In the context of rapidly developing AI and its ability to do certain jobs better than humans, many students are concerned about what knowledge and skills they need to equip themselves within the next 3-5 years to avoid unemployment. Experts from Viettel suggest that instead of being afraid, one should learn how to master technology and master AI.

Tran Van Bang, Deputy Director of Viettel Software Investment Company, and Pham Cao Dinh, Deputy Director of Viettel IDC Cooperation Service Center, shared their insights on the topic with a large number of university students.

Dinh said that instead of being afraid of being replaced by AI, students need to learn to master AI, turning technology into their assistant and helper. In essence, AI will never understand jobs involving emotional or humanistic factors.

However, to master technology, students must first master themselves. "A successful person is not necessarily the best at any given time, but one who possesses the elements of discipline, perseverance, and effort every day, always being better than the day before," Dinh said.

“This is clearly demonstrated through time management. All humans have only 24 hours in a day, and how we use those 24 hours is what makes our difference,” he said.

He gave the example that the founders of the world's largest technology corporations often start their day at 5 am; they have their own schedule and know their goals clearly.

In terms of knowledge, the two Viettel experts emphasized that knowledge is never enough. Tran Van Bang pointed out that “the only thing that does not change is change.” 

“Today it is AI, tomorrow it could be something even more disruptive. Therefore, the question should not be what to study, but how to study in order to stay updated and not be left behind.”

Sharing the same view, Pham Cao Dinh offered his advice to students: “There is a small tip to never being unemployed: that is to stay within trends, because trends can never be stopped.”

For example, with today’s hottest technologies such as AI and Big Data, young people need to understand what they are, how they operate, and what they need to function. From there, they can explore further knowledge in fields such as electrical engineering, automation, servers, graphics cards, or data centers.

"Follow practical demand; start with what an application needs to run and then conduct in-depth research, supplementing your expertise and skills," Dinh continued.

In general, both speakers agreed that the current technology market is thirsty for human resources, but especially high-quality human resources.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Students need to proactively turn themselves into people who are always ready to embrace changing times, understand what the times demand, and supplement their knowledge accordingly.

The UNDP has released a report showing that the impact of AI is particularly severe on young people. AI is gradually replacing basic entry-level jobs that young people often use as career stepping stones, such as administration, scheduling, document drafting, translation, and research.

Also according to the report, Vietnam is among the countries with the highest rate of citizens worrying about job loss or inability to find a job due to AI in the region, at 61 percent.

In countries like South Korea, this rate is much lower because they already have strategies for reskilling and coping with career changes.

To ensure that AI serves human development equitably, the UNDP report proposed an action framework based on three core principles.

First, a human-centered approach, placing technological innovation within the framework of human development, prioritizing the expansion of human capabilities and unleashing human potential.

Next, responsibly governing innovation. This involves building clear, risk-based regulations and strengthening accountability to balance progress with the protection of ethics and privacy.

Finally, building future-ready systems through strong investment in local talent and sustainable infrastructure, ensuring that digital access is considered essential infrastructure.

Du Lam