Vietnam is rapidly emerging as a regional leader in artificial intelligence. The country aims to be among the top five in Southeast Asia for AI research and development. By 2030, Vietnamās AI market is expected to reach $3.4 billion, with a strong annual growth rate of 28.63%.
Major global tech companies, including NVIDIA and Google, are investing in Vietnamās AI sector. These collaborations focus on talent development and expanding AI applications across industries. In 2023 alone, AI startups in Vietnam attracted over $7.5 million in investments.
Opportunities for AI Adoption
Thriving AI Ecosystem
Vietnam has a young, tech-savvy population that is eager to adopt AI. About 75% of Vietnamese consumers are open to AI technologies, fueling demand for AI-driven solutions. Currently, the country has over 270 active AI startups, and the government is investing heavily in AI talent development.
Each year, Vietnam produces 80,000 tech graduates, adding to its workforce of 530,000 skilled IT professionals. This growing talent pool is expected to support the countryās AI ambitions.
Automation and Digital Transformation
With more than 78 million internet users and a penetration rate of 79.1%, Vietnam is a rapidly expanding digital economy. AI-driven automation is becoming a key strategy for businesses looking to improve efficiency and customer experience.
Over 87% of organizations in Vietnam are preparing for AI integration, with industry leaders such as Viettel, FPT, VinAI, CMC, and VNPT leading the way. The government aims to drive digital transformation for one million businesses by 2026.
Government Initiatives
Vietnam has introduced key policies to boost AI development. The National AI Development Strategy focuses on creating a legal framework for AI, while the Plan for AI R&D accelerates research and innovation.
To attract foreign investment, the government is drafting policies offering tax exemptions and R&D incentives. Additionally, an AI training center is being developed to train 7,000 professionals and foster 500 AI startups by 2030.
In July 2024, the National Innovation Centre (NIC) partnered with Google to launch the “Build for the AI Future” initiative. This program focuses on workforce development, startup support, and AI adoption across industries.
AIās Impact on Key Sectors
Finance and Banking
Vietnamese banks are increasingly using AI to enhance services. Features like chatbots, virtual assistants, and AI-driven fraud detection are becoming common.
TPBank introduced VoicePay, allowing users to make transactions via voice commands. VPBankās Cake aims to be Vietnamās first AI-powered digital bank, while Techcombank and ACB have integrated AI for data analytics and cloud-based banking.
E-commerce
Major e-commerce platforms like Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop use AI for personalized recommendations and marketing. Vietnamese consumers are also adopting AI-powered payment solutions, with 86% expressing satisfaction with AI-driven retail experiences.
Healthcare
Vietnamās healthcare sector is leveraging AI for diagnostics and patient care. AI-driven startups such as VinBrain and Deepcare offer tools for medical imaging and telemedicine. In July 2024, Fujifilm introduced AI-assisted cancer screenings in Vietnam, showcasing AIās growing role in healthcare.
Education and Training
AI is transforming education in Vietnam. Hanoi University of Science and Technology recently launched the countryās first GenAI engineering program. ABAII Academy aims to train one million residents in AI and blockchain. RMIT University and FPT have also developed AI-driven learning assistants.
To support long-term growth, Vietnam has established its first Faculty of AI, focusing on talent development and research.
Manufacturing
AI is driving innovation in Vietnamās manufacturing sector. The government aims for manufacturing to contribute 30% of GDP, with a focus on electronics and smart manufacturing.
Vinfast, a leading automobile manufacturer, has invested in AI-powered robots for assembly tasks. Foreign companies are also exploring AI-driven automation solutions in Vietnamās industrial sector.
Challenges in Vietnamās AI Market
Despite rapid growth, Vietnam faces challenges in AI development.
Regulatory Frameworks
Vietnam is still refining its legal framework for AI, including data protection and intellectual property laws. The government is working on policies to address ethical concerns and create a structured regulatory environment.
AI Talent Shortage
Despite significant investments in AI education, Vietnam faces a shortage of skilled AI engineers. Global tech giants like Google, NVIDIA, and Meta are investing in AI training programs, but more efforts are needed to close the talent gap.
With strong government support, rising AI adoption, and increasing investment, Vietnamās AI sector is poised for rapid expansion. Businesses have significant opportunities to tap into this growing market and leverage AI-driven solutions for competitive advantage.
As Vietnam continues to position itself as a leader in Southeast Asiaās AI landscape, the future looks bright for innovation and business growth in the country.
