The Ministerial Roundtable on Artificial Intelligence (AI) will serve as a “forum of trust and cooperation,” allowing nations to share experiences and shape AI frameworks across the region and the world, said Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung.

The opening ceremony of the Vietnam International Digital Week 2025 on October 27 in Hanoi. Photo: Laodong Newspaper

Speaking at the opening of the Vietnam International Digital Week 2025 and the ministerial roundtable today (October 27) in Hanoi, Hung outlined Vietnam’s vision for responsible and sustainable AI development, based on four pillars: strong institutions, modern infrastructure, AI talent and a human-centered AI culture.

"Vietnam commits to building AI solutions that are open, safe, inclusive, sovereign, sustainable and human-centered, particularly through advancing open-source AI ecosystems," the minister said.

Open-source AI promotes transparency, collaboration and innovation while empowering smaller nations and startups to co-develop and master advanced technologies, he added.

At the event, Jonathan Baker, Head of Office and UNESCO Representative to Vietnam, presented key findings from the Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) Report on AI in Vietnam.

The report, developed under UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of AI, evaluates national capabilities in five areas: legal, social, educational, economic and infrastructural.

“Vietnam is among the first countries in Asia to complete this assessment, showing strong political will and deep commitment to building a responsible AI ecosystem from the start,” Baker said.

The report highlights Vietnam’s major progress, noting the importance of the Politburo’s Resolution No. 57 on fostering national digital transformation, science, technology and innovation, the 2025 Law on Digital Industry and a robust digital infrastructure with 78% internet coverage and near-universal mobile connectivity.

Vietnam’s digital economy now accounts for 18.3% of GDP, while high-tech exports make up over 36% of total trade.

In research and education, Vietnam’s AI publications have grown from 134 in 2010 to more than 4,000 in 2023, ranking 26th globally. Over 50 universities now offer AI-related programs.

Baker also pointed out challenges, including shortages of skilled AI professionals, especially in machine learning and natural language processing and limited access to STEM fields for women, ethnic minorities and people with disabilities.

He recommended that Vietnam strengthen its AI legal framework, establish a National Committee on AI Ethics and promote inclusive AI education and innovation.

“UNESCO and the UN system will continue to support Vietnam in building an ethical and inclusive AI future,” Baker said.

Under the theme “Institutions for AI”, the Vietnam International Digital Week 2025 aims to foster policy dialogue, share best practices and showcase advanced technologies in AI, 5G, digital infrastructure, human resources and innovation.

As the largest annual international event in Vietnam’s science, technology, and innovation sector, it is expected to welcome around 800 delegates from Vietnam and abroad from October 27 to October 29.

The Vietnam International Digital Week 2025 will also host several forums, including the 6th ASEAN Conference on 5G, the EU-Vietnam Digital Cooperation Forum, the Vietnam-Digital Cooperation Organization Partnership Forum and a regional workshop on AI-driven digital transformation.

On October 28–29, discussions will cover ASEAN’s Digital Masterplan 2030, AI-driven startups, Vietnam-EU cooperation in research and innovation, strategic technology development and Vietnam-US collaboration on Open RAN.

The three-day event will feature business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-government (B2G) networking and a technology exhibition. It will conclude on October 29 with the Vietnam-Korea Digital Cooperation Forum, reinforcing long-term collaboration in AI, telecommunications and innovation.

According to the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Vietnam International Digital Week 2025 demonstrates Vietnam’s proactive and leading role in shaping a safe, inclusive and human-centered AI future.