Head of Vin Hi-Tech Nguyen Quoc Sy

The group, established as a real estate firm, has stated that it will become a technology, industry and service group in the future, while technology will be the focus.

“The plan to develop an automobile industry will be undertaken by VinFast (a subsidiary of Vingroup, in charge of manufacturing cars),” said Nguyen Quoc Sy, the newly appointed head of Vin Hi-Tech at the press conference on August 22.

Sy went on to say that the newly established VinTech has been assigned to carry out research to develop technology.

“This is an important task,” he said, emphasizing the necessity to become technologically independent.

“No one and no country can build up science and technology if it simply buys technologies from others,” he said.

In the immediate time, Vingroup may buy technologies and designs. But in the long term, it will have to stay on its foot. Even when importing machines, Vingroup will have to examine imports to find out if they fit Vingroup’s products.

Asked about the research model for Vin Hi-tech, Sy said that basic and technological research will not be split, but will be integrated, stressing that this is the model used by the majority of research teams in the world. If focusing on basic research, no one could survive because of the lack of financial resources.

The new culture of doing scientific research

Vu Ha Van, science director of Big Data Institute, said the major tasks of the institute are carrying out research on key fields such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, and producing new generations of intellectuals with deep knowledge, dynamism and independence. 

The institute also manages a science & technology development fund, which aims to support universities and researchers in Vietnam.

Van, a renowned mathematician, professor of Yale University, said he saw many young people who have talent and ambition who encounter difficulties when implementing their projects. The fund will help them fulfill their projects, thus helping prevent a brain drain.

“There is no limit for funding. The minimum level is VND2-3 billion per project. The fund will begin taking applications from January 1, 2019,” he said.

The projects to receive support from the fund will not only serve Vingroup’s benefits, but aim to accelerate the development of Vietnam’s science. Therefore, in the long term, the new culture of doing scientific research in Vietnam will prevail.

RELATED NEWS

Fintechs, with technology and big data, jump into consumer lending market

AI to be used in every socio-economic field in Vietnam: experts

Kim Chi