Bringing the international competition to Vietnam

Scheduled to take place in Da Nang from February 25 to March 2, 2027, the International Artificial Intelligence Olympiad (IAIO) will be hosted by Vietnam for the first time. It will also mark the competition's debut in Southeast Asia.

The national preliminary round of the Vietnam Artificial Intelligence Olympiad 2027 (VAIO 2027) aims to identify, nurture and select students with strong capabilities in artificial intelligence.

It is also an important step in preparing for IAIO 2027, helping promote AI learning, research and practical applications among young people.

The national preliminary competition was launched on July 17 by the Research Institute for Innovation and Quality Accreditation (RIVA), together with its partners.

RIVA has been authorized by IAIO to organize Vietnam's national selection process and host the international competition in Da Nang.

The competition is open to lower and upper secondary school students nationwide, with the goal of identifying and supporting young people with talent in mathematics, computer science, programming and AI.

Under the schedule, the national preliminary round will take place across multiple localities on October 18.

The national final is expected to be held in Hanoi on January 10, 2027, when outstanding contestants will be selected for Vietnam's team at IAIO 2027.

Identifying and nurturing young AI talent

Beyond selecting competitors, the national preliminary round offers students an opportunity to develop computational thinking, problem-solving techniques and a foundational understanding of artificial intelligence from an early age.

Preparing for and participating in the competition can help students strengthen independent learning, logical reasoning, creativity and teamwork.

These skills are becoming increasingly important in education, research and the labor market as technological advances reshape how people study and work.

At IAIO 2026, held in Slovenia, the Vietnamese student team won two silver medals and one bronze medal.

IAIO 2027 is expected to attract approximately 300 delegates from more than 40 countries and territories, bringing together students and members of the international AI community.

In addition to the academic competition, hosting the event in Vietnam will provide opportunities for professional exchanges and connections among educators, researchers, AI experts and organizations working in the field.

Through VAIO 2027 and IAIO 2027, Vietnam has an opportunity to connect its domestic talent identification and development efforts with international academic networks while encouraging broader interest in artificial intelligence.

If followed by sustained training, research and meaningful collaboration, the two competitions could contribute to developing the skilled workforce needed for the digital economy and strengthening Vietnam's presence in the international AI community.

Thanh Hung