Vietnam is rapidly emerging as a dynamic player in the global artificial intelligence (AI) landscape, driven by a growing digital economy, government support, a burgeoning startup ecosystem, and a tech-savvy population. With strategic investments and proactive policymaking, Vietnam is positioning itself as Southeast Asia’s next AI hub.
TLDR:
Vietnam’s artificial intelligence market is growing at an impressive rate, fueled by strong government initiatives, international collaboration, and a vibrant tech ecosystem. AI is being applied across diverse sectors such as healthcare, finance, education, and agriculture. By nurturing local talent and attracting global investment, Vietnam is paving the way for long-term AI innovation and leadership in the region.
An Overview of Vietnam’s AI Landscape
Vietnam’s digital future heavily relies on the integration and development of artificial intelligence. The Vietnamese government recognized early on that AI could be a game-changer for economic transformation, and initiated its first national strategy on AI development in 2021. The goal? To make Vietnam one of the top four countries in ASEAN for AI innovation by 2030.
Since then, tech companies, universities, and startups have made swift progress in both research and real-world AI applications. According to the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the Vietnam AI market was valued at approximately USD 200 million in 2022 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 20% until 2030.
Key Drivers of AI Growth in Vietnam
Several factors are converging to fuel Vietnam’s AI boom:
- Government Support: The implementation of the National Strategy on R&D and Application of AI has created a framework for enterprises and institutions to invest and collaborate.
- Young Workforce: Vietnam’s population is predominantly young, with a high internet usage rate and increasing digital literacy.
- Growing Tech Ecosystem: The startup sector is thriving, with many companies focusing exclusively on AI solutions across various verticals.
- Education and Research: Universities and research centers are being encouraged to expand AI curricula and deepen research partnerships with global institutions.
- Cost Advantage: With competitive costs for talent and operations, Vietnam becomes an attractive destination for multinational companies to establish AI R&D hubs.
Main Sectors Applying AI in Vietnam
AI in Vietnam is not confined to academic theory—it’s actively transforming industries. Below are some of the key sectors where AI is making a difference:
1. Healthcare
AI-powered diagnostics, patient data analysis, and predictive healthcare are gaining ground within Vietnam’s hospitals and digital health startups. For instance, some platforms use language processing and machine learning to provide medical consultations through chatbots or mobile apps. These tools prove especially beneficial in rural and underserved areas.
2. Finance
Vietnam’s banking and fintech ecosystem is aggressively deploying AI for fraud detection, algorithmic trading, credit scoring, and customer service automation. Large financial institutions like Vietcombank and VPBank are investing in AI to personalize services and strengthen cybersecurity protocols.
3. Retail and E-commerce
AI-led recommendation engines, inventory forecasting, and chatbot assistants have become standard tools for Vietnam’s fast-growing online retail sector. Companies like Tiki and Sendo are leveraging AI to enhance customer experience and logistics efficiency.
4. Education
The edtech boom is being powered by AI, with platforms using adaptive learning, virtual tutors, and automated grading systems. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many Vietnamese edtech startups turned to machine learning and AI to personalize educational content for students learning remotely.
5. Agriculture
AI is bringing smart farming to Vietnam. By using drones, sensors, and computer vision, farmers now have access to real-time data regarding soil conditions, crop health, and weather patterns—helping to optimize yields and reduce waste.
Leading Players and Startups
The AI startup ecosystem in Vietnam is blossoming. Many local companies are making headlines for their innovation and global ambition. A few to watch include:
- VinAI Research: A subsidiary of Vingroup, this is one of the most prominent AI research labs in Vietnam. They specialize in computer vision, deep learning, and smart mobility technologies.
- FPT Software: This tech behemoth has developed deep learning products for industries ranging from logistics to automotive and houses a dedicated AI Center for research and commercial deployment.
- Zalo AI: Backed by Zalo (Vietnam’s most used messaging app), Zalo AI focuses on Vietnamese natural language processing, facial recognition, and speech synthesis.
- Aimesoft: Based on the concept of “Multimodal AI,” Aimesoft integrates multiple AI paradigms and data forms to deliver comprehensive business tech solutions.
Challenges in the Vietnamese AI Ecosystem
Despite its promising growth, Vietnam’s AI journey is not without hurdles:
- Talent Shortage: The demand for AI professionals far exceeds the supply. Vietnam must train more data scientists, engineers, and researchers to support growth.
- Data Privacy and Regulations: Ensuring data protection laws keep pace with AI development is crucial. Lack of clear regulation could hold back innovation or compromise citizens’ privacy.
- Funding Limitations: While venture capital interest is rising, many AI startups still struggle to find early-stage investment and mentorship.
- Fragmented Collaboration: There is often limited synergy between academia, industry, and government, making it harder to scale innovation nationally.
Government’s Vision and Future Roadmap
The government’s commitment to AI development is clear. By 2030, Vietnam aims to have:
- At least 10 AI applications that meet international standards and are used both domestically and globally.
- A network of AI innovation hubs in key cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang.
- Collaboration on AI research with top global universities.
- Education reforms to include AI knowledge at all levels in the school system.
This roadmap, if executed effectively, could allow Vietnam to not just keep up with the AI race, but play a defining role in it within Southeast Asia.
International Collaborations
Vietnam is actively seeking international partnerships to advance its AI capabilities. Memorandums of understanding (MOUs) have been signed with countries such as Japan, South Korea, and the United States to collaborate on AI research, education, and applied technologies. Additionally, multinational corporations like Google and IBM have shown interest in Vietnam as an R&D destination.
Final Thoughts
Vietnam’s artificial intelligence market is more than just a promising trend—it’s a critical component of the country’s technological transformation. With a strategic focus on innovation, education, and entrepreneurship, Vietnam is well on its way to becoming an AI powerhouse in the region.
For investors, developers, educators, and tech entrepreneurs, Vietnam offers both opportunities and valuable lessons in how AI can be woven into the fabric of a nation’s development.
Stay tuned as Vietnam moves steadily toward its goal of becoming a leader in responsible, inclusive, and forward-thinking AI innovation.