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In a press conference, Deputy Minister of Information and Communications (MIC) Nguyen Phu Tien announced significant progress in the development of legal regulations concerning virtual assistants and artificial intelligence applications in Vietnam.
Tien emphasised the proactive measures taken to establish a robust legal framework conducive to the advancement of AI technology and highlighted Vietnam’s significant strides in establishing a comprehensive framework for the development of artificial intelligence.
Tien emphasised that the implementation of these regulations aligns with the objectives outlined in the Prime Minister’s decision on the national strategy for AI research, development, and application until 2030, particularly focusing on creating an open legal framework conducive to advancing AI research and application.
The Vietnamese government has approved a national strategy on AI aimed at positioning the country among the top four in ASEAN and the top 50 globally in AI research, development, and application by 2030. This ambitious goal was outlined in Decision 127/QD-TTg, signifying the nation’s commitment to advancing in the field of AI technology.
The strategy aims to bolster AI research, development, and application, positioning it as a crucial technological industry for Vietnam. By 2030, Vietnam envisions becoming a hub for AI innovation and solutions in the Southeast Asian region and globally. The country aims to establish 10 prestigious AI brands, develop three national centres for big data and high-performance computing, and interconnect these centres into a network.
Additionally, the strategy aims to create 50 open datasets across various economic sectors to support AI research and development. Vietnam also plans to establish three national innovative AI centres and secure a spot on the list of ASEAN’s top 20 R&D and training facilities in AI. To achieve these objectives, the strategy outlines key directions including building a robust legal framework for AI, nurturing the AI ecosystem, promoting AI applications and enhancing international cooperation in the field.
Under the directive, the MIC has been entrusted with the task of formulating and enhancing legal documents pertaining to electronic transactions, with a proactive approach to researching, drafting, and amending decrees and circulars. These initiatives include the establishment and dissemination of testing institutional frameworks (sandboxes) and the creation of favourable testing environments with their own legal policy frameworks to facilitate AI testing in areas of high potential.
Furthermore, the MIC has advised the Government to issue a decree to manage, connect, and share digital data among state agencies, alongside the development of technical standards and regulations defining AI technology and products. Tien noted that various other ministries and agencies are diligently fulfilling their designated responsibilities in this domain.
Central to the development of legal regulations concerning virtual assistants is the commitment to prioritising the rights and interests of individuals and businesses, with a keen focus on preventing technology abuse and safeguarding legitimate rights and interests. Tien highlighted the collaborative efforts of businesses in partnering with the ministry to create a legal environment that balances the protection of rights and interests in the online sphere while fostering societal development.
Vietnam’s AI readiness has seen a notable rise, securing the 39th position out of 193 countries in a recent report. This marks a significant improvement from its rankings in the previous years.
The assessment evaluates governments’ preparedness to utilise AI for public service delivery, considering various factors such as digital capacity, technological capabilities, and data infrastructure.
Vietnam obtained a total AI readiness score of 54.48, ranking 9th within the East Asia region. While trailing behind some ASEAN peers, Vietnam’s score surpasses that of several neighbouring countries. Furthermore, Vietnam’s score exceeds the regional average, reflecting its growing readiness to embrace AI technologies.
