Minister of Science and Technology Vu Hai Quan said Vietnam views artificial intelligence as a strategic technology for innovating the growth model, improving productivity and strengthening national competitiveness.
He spoke at a ministerial-level roundtable on digital and AI cooperation, themed “Building Smart Connectivity, Governing AI, Enabling AI Transformation”. The meeting was held in Quang Ninh city as part of Vietnam International Digital Week 2026. Quan highlighted the importance of AI development, international cooperation, connectivity infrastructure, governance and human-centred transformation.
AI is no longer a technology of the future but a force shaping today’s economy and society, he said. Without collective action, yesterday’s digital divide could become tomorrow’s development gap.
Three pillars of AI development
Quan stressed that smart connectivity underpins AI. It requires next-generation networks, data centres and computing capacity. Given limited resources, countries need to balance universal connectivity with investment in high-performance infrastructure, mobilise private-sector resources and develop green, energy-efficient systems.
Alongside infrastructure, effective AI governance is needed to build trust and balance flexibility with legal certainty, and innovation with public protection. As AI and data increasingly cross national borders, compatible governance frameworks and trusted data flows are becoming more important.
AI transformation should redesign public services, business operations and industries, enabling rapid adoption while building long-term autonomy. Its success, the minister said, should ultimately be measured by the value created and the benefits delivered to people.
Vietnam has identified AI as a strategic technology and a major driver of development. It has set three pillars: institutions and legislation, human resources and talent, and the AI ecosystem.
Regarding the legal framework, Quan said legislation should provide a foundation for development rather than act as a barrier. Vietnam has enacted laws on artificial intelligence, data and digital transformation. It is also pursuing risk-based AI management, regulatory sandboxes and the establishment of a national AI development fund.
On human resources, Vietnam is focusing on domestic training, attracting leading experts, overseas Vietnamese intellectuals and international talent, and strengthening links among the State, businesses, research institutes and universities.
For the AI ecosystem, the country is investing in computing capacity, open data and Vietnamese-language AI models while supporting startups. The efforts also include expanding nationwide 5G coverage and bringing digital skills to villages and hamlets. These initiatives were recognised through the GSMA Government Leadership Award 2026 from the Global System for Mobile Communications Association. “AI for people, AI for everyone, AI mastered by Vietnam and developed together with the world” is the country’s guiding vision, the minister said.
Turning cooperation into practical results
Summarising the roundtable discussion, Quan outlined three main messages: smart connectivity must come first, good governance builds trust and enables innovation, and AI transformation must be driven by and serve people.
Investment in networks, data and computing capacity must be widespread enough to ensure no one is left behind, yet robust enough to support innovation. Public-private partnerships are important for mobilising resources, the minister noted.
Practical governance tools, including regulatory sandboxes, standards, testing and internationally compatible frameworks, can help ensure AI is deployed safely in everyday life. Human resources remain decisive in determining the effectiveness of AI transformation.
To translate discussions into practical results, the official proposed regular policy exchanges among regulators, stronger links between governments, businesses, academia and international organisations, and greater cooperation in talent development and joint research. Priority should be given to projects that address practical needs and can be implemented and scaled up.
Vietnam remains committed to developing AI for everyone and is ready to cooperate with partners based on equality, trust, practicality and mutual benefit to build a safe, reliable, inclusive and sustainable AI ecosystem.
Sources: VietnamPlus / Vietnam News Agency
