Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming a defining force in Vietnam’s digital transformation journey. With growing alignment to global trends and a business environment that embraces innovation, Vietnam holds a promising, though currently average, position in the global AI landscape. With strategic investments and clear direction, the nation is poised to become a regional leader in AI development.
A standout example of this innovative momentum is the introduction of a cutting-edge, multi-task AI integration system to Vietnam through collaboration with Australian experts. The platform offers 20 robust pre-built functions and allows users to develop and embed custom AI models tailored to specific needs.
Encouraged by the openness of local enterprises, it has seen tangible results after a year of operations, reflecting the Vietnamese market’s receptiveness to global solutions adapted for local relevance.
Vietnamese companies, having built experience through years of technology outsourcing, are now increasingly confident in developing homegrown solutions. This accumulated expertise forms a strong foundation for AI to become more locally embedded and aligned with the country’s unique needs.
Established technology firms in Vietnam are pushing forward AI adoption. The rise of Generative AI, especially after ChatGPT, has driven automation and innovation while making advanced tools accessible to developers and small businesses. To compete globally, however, Vietnam must move beyond fragmented efforts and focus on delivering market-shaping innovations.
Breakthrough products are critical to attracting substantial investment and high-quality talent. But alongside growth, the challenge is clear: how can Vietnam ensure the responsible and sustainable development of AI?
According to the 2024 Government AI Readiness Index by Oxford Insights, Vietnam ranks 59th globally and 5th among ASEAN countries, trailing Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. Encouragingly, this marks a notable rise from its 76th position in 2020, reflecting steady improvements in readiness and implementation.
To ensure that AI development benefits society at large, Associate Professor Dr Dinh Ngoc Minh of RMIT University highlighted two core pillars: maximising social impact and investing in data infrastructure. Ethical development must be central, as unchecked AI use can lead to social harm and long-term risks.
Vietnam has taken initial steps by issuing national guidelines for responsible AI, which stress transparency, safety, privacy, accountability and respect for human dignity. However, these principles must reach beyond policy documents and become standard practice within the business community and public sector.
Minh also pointed out the urgent need for infrastructure capable of supporting advanced AI models. While some large Vietnamese enterprises are investing in data and processing capabilities, efforts remain fragmented. A coordinated framework is essential, bringing together government, academia, industry and international experts, to channel private investment in alignment with national goals. This vision echoes the broader digital transformation objectives outlined in Resolution No. 57.
Cultural alignment is equally important. As Gen AI reshapes content creation and public discourse, Vietnam must ensure that its development respects and reinforces local values and identity. Ethical AI design and policy safeguards will help preserve cultural integrity and bolster Vietnam’s technological standing globally.
FPT Smart Cloud is already advancing this agenda by fostering partnerships with universities and research centres to create a robust AI ecosystem. For General Director Le Hong Viet, AI’s purpose is clear: to improve lives, reduce inequalities and ensure inclusive development. Technology, he argues, is only meaningful when it uplifts people, serving as a bridge, not a barrier.
Vietnam stands at a critical inflexion point. The potential for AI to drive economic and social progress is immense, but realising that promise requires collective action. Policymakers, businesses, researchers and society must unite to guide AI with ethics, transparency and responsibility, technology is the tool, people are the ultimate goal.
Source: https://opengovasia.com/2025/05/31/vietnams-ai-future-balancing-innovation-with-responsibility/
