Deputy Prime Minister Le Tien Chau called for reforming the education model so Viet Nam can lead artificial intelligence development.
He made the remarks on Tuesday at the 2026 Global MOOC and Online Education Conference, themed "Reallocating Intelligence: Transforming Education for a Human-AI Future".
The conference in Ha Noi was co-organised by Viet Nam National University, Ha Noi, and China's Tsinghua University. It brought together nearly 400 delegates, including university leaders, experts, scientists and representatives of international education organisations.
Participants discussed changes in higher education in the artificial intelligence era, including the roles of people and technology, their cooperation, and ways to renew teaching, learning, research and university governance.
VNU Ha Noi President Bui The Duy said the university wanted to strengthen cooperation with members of the Global MOOC, Online Education Alliance and international partners in digital education and artificial intelligence.
Priorities include developing and sharing open online courses and digital learning materials, developing training programmes, co-teaching, and joint research on artificial intelligence in education. These efforts would improve education quality and expand access to knowledge, he said.
Chau said reallocating intelligence did not mean simply transferring intelligence to machines. Technology should help people develop independent thinking, critical-thinking skills, creativity and a lifelong learning mindset.
"Most importantly, human beings must always remain the subject that sets the direction for values and controls technology. The success of education in the age of artificial intelligence must not be measured by the amount of technology introduced into classrooms but by the genuine progress made in each individual's capabilities, character and creativity," the Deputy PM said.
High-quality human resources
Education and training are a top national priority for Viet Nam and affect the country's future development. Viet Nam aims to become a developed, high-income country by 2045 and is moving towards a model based on knowledge, science, technology, innovation and high-quality human resources, with people at its centre.
The country is building an open, modern, equitable and internationally integrated education system. It is also promoting digital transformation and artificial intelligence to renew teaching and learning methods, research and educational governance.
The Deputy PM said higher education must lead in training high-quality human resources, creating knowledge and promoting innovation. Drawing on Viet Nam's experience, he outlined several priorities.
Universities need to adjust curricula, teaching methods, assessment and examination practices, as well as governance. They should develop digital learning materials and digital competencies, including standards-based skills in using artificial intelligence.
Human capabilities, particularly those of learners and teaching staff, must be at the centre of the transformation. Teachers must master new technologies while guiding values, educating character, passing on cultural and historical traditions, and inspiring creativity. Learners should develop self-learning capacity, responsibility and ethical conduct in using artificial intelligence.
Viet Nam should complete standards for artificial intelligence in teaching, research and academic assessment in line with international practice. It should also promote international cooperation to build an open, inclusive and sustainable education ecosystem.
Recent experience has shown that no country, institution or individual can resolve alone all the challenges artificial intelligence poses for education and training.
Chau said Viet Nam aspired to become a leading regional and global centre for education, training, research and innovation, bringing knowledge and talent together to create new values.
"The Government of Viet Nam is continuing to improve its institutions in an open, transparent and stable direction. We welcome scientists, educators, intellectuals and international partners to come to Viet Nam and work with us to create shared prosperity in the new era," the Deputy PM said.
Sources: Viet Nam News
