Dr. Dao Duc Minh, CEO of VinBigdata (Vingroup), shared insights on AI's impact on society, particularly as Vietnam experiences rapid development.

AI’s growing presence in Vietnam

AI applications have been in use since the early 2010s but only truly "exploded" with the launch of ChatGPT in 2022. According to Dr. Minh, AI is reshaping global society, including Vietnam.

"AI has been widely integrated across various sectors, changing how we interact with technology. Since ChatGPT’s emergence, AI has become the focal point in the global tech race among leading nations and corporations. Today, AI is indispensable in education, healthcare, manufacturing, and services."

In Vietnam, AI is not a new phenomenon. Nearly a decade ago, businesses in banking, finance, and insurance began adopting AI. However, since 2022, as AI has permeated daily life, its impact has become more tangible.

"AI is driving digital transformation, not only in enterprises but also in public services, improving productivity, reducing processing time, and increasing automation. We see AI replacing repetitive tasks in customer service chatbots, Vietnamese voice recognition systems, and medical diagnostic tools, making it an essential part of modern life," he said.

Vietnam’s AI strategy and global collaborations

Over the past year, many of the world’s top AI experts have visited Vietnam and engaged in crucial collaborations. Dr. Minh believes this highlights Vietnam’s strategic progress in AI development.

"Vietnam is making significant strides in AI strategy. The government is actively promoting digital transformation and investing in AI research and applications for the community’s benefit. Businesses, social organizations, and educational institutions are leveraging AI to enhance service quality and improve livelihoods," he said.

Vietnam holds several advantages in the AI revolution, including a young population with high adaptability to technology, widespread mobile device usage, and extensive 4G network coverage.

According to the 2023 Government AI Readiness Index by Oxford Insights, Vietnam ranked 59th out of 193 countries and territories. With nearly 100 million people, the country also boasts a large domestic market, providing a strong foundation for AI growth.

Challenges for Vietnamese businesses in AI

 
Vietnamese businesses have traditionally followed an outsourcing model or relied on foreign technology. Dr. Minh acknowledges this challenge but sees positive changes as more companies pursue AI research and development from the ground up.

"Many Vietnamese enterprises are shifting toward in-house AI development. VinBigdata is one of the pioneers in this field, focusing on mastering AI technology and utilizing domestic data to address local challenges," he said.

However, he emphasizes the importance of a robust public data infrastructure, which would not only benefit businesses but also enhance the quality of life for millions of people.

AI’s role in Vietnam’s digital governance

Vietnam is undergoing a "revolution" in streamlining governance, positioning itself for a new era of growth. Dr. Minh sees AI as a key enabler in this transformation.

"AI has immense potential to support administrative reforms and improve government efficiency. By integrating AI into data management and processing, we can minimize waste, optimize resources, and enhance transparency."

AI can also automate administrative workflows, reducing the workload for officials and improving public satisfaction with government services. This not only strengthens the effectiveness of governance but also paves the way for a modern and transparent digital government. AI-powered IT systems could further streamline management and operations, driving sustainable economic and social development.

Addressing AI’s risks and ethical concerns

AI presents potential risks, such as mass job displacement and ethical dilemmas. However, Dr. Minh remains optimistic about human adaptability.

"While AI poses challenges, history has shown that people always find ways to adapt and harness technology effectively. The key is to develop management strategies, set realistic expectations, and ensure AI evolves sustainably."

Public awareness and education programs can help people understand and use AI safely and efficiently. Additionally, as more Vietnamese companies engage in AI development from the ground up, they can proactively address ethical risks and safeguard privacy rights.

AI’s role in Vietnam over the next decade

Reflecting on AI’s rapid progress over the past few years, Dr. Minh predicts an even more profound impact in the next 5-10 years.

"AI will continue to be at the heart of digital transformation, enhancing quality of life. It will optimize administrative processes, revolutionize public service delivery, and enrich user experiences in healthcare, education, and beyond. AI can reduce social costs, create competitive advantages, and address societal issues like traffic management and environmental protection."

Future AI applications, such as Vietnamese-language virtual assistants and personalized learning systems, will enable millions to access high-quality knowledge and services regardless of location or financial status. AI-driven investment, research, and data development will also gain momentum in the coming years.

Advice for businesses and individuals

For organizations and individuals looking to leverage AI effectively, Dr. Minh offers practical advice:

Start by understanding business needs and identifying how AI can address specific challenges. Training skilled personnel is crucial to ensuring smooth AI adoption.

For businesses, AI investments may initially seem costly, especially for smaller companies. However, a long-term strategy, aligned with real business transformation needs, can make AI adoption feasible. Companies should identify key problem areas and begin with simple, impactful AI applications.

For individuals, continuous learning and skill development - particularly in creative thinking, problem-solving, and technology management - are essential for thriving in the AI era. Taking advantage of online courses and free resources can help individuals stay ahead of technological trends.

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