The Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) is expected to become a new growth engine aimed at accelerating the city and country’s sustainable development, heard a conference in Ho Chi Minh City on April 25.

The conference attracted more than 200 experts and business representatives with the aim of devising priority areas and a roadmap ahead of the launch of the C4IR at the Saigon Hi-Tech Park in Ho Chi Minh City this September.

Upon addressing the event, Jeremy Jurgens, executive director of the World Economic Forum, emphasized that artificial intelligence (AI) is anticipated to dramatically transform production activities, thereby shaping the trajectory of technology both regionally and globally.

Most notably, the C4IR will serve as catalyst for further green growth development in Ho Chi Minh City whilst contributing to promoting innovation in the fields of semiconductor chip technology and biotechnology, drones, AI, and the Internet of Things (IOT), he noted.

Vo Van Hoan, vice chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, pointed out that the development of a number of breakthrough technologies such as AI, a 5G network, biotechnology, and semiconductor chip technology, has exerted a strong impact on multiple fields ranging from security and politics to economics and society.

The development of these technologies is therefore anticipated to create favourable conditions for Vietnam to proactively tap into opportunities brought about by the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Hoan said.

Furthermore, the centre will provide an ideal venue for experts to ramp up ties in research activities, put forth policy proposals, enhance the application and transfer of technologies, and mobilize resources for priority areas such as green growth or smart city development, he stressed.

VOV