Vietnam's government has approved a national program to train 50,000 undergraduate-level AI practitioners and 10,000 highly qualified AI specialists by 2030, with a focus on integrating AI into education from general schools to universities. The plan, signed by Deputy Prime Minister Lê Tiến Châu under Decision No. 1528/QĐ-TTg, sets out to make AI literacy a core competency for learners, workers, and public-sector staff.
AI literacy targets by 2030
By 2030, the program requires that 100% of higher education students and vocational learners acquire AI-related competencies, along with at least 80% of general education and university preparatory students. For workers, at least 90% of civil servants, public employees, and non-unit personnel must gain AI skills, with 100% of staff working in education and training covered.
The program defines AI competency broadly. Schools must establish an "AI-integrated education system" across all levels and types of education. All higher education institutions will be required to introduce regulations governing the use of AI in training, research, and assessment.
Specialist training and research centres
Beyond general upskilling, the country aims to train at least 1,500 specialists capable of researching, developing, and mastering core AI technologies and leading key tasks. The program calls for at least 10 advanced, specialised AI training and research centres, plus 25 higher education institutions to serve as hubs for AI research and innovation.
The program also targets the training of highly qualified personnel in AI who can develop, deploy, and manage AI systems safely and reliably. It states Vietnam aims to become "one of the leading countries in the region in AI human resources development."
Implementation priorities
To achieve these goals, the program outlines tasks including developing the institutional framework, building a pool of teachers and experts, linking training with business needs, and creating shared data and infrastructure for AI education. Priority groups include vulnerable workers, those in disadvantaged areas, women working in technology, people with disabilities, and learners possibly displaced by automation.
For educators and administrators, the program creates a clear structure for acquiring AI competencies. The decision requires all personnel in education and training to develop AI proficiency. An AI Learning Path for Teachers can help educators meet these requirements with structured courses.
Why this matters for education professionals
For teachers, administrators, and higher education staff, the program imposes a binding timeline: by 2030, you are expected to demonstrate AI competency as a condition of employment. The education system itself must shift to integrate AI into governance and assessment, meaning school leaders need to plan how to embed AI tools into curricula and operations. The AI for Education tag offers further resources on how institutions are adapting to these policy shifts.
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