Leveraging AI to Address Vietnam’s Complex Challenges
Vietnam’s approach to artificial intelligence (AI) must go beyond surface-level adoption and generic solutions to truly tackle its unique challenges. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Phi Le, Director of the International Center for AI Research at Hanoi University of Science and Technology, emphasized the need for in-depth research and technical expertise during the launch of the Vietnam AI Economy 2025 Report on June 12.
Although AI development in Vietnam is still emerging, the country has demonstrated significant progress with growing involvement from both government and private sectors.
Why Shallow AI Solutions Fall Short
Experts from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), academia, and businesses agree that AI’s real value lies in solving difficult, specific problems such as personalized e-commerce, education, and policymaking. Dr. Le highlighted that understanding and mastering AI technology is far more critical than simply delivering quick fixes.
She questioned whether Vietnamese companies genuinely grasp AI’s potential to solve national problems and urged them to prioritize serious investment in intellectual property and rigorous research. “AI should change how businesses think. Creating shallow products is not enough; strong investment in IP is essential,” she said.
Supporting this view, Nagano Yushi, Director of JICA Xlab, pointed out the importance of research and development (R&D) to bring AI technologies into practical use. He sees potential collaboration between Vietnam and Japan on deep-tech innovation as a way to accelerate AI growth. Nguyen Dang Huy, CTO of Sun Asterisk, noted Vietnam’s advantage in having a young, skilled, and dynamic tech workforce recognized internationally.
The Need for Leadership in Building a National Data Lake
AI’s foundation rests on three pillars: human resources, infrastructure, and data. Vietnam is making strides in talent and infrastructure, but data availability and sharing remain major obstacles.
Nagano emphasized that data is critical for AI’s success and called for a structured framework enabling stakeholders to share data effectively. Dr. Le acknowledged the difficulty in creating a “data lake” due to companies’ reluctance to share information. She stressed that government leadership is crucial to drive this initiative. “A national data lake must be government-led to gain traction,” she said.
Nagano recommended starting with non-sensitive, non-personal data from sectors that already have strong data infrastructure. With clear leadership, a collaborative data-sharing ecosystem is achievable.
Vietnam’s 21 Major Challenges in Science, Technology, and Innovation
The Ministry of Science and Technology recently published a list of 21 significant challenges in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation. This step supports the implementation of Resolution 57 and opens opportunities for scientific and technological breakthroughs.
Nguyen Hoang Hung, CTO of Viettel AI, pointed out that large-scale digital transformation programs will generate valuable data, similar to how global tech companies like Google, Meta, and Naver built their AI capabilities. He emphasized the need to create leading products that both attract and generate data.
Hung also stressed the importance of regulatory frameworks that balance innovation with risk management, preventing illegal data trade and misuse while allowing businesses to operate freely.
Dr. Le warned that many Vietnamese users tend to be overly optimistic about AI without enough critical evaluation, unlike the more cautious attitudes observed in other countries, which could lead to risks.
From a policy perspective, Nagano advocated for a “soft” regulatory approach, similar to Japan’s, which avoids heavy-handed rules that might inhibit innovation. He suggested adapting international AI standards to fit Vietnam’s context, helping to develop responsible AI guidelines that support domestic use and enable Vietnamese AI technologies to expand globally.
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