ecosystem in Vietnam.

Dinh Ngoc Minh, deputy dean of Science, Engineering and Technology and director of the Master's course in AI at RMIT University Vietnam, believes AI applications in healthcare and agriculture will be two major trends for Vietnam.

"Vietnam needs to focus on sustainable development, and smart agriculture is one of the key areas. At the same time, AI applications in healthcare will be a significant driver in the future," Minh said.

The afternoon plenary saw speakers addressing the latest AI advancements, from workflow optimisation to developing innovative solutions for complex problems. Presentations clarified how AI is becoming a crucial tool in achieving goals and creating significant impact across many fields.

From a practical business perspective, speakers from Vingroup, FPT, and VNPT delivered talks on issues such as pursuing AI independence and preparing Vietnam for the Generative AI era.

Le Hong Viet, CEO of FPT Smart Cloud, believes that Vietnam has the opportunity to catch up with the rest of the world and create a new AI industry. Vietnamese businesses currently compete primarily through cheap labour and productivity. However, Vietnam needs to leverage human capital, automation, and technology to achieve higher productivity.

"Competitiveness will come from both human talent and AI. We must focus on developing both to create superior productivity and services to compete globally," said Viet.

Prof. Vu Ha Van, scientific director of VinBigdata, said, "To ride the generative AI wave, Vietnam should focus on developing three AI pillars: people, resources, and tools. This involves training high-skilled human resources, encouraging research and development in generative AI, and building a national database for shared use while ensuring data security."

AI4VN 2024 included an AI Expo featuring booths showcasing exemplary AI products currently available on the Vietnamese market. The event concluded with the AI Awards, recognising those outstanding AI products, solutions, and applications that have made significant contributions to society.

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Google's chief scientist to attend Generative AI summit in Vietnam Jeff Dean, recognised globally as "The God of engineering" at Google, will visit Vietnam in a landmark event this month.

Highly anticipated Gen AI conference set to take place in Vietnam Generative AI is creating breakthroughs in many fields, from healthcare and education to society in general. As a result, Vietnam has decided to delve deeper into this new era of AI to boost economic growth and address societal issues.