HANOI – Vietnam is taking decisive steps to shape its artificial intelligence (AI) policies, emphasizing the view that AI will serve as a pillar of the nation’s intellectual infrastructure in the digital era. The government is moving towards building a comprehensive legal framework, including the drafting of an AI law, while accelerating the integration of AI into socio-economic development strategies.
At a recent forum on digital transformation and emerging technologies, policymakers, researchers, and business leaders highlighted AI’s potential to boost productivity, improve governance, and foster innovation across sectors. Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bùi Thế Duy affirmed that AI is no longer simply a technological tool but a form of “national intellectual infrastructure” — an essential resource that drives both competitiveness and resilience in the global economy.
Vietnam has already achieved encouraging milestones in AI research and application. According to the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), the country ranks among the top 50 nations globally in AI readiness and development. AI-powered solutions have been widely deployed in finance, e-commerce, healthcare, education, and smart city projects. For instance, AI is being used to predict disease outbreaks, optimize logistics, and enhance personalized learning in schools.
However, experts warn that AI also poses significant challenges, including data security, ethical risks, and the danger of deepening socio-economic inequality. The government has acknowledged these risks and is prioritizing a “responsible AI” approach. Policies will focus on ensuring transparency, fairness, and accountability in AI systems, while strengthening regulations on data governance and privacy protection.
To address these issues, Vietnam is preparing a draft law on artificial intelligence, expected to be submitted for review in the coming years. The law will aim to create a balanced framework that fosters innovation while safeguarding citizens’ rights. It will also establish mechanisms for AI auditing, certification, and cross-border cooperation in technology governance.
Dr. Nguyễn Trọng Đường, Deputy Director of the Authority of Information Technology and Communication Industry, noted that global powers are racing to establish AI regulations, and Vietnam must act swiftly to avoid being left behind. He stressed that international collaboration is crucial, as AI development transcends national borders and requires harmonized standards.
Vietnam’s vision is to become a regional hub for AI innovation by 2030. The national AI strategy, approved in 2021, sets ambitious targets, including training 50,000 AI specialists, building high-performance computing centers, and fostering partnerships between universities, research institutes, and industry. The government is also encouraging AI startups through funding programs and international cooperation projects.
Observers note that treating AI as intellectual infrastructure reflects Vietnam’s determination to align with global technological trends while safeguarding national interests. As Deputy Minister Bùi Thế Duy emphasized, “AI will not only serve economic growth but also enhance cultural identity, education, and social well-being.”
With both opportunities and challenges ahead, Vietnam’s proactive approach to AI policy signals its readiness to harness this transformative technology as a cornerstone of national development in the digital age.
