Nanning (VNA) – Vietnam has achieved significant progress in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), with the country now ranking among ASEAN’s leaders in AI readiness and adoption, according to the Ministry of Science and Technology.
The achievements were highlighted at the ASEAN-China ministerial roundtable on AI held on September 18 in Nanning, the capital of China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.
The event, the first ASEAN – China ministerial-level meeting on AI, took place on the sidelines of the 22nd China – ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) and the China – ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (CABIS).
Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui Hoang Phuong stressed that AI is no longer just a technology but has become part of a country’s foundational infrastructure.
To ensure rapid and sustainable AI development, nations must build on four pillars: transparent governance, modern infrastructure, high-quality human resources, and a people-centred AI culture, he said.
He added that Vietnam is keen to expand cooperation in training and developing AI talent, as well as promoting research and academic exchange between Vietnamese institutions and global partners in this field.
Vietnam has implemented a National Strategy on Research, Development and Application of AI to 2030 since 2021. The strategy aims to build a strong AI ecosystem to drive socio-economic growth, improve public services, enhance competitiveness, and ensure safety, security, and ethical standards in AI use.
In recent years, Vietnam has made notable advances in AI. The 2024 Government AI Readiness Index ranked Vietnam among the top five in ASEAN. Globally, Vietnam placed third in AI trust and fifth in AI acceptance, reflecting growing public confidence and willingness to adopt the technology.
Investment in Vietnamese AI enterprises has also surged, with capital inflows increasing eightfold between 2023 and 2024. AI applications are now widespread across finance, e-commerce, health care, manufacturing, and automation. Analysts say Vietnam’s AI ecosystem is entering a breakthrough phase, making the country a strategic destination for leading global tech corporations.
At the conference, Secretary of the CPC Committee of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Chairman of the Regional People's Congress Standing Committee Chen Gang underlined the region’s role as China’s gateway for cooperation with ASEAN and its commitment to supporting AI development across Southeast Asia.
Delegates from Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines also shared perspectives on AI opportunities, challenges, and potential areas for joint development and cooperation between ASEAN and China./.
