At the meeting, Nguyen Quang Vinh said VCCI represents Vietnam’s private sector, with approximately 200,000 member companies, 98% of which are SMEs. These businesses need training and guidance on applying AI to management and operations. Around five million household businesses seeking to transition to the corporate model also need similar knowledge and skills.

Dr. Georgina Curto said UNU is a research and capacity-building organization within the United Nations system, with institutes working across various fields. UNU Macau focuses on AI, linking research and training to practical needs. It has approximately 20 in-house staff and a global network of collaborating researchers. He said AI adoption should start by addressing real-world problems faced by companies and public authorities, rather than creating additional burdens. Based on Vietnamese companies’ needs and the tools introduced by UNU, the two sides agreed to begin with an in-person workshop for SMEs to raise awareness of AI and help UNU better understand practical needs in Vietnam. They then plan to provide training-of-trainers programs, combined with online courses.

Dr. Georgina Curto suggested the possibility of issuing certifications to assess SMEs’ readiness to adopt AI. Nguyen Quang Vinh agreed and proposed a course lasting three days to one week, combining field visits with in-person or online learning.

UNU will send VCCI a program proposal for feedback on its content, delivery methods and implementation resources. The two sides plan to meet in Shenzhen or Macau around November 16, 17 or 20, coinciding with the Vietnamese delegation’s participation in APEC activities in Shenzhen. VCCI also proposed organizing a delegation of Vietnamese companies to visit Macau and connect with local businesses.