AI development key for economy: experts

Vietnam should use artificial intelligence in more areas to boost productivity and to improve people’s lives, experts have said.

Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui The Duy told a recent conference that AI had been receiving more and more attention in recent years, and, along with other modern technologies (such as big data and cloud computing), was changing people's lives and business activities.

COVID-19 was creating a push for faster digital transformation, and companies and researchers should consider how using AI solutions could help a recovery after the pandemic, he said.

Nguyen Viet Dung, director of the HCM City Department of Science and Technology, said the city was among the first in Vietnam to issue a programme to facilitate digital transformation, focusing on promoting AI usage.

AI development can facilitate economic development, and good workforce training is among the key factors for developing AI, according to experts (Photo: svvn.tienphong.vn)
AI development can facilitate economic development, and good workforce training is among the key factors for developing AI, according to experts (Photo: svvn.tienphong.vn)

Dr Stefan Hajkowicz of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation said AI could be used in many areas, pointing to how Australia did so in agriculture, mining and aviation.

It helped boost productivity, save labour cost and minimise risks to human workers.

Dr Dongwha Kum, director of the Vietnam-Korea Institute of Science and Technology, said innovation would be important in order not to lag behind, and instead of looking for new technologies, Vietnam could look for new ways of using AI.

For instance, Korea had developed face-analysis system Poliface, which uses AI to help families look for children who went missing many years ago, and a Korean business was using AI to quickly manufacture COVID-19 test kits.

Yoshua Bengio, co-founder of Canadian AI company Element AI, said technology would be linked closer with economic development in the future, and so workers in the field of AI would need a good foundation in maths and computer science.

Assoc Prof Tran Minh Triet of the Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City said a wide range of data should be collected from users to better develop AI systems, citing the example of how data about students could be gathered from e-learning platforms to tailor education programmes.

AI development strategies in other countries mostly targeted solving of social problems and improve the lives of people, the business climate and the labour market, he said.

Dung hoped that government agencies, AI researchers and the international community would work together to help HCM City become a smart city in which AI would be used in many areas such as administration, public services and business activities.

The conference was held by the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the HCM City People's Committee, and online newspaper VnExpress.

VNA

Other News

SK Group partners to build AI ecosystem in Vietnam

SK Group partners to build AI ecosystem in Vietnam

SK Innovation and SK Telecom signed MoUs with Nghe An province and the National Innovation Centre of Vietnam to advance AI ecosystem development and support the country’s long-term growth strategy.

Vietnam Research Excellence Fellowship for 2026-2030 approved

Vietnam Research Excellence Fellowship for 2026-2030 approved

Under the Vietnam Research Excellence Fellowship (VREF) for the 2026–2030 period, PhD students are identified as a core research force directly contributing to breakthroughs in sci-tech and innovation. Investing in top-tier doctoral candidates is more than workforce development, but a high-stakes strategic bet to forge a cohort of world-class scientists and technologists who can power Vietnam’s long-term economic ambitions.

Strategic tech must address practical challenges: PM

Strategic tech must address practical challenges: PM

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on March 28 said strategic technologies must tackle Vietnam’s practical challenges, while chairing a meeting of the Government’s Steering Committee for science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, and Project 06.

Ho Chi Minh City sets sights on becoming semiconductor hub

Ho Chi Minh City sets sights on becoming semiconductor hub

Ho Chi Minh City is stepping up efforts to attract investment from global leading groups and companies in the fields of electronic components, semiconductors and chip manufacturing as it seeks to position itself as a leading semiconductor industry hub in both the region and the world. 

Ho Chi Minh City launches upgraded technology exchange platform

Ho Chi Minh City launches upgraded technology exchange platform

The upgraded platform represents a comprehensive shift from a simple information-sharing model to a managed online technology trading system, enabling monitoring and measurement of real transaction outcomes. It is built on three pillars, namely new tradable technology products, a modern digital platform, and an improved operational model.

AI – unmissable opportunity for Vietnam: Experts

AI – unmissable opportunity for Vietnam: Experts

AI also emerges as a key enabler for Vietnam's ambition to build financial and technology hubs. Applications can boost efficiency, automate workflows, cut costs, and sharpen data analytics, which are essential pillars of a modern financial system.

PM calls for accelerated space technology development in Vietnam

PM calls for accelerated space technology development in Vietnam

Vietnam aims by 2030 to achieve a mid-level position in space science and technology development within Southeast Asia, and after 2030 to build national capabilities to independently develop satellite technologies and apply space data to address global challenges and national security needs.

High-level forum advances Vietnam–US technological cooperation

High-level forum advances Vietnam–US technological cooperation

A high-level executive leadership forum focusing on strengthening Vietnam - US relations through technology cooperation was jointly held in Washington D.C. on March 11 by the Embassy of Vietnam in the US, the Weatherhead East Asian Institute of Columbia University, and the US -ASEAN Business Council (USABC). 

AI Law takes effect, anchors national governance framework

AI Law takes effect, anchors national governance framework

While many countries are still drafting policy blueprints or issuing non-binding guidance, Vietnam has moved ahead with a standalone Law on Artificial Intelligence (AI), effective from March 1, placing it among a select group of nations to adopt dedicated AI legislation at the parliamentary level. 

Vietnam International Defence Expo 2026 preparations move into high gear

Vietnam International Defence Expo 2026 preparations move into high gear

Vietnam International Defence Expo 2026, themed “Peace, Friendship, Cooperation and Development,” will be organised on a larger scale, featuring a wide array of weapons and technical equipment alongside product exhibitions, seminars and panel discussions, drills, live field demonstrations, and business networking activities.

Ministry requests urgent measures to counter UAVs threatening aviation safety

Ministry requests urgent measures to counter UAVs threatening aviation safety

Ministry of Construction requested the Ministry of National Defence, the Ministry of Public Security and provincial and municipal steering committees for counter-terrorism to strengthen the management, inspection and supervision of UAVs and other aerial devices, ensuring strict compliance with Decree No. 288/2025/ND-CP and relevant legal regulations.