Brian Jeffrey
Exploring AI’s Role in Sustainable Development
On September 30, an international workshop brought together experts and industry leaders to examine how artificial intelligence (AI) can assist in achieving sustainability goals.
Vietnamese scholars Dr. Hoang Xuan Vinh and Dr. Tran Thi Hien highlighted the successful approaches of the US and China as potential models for Vietnam’s twin transition towards sustainability.
The United States has implemented a 4.0 agriculture strategy, leveraging advanced technologies like Big Data and automation to enhance productivity and quality. Digital tools enable American farmers to efficiently manage their supply chains, ensuring both quality and cost-effectiveness.
China’s journey towards digital transformation has unfolded over several phases, focusing on infrastructure enhancement and the emergence of sectors like e-commerce and AI. The nation prioritizes advanced tech, establishing policies to support its digital economy while investing in data protection and human resource development.
Dr. Ho Tu Bao from VIASM emphasized that science and technology advancements are driving the digitization of various entities and activities, enabling interconnectedness through data.
In this digital landscape, data acts as the vital resource fueling AI, which is rapidly evolving. As data becomes the primary focus of labor, the integration of AI and digital technologies will significantly transform the workforce.
Developed nations lead in producing scientific and technological innovations that facilitate both digital transformation and green initiatives.
For emerging economies like Vietnam, this shift presents a unique chance for advancement. As a country still in early development stages, Vietnam is positioned to leverage AI and data creation for substantial progress.
Dr. Bao stressed that Vietnam must embrace a revolutionary mindset to succeed in these transformations. He noted that history shows that some nations can capitalize on industrial revolutions swiftly, while others struggle to keep pace.
“We have only a single revolution occurring across decades. Missing out on the fourth industrial revolution would widen the gap between Vietnam and more progressive nations,” he cautioned.
In Vietnam, the need for digital transformation, green transition, and AI utilization has gained significant attention among various stakeholders, comparable to global counterparts.
However, Vietnam faces hurdles in adopting AI effectively. According to Bao, a comprehensive societal shift is necessary. Increasing public awareness of ‘digital’ and ‘green’ concepts is essential, as is developing a workforce adept in emerging digital technologies.
Establishing a supportive legal framework is critical, as many existing regulations were conceived prior to the current industrial advancements and do not reflect the realities of the digital age. Adaptations are needed to support digital innovation.
Vinh and Hien pointed out a particular concern: the shortage of skilled professionals in IT, AI, cybersecurity, and data management. Although Vietnam’s digital infrastructure has seen considerable improvements, disparities remain between urban and rural areas, affecting access to digital services.
