The first impressions
The strategic steps of large domestic enterprises, along with cooperation with the world's leading technology corporations, are opening a new chapter in the journey of developing AI technology in Vietnam. On November 20, 2024, Vingroup officially established VinRobotics Robotics Research, Development and Application Joint Stock Company with a charter capital of VND 1,000 billion. This is a clear demonstration of Vingroup's long-term vision in promoting AI development, creating a foundation for a strong digital economy in Vietnam.
Not only Vingroup, other large technology corporations such as FPT, CMC, Viettel and MobiFone are also investing heavily in AI. At the FPT Techday 2024 event, FPT Chairman Truong Gia Binh affirmed that the corporation is “betting” on AI with a series of breakthrough projects and products. FPT has built AI factories in Vietnam and Japan, and deployed AI studios to help customers process data and train models. The AI applications developed by FPT not only help save costs but also improve labor productivity, creating great added value for domestic and foreign enterprises.
In the telecommunications sector, Viettel and MobiFone have also made significant progress in applying AI. Viettel develops AI solutions for telecommunications, banking and the public sector, helping to improve labor productivity and optimize operational processes. Meanwhile, MobiFone launched MobiAI - a pioneering AI application store in Vietnam with more than 160 products, helping users access AI technology easily and cost-effectively. These efforts not only affirm the position of Vietnamese enterprises in the technology sector but also prove that AI is becoming an indispensable part of modern life.
Not only domestic enterprises, the Vietnamese Government is also actively promoting the development of AI. The Prime Minister has issued the National Strategy on Research, Development and Application of AI by 2030, aiming to turn Vietnam into an innovation center in the ASEAN region. These policies not only create favorable conditions for enterprises to develop but also help Vietnam attract the attention of the world's leading technology corporations.
Turning Point with NVIDIA
The event of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and NVIDIA Chairman visiting the night street in Ta Hien Street (Hanoi) has attracted great attention in the technology community, demonstrating the Government's interest in the field of AI. Vietnam's cooperation with the world's leading technology corporation NVIDIA is considered an important turning point for the development of AI in Vietnam. The signing of the agreement to establish the AI Research and Development (R&D) Center and the AI Data Center in Vietnam on December 5, 2024 marks an important step in realizing the agreement signed between the Vietnamese Government and NVIDIA Corporation 1 year ago.
NVIDIA's choice of this time to establish an AI R&D center and data center shows that the policy environment, human resources and infrastructure in Vietnam are attractive enough and ready for a breakthrough. This event also affirms Vietnam's position in the global AI value chain. Previously, Vietnam was mainly mentioned as a developing market with strengths in young technology human resources. However, NVIDIA's entry into the Vietnamese market is not just a normal foreign investment project, but also marks an important turning point, affirming that Vietnam is gradually rising in the global AI value chain. NVIDIA's presence will attract more attention from other technology corporations and create a ripple effect in the region.
In fact, an NVIDIA AI research center or data center is not simply a technical facility but also a foundation for forming a deep AI ecosystem in Vietnam. Domestic experts, researchers and businesses will have the opportunity to access core technology, databases, advanced training models and international standard AI development processes. This contributes to narrowing the knowledge gap, improving the quality of human resources and accelerating domestic innovation. As AI infrastructure develops more strongly, the deployment of AI in key areas such as finance, healthcare, education and transportation will be promoted, contributing to improving productivity and operational efficiency, increasing national competitiveness.
Attracting a large-scale R&D center will help many related industries grow and rise to the top. Previously, NVIDIA established two R&D centers in Silicon Valley (USA) and Taiwan (China). Therefore, Vietnam's opportunities after joining hands with this AI "giant" are wide open, promoting the strong development of the AI industry in Vietnam, while creating opportunities for domestic technology companies to develop and improve their position in the global AI value chain.
After NVIDIA cooperated to set up 2 AI centers in Vietnam, world media agencies all published articles affirming that this corporation is increasing its presence in Southeast Asia and is an opportunity for Vietnam in the field of semiconductors and chips. Bloomberg said that Mr. Jensen Huang's trip to Vietnam took place in the context of Southeast Asian countries competing for large technology investments with the orientation of becoming data centers and AI. Bloomberg also reiterated Vietnam's goal of achieving annual revenue of more than 100 billion USD from the semiconductor industry by 2050. Forbes magazine also added that Vietnam has ambitious plans to lead in AI and hopes to be among the top 4 countries in Asia in terms of AI progress. Vietnam's AI readiness index has increased from 37.68 to 51.82/100 within a year, surpassing the global average.
Challenges in the new era
However, in addition to opportunities, the AI era also poses many challenges. One of the biggest challenges is the issue of human resources. To develop AI sustainably, Vietnam needs a team of highly qualified experts, engineers and researchers. This requires strong investment in education and training, as well as policies to attract and retain talent. In addition, the application of AI in different industries also requires adaptation and change in the thinking and skills of workers.
The AI era is opening a new chapter for Vietnam, with both opportunities and challenges intertwined. To make the most of the opportunities and overcome the challenges, Vietnam needs a comprehensive AI development strategy, with the participation of the public, private and social sectors. This strategy needs to focus on investing in research and development, building technology infrastructure, training human resources, perfecting the legal framework and promoting the application of AI in socio-economic fields. In addition, there needs to be close cooperation between businesses, universities, research institutes and international organizations to share knowledge, experience and resources. With determination and continuous efforts, Vietnam can absolutely become one of the leading countries in AI in the region and the world, contributing to building a bright and prosperous future.
The AI era is not only a technological revolution but also a revolution in thinking and the way we work and live. With a young, dynamic and determined workforce from the Party and Government, along with cooperation with the world's leading technology corporations, Vietnam is gradually asserting its position in this technological revolution. The future of AI in Vietnam is not just a dream, but is gradually becoming a reality.
The AI era has opened, bringing with it new opportunities and challenges. Vietnam, with its determination and constant efforts, is on a journey to rise strongly, ready to welcome great strides in the technology era.
