On July 11, the National Innovation Center (NIC), under the Ministry of Planning and Investment and Google launched the "Creating the Future of AI in Vietnam" program, a comprehensive initiative aimed at fostering the development of AI in the country.

The initiative focuses on two main pillars: nurturing talent and supporting businesses. Each pillar addresses key areas to develop Vietnam's human resources, nurture the startup ecosystem, and lay the foundation for maximizing AI adoption.

According to Google's records, Southeast Asia's digital economy has grown eightfold in just eight years, reaching an economic value of $100 billion, and is projected to rise to $835 billion with the help of AI by 2030.

Despite the promising economic growth prospects from AI, Vietnam currently faces a significant challenge: a shortage of AI personnel and experts. This shortage, coupled with a lack of access to high-quality AI training programs, widens the gap between market demand and available talent.

In addition to the talent shortage, AI startups in Vietnam face challenges such as limited access to experts and mentors for product evaluation and market fit, and a lack of infrastructure, platforms, and tools necessary for developing, commercializing, and scaling AI products.

Mr. Marc Woo, Country Director for Vietnam, Google Asia-Pacific, said that Vietnam's digital economy is expected to grow elevenfold by 2030, reaching $220 billion, which is nearly half of Vietnam's current GDP.

"AI is a key factor in realizing this forecast. Together with NIC, we believe that the 'Creating the Future of AI in Vietnam' initiative will be a solid launchpad for local talent, startups, and businesses," said the Google expert.

To address these challenges, Google and NIC will launch a digital talent development program, offering 40,000 scholarships across 10 courses, including AI courses. This program aims to equip young Vietnamese individuals with the latest AI skills, targeting many faculty members, lecturers, and students from over 80 universities and colleges nationwide.

This is an upgrade from the Digital Talent Development program launched by Google and NIC in July 2022. To date, the program has equipped 60,000 Vietnamese workers with digital skills.

Recognizing the crucial role of local startups, Google has committed to supporting the startup ecosystem in Vietnam from the early stages. This year, through Google for Startups Accelerator, Google aims to support and promote Vietnamese startups in the AI ​​era.

Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Tran Duy Dong noted that AI development will completely change how people research, work, and create content, and is expected to contribute trillions of US dollars to the global economy.

"In this context, Vietnam is making strong strides in promoting AI research, application, and workforce development. In 2022, Vietnam ranked 55th globally in the AI ​​innovation index," Deputy Minister Tran Duy Dong said.

The "Creating the Future of AI in Vietnam with Google - NIC" program demonstrates the strong commitment and support of the Ministry of Planning and Investment and Google in promoting the AI ​​ecosystem in Vietnam. The program will equip young Vietnamese talents with the necessary skills to seize opportunities in the AI ​​era while supporting innovative startups based on artificial intelligence.

Trong Dat