Brian Jeffrey
A study by Google highlights Vietnam’s potential for digital transformation, projecting a substantial economic impact of digital technologies, with AI playing a crucial role in driving sectors within the digital economy, estimating a value of USD 74 billion by 2030.
During the 2024 Generative AI Conference in Ho Chi Minh City, Nguyen Duc Toan, Google Cloud’s Country Director, emphasized Vietnam’s strategic position to spearhead AI innovations not only in Southeast Asia but globally.
Vietnam stands out for its young and skilled workforce, a key asset in AI advancement. With over 70% of the population under 35 years old and an increasing number of university graduates, the country shows great potential in cultivating and attracting top AI talents. Moreover, Vietnam’s sizeable population of young Internet users under 30 presents a promising market for AI developments.
The conference attendees unanimously agreed on Vietnam’s favorable conditions for AI progress, citing its robust market, skilled human resources, and flourishing startup ecosystem as significant strengths.
Statistics reveal that Vietnam secured over USD 1 billion in tech startup investments in 2023, signaling a mature startup environment comparable to leading regional players like Singapore and Malaysia, underscoring the country’s capability to innovate and deliver revolutionary AI solutions.
To capitalize on the AI wave, Vietnam’s government and domestic tech companies are actively supporting the market. The nation is anticipated to require an additional 100,000 AI specialists over the next five years to meet the escalating market demands.
Notably, Dr. Le Viet Quoc, a senior Google expert, commended the Vietnamese government for fostering policies that promote tech startups and technology investments, paving the way for AI enterprises to thrive and compete globally.
Emphasizing Vietnam’s strong foothold in AI expertise, Dr. Vu Duy Thuc, Stanford Ph.D. holder in AI and Founder of OhmniLabs, highlighted the country’s abundance of skilled professionals holding key positions in prominent global firms.
Vietnam’s rich educational heritage, particularly in mathematics and science, manifests in the exceptional performance of Vietnamese students in global math competitions, demonstrating the critical thinking and problem-solving aptitudes essential for AI progression. This academic groundwork is pivotal in building a proficient AI workforce.
Despite its budding potential, Vietnam confronts challenges in developing AI infrastructure and attracting talents, notably experts in mathematics and science. Experts at the 2024 Generative AI Conference proposed collaborative efforts between universities, businesses, and the government to fortify a robust AI ecosystem.
Harnessing its strengths, realizing its potential, and fostering collaboration among the government, enterprises, and educational institutions are indispensable steps for Vietnam to establish a prominent presence on the global AI landscape.
