Embracing the Future of Work: Vietnam’s Push for AI-Powered Enterprises
Vietnam is at a critical juncture in its technological journey, as it seeks to transition from traditional mechanical and electrical systems to more advanced, AI-driven solutions. The country’s leaders recognize the need for rapid adaptation to remain competitive in the digital age. Nguyen Quan, a key figure in this movement, emphasized the importance of integrating artificial intelligence into the entire production process, rather than just focusing on repetitive tasks.
The Urgency for Technological Advancement
The pace of change is accelerating, with AI platforms expected to perform tasks currently done by software engineers within the next 6 to 12 months. This shift will require human engineers to focus on reviewing and editing code generated by AI, rather than writing it from scratch. Vietnam’s domestic productivity challenges add to the sense of urgency, with the country’s labor productivity trailing behind regional peers despite its strong performance in global math and informatics competitions.
Unlocking the Potential of SMEs
Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of Vietnam’s economy, accounting for nearly 1 million businesses and contributing around 65% of the country’s GDP. However, these businesses face significant challenges in terms of productivity and efficiency. Vu Thanh Thang, Chairman of AIZ, highlighted the potential for AI to empower SMEs, enhancing their efficiency and contributing to national growth. By raising SME productivity by just 10%, Vietnam could generate an additional $30 billion in economic value.
From Siloed Data to a Digital Brain
One of the major barriers to achieving this potential is data fragmentation. Many businesses use various software tools, but their data remains isolated, preventing holistic decision-making. The solution, according to Thang, is a made-in-Vietnam “digital brain” called BrainZ, which unifies data, business logic, and workflows. This platform enables companies to develop “AgentZ” (digital personnel) and “CollabZ” (digital processes) to collaborate with human teams and optimize resources.
Standing on the Shoulders of Giants
To achieve technological autonomy without falling behind, experts agree that Vietnam should not attempt to reinvent the wheel in isolation. Instead, the country should partner with major tech firms to build locally owned and globally competitive platforms. This approach is exemplified by Qualcomm’s collaboration with AIZ and others to provide hardware infrastructure and software stacks tailored to hybrid AI. These collaborations aim to deliver stable, low-latency, energy-efficient, and cost-effective solutions for Vietnamese businesses.
The Importance of Open Data
Data is the key to unlocking the potential of AI-powered enterprises. Nguyen Quan emphasized the need for open data, with maximum access rights, especially market data, to enable producers to fully leverage these platforms. “Closed data is useless – it lacks intelligence,” he said. The goal is to create a “Google for business” that can answer any question about operations and markets, enabling local firms to take charge in the global value chain.
Looking Ahead
The question is no longer “whether to use AI” but “how to use it effectively.” The ultimate goal is to reduce cost, time, and redundant tasks, and Vietnamese tech companies are proactively offering solutions that shift the focus from labor-intensive to smart, tech-driven workflows. The National Innovation Center (NIC) will continue to provide maximum support for Vietnamese enterprises, especially in the AI sector, helping “Made-in-Vietnam” technologies go global. As Vietnam embarks on this journey, it is clear that the country is poised to make significant strides in the world of AI-powered enterprises, and its success will have far-reaching implications for the global economy.
