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The government remains committed to the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) and believes investment value in the corridor will reach at least THB300 billion this year as expected.
According to the Secretary-General to the EEC Office, private investment is increasing this year, driven by global economic recovery and rising global trade. He noted that the COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected the investments which were lower last year as investors were hesitant. Investors are now expected to ramp up investments this year, he said.
Last year, actual investment in the EEC totalled only THB96 billion, making up 46% of total investment applications filed through the Board of Investment (BoI). The EEC is part of the government’s strategy to move Thailand towards a high-tech economy.
The area spans a combined 30,000 rai plot of land in the provinces of Chon Buri, Rayong and Chachoengsao to accommodate investments in targeted industries, focusing largely on advanced technology.
The EEC will host 12 target S-curve industries: cars, smart electronics, medical and wellness tourism, agriculture and biotechnology, food, robotics for industry, logistics and aviation, biofuels and biochemicals, digital, medical services, defence, and education development.
The government is offering several privileges for investments in the EEC, including standard tax holidays for five to 10 years depending on investment categories, corporate income tax exemption for an additional two years, and a 50% corporate tax reduction for three years for investment projects related to human resource development.
The EEC attracted investment applications for 117 projects in the first quarter with a combined value of 64.4 billion baht, 39% higher than the total value of the 117 projects filed in the same period of 2020.
5G propelling investment
A large number of investments relating to 5G technology are scheduled for 2021 and include both infrastructure projects and production technology upgrades by manufacturers in the EEC.
Mobile phone operators and related industries are in the process of investing in the infrastructure required for 5G technology in EEC while investments in a smart city in Ban Chang in Rayong is about to be completed as well. Meanwhile, investments in infrastructure projects for Pattaya Smart City are scheduled to begin this year.
Last year, Pattaya announced a five-year roadmap for its transformation into a “smart city” to become a hub of economic, investment and tourism activity. The strategy is designed to create new opportunities for Pattaya residents, improve its environment, and serve its multicultural community.
The city’s authorities conducted public hearings on the scheme, which is expected to boost the economy in post-Covid-19, to improve digital information and geoinformatics of the plan between 2021 and 2025.
The digital transformation will help improve government services, reduce inequality in education, and increase investment opportunities. The digital system will be applied to the transportation, tourism, and medical industry, as well as town planning.
At both Ban Chang and Pattaya smart cities, big data will be used to improve people’s quality of life, including a 3D system to boost people’s incomes, a closed-circuit TV system to ensure public security, and various other innovations to facilitate and enhance local life.
The government will also support factories in EEC to upgrade manufacturing via 5G technology.
EV development
The EEC Office is also focusing on electrical vehicle (EV) manufacturing as EV projects in EEC are scheduled to see investments this year and in 2022. The government will support infrastructure to boost EVs and three cores of EV development: charging stations, significant parts of motor and battery and software. The manufacturing of EVs in Thailand can happen faster than the government’s plan, which aims for domestic production of EVs to account for 30% of car manufacturing by 2030.
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Singapore’s Institute of Technical Education (ITE) has emerged as a trailblazer with its innovative Work-Study Diplomas (WSDips) initiative. Launched five years ago, the programme has evolved into a crucial pathway for ITE graduates seeking to elevate their qualifications. According to Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, the Second Minister for Education, the success of WSDips lies in its ‘learning by doing’ approach, aligning seamlessly with ITE’s practice-based curriculum.
Since its inception with 100 trainees across four courses in 2018, the WSDips initiative has witnessed exponential growth. With over 1,000 trainees now enrolled in 40 courses, the programme has become a testament to its effectiveness. Graduates not only experience salary growth but also boast high employability, with more than 70% choosing to stay in their respective companies post-graduation.
ITE is set to expand its successful WSDips initiative by introducing five new courses in 2024. This move reflects ITE’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve in addressing the diverse needs of both individuals and industries.
The new additions, ranging from Accountancy and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Nursing and Tourism Management, showcase ITE’s dedication to providing upskilling opportunities tailored to the evolving demands of the workforce.
The WSDip in Accountancy aims to sharpen expertise in in-house accounting functions, addressing the intricate financial management needs of businesses. Recognising the pivotal role of technology, the WSDip in AI and Data Intelligence is designed to support businesses in executing robust digital strategies by nurturing talent well-versed in AI and data intelligence.
The WSDip in Electronics and Computer Engineering responds to the increasing importance of optimised operational efficiency in digital work environments. This course focuses on cutting-edge electronics and computer engineering, producing skilled professionals ready to tackle the challenges of an increasingly tech-centric world.
In the healthcare sector, the WSDip in Nursing offers an apprenticeship-based progression pathway, addressing the growing demand for healthcare professionals. This programme provides a structured and hands-on learning approach, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the dynamic field of nursing.
The WSDip in Tourism Management recognises the significance of the evolving tourism industry. Going beyond traditional approaches, this diploma encompasses a spectrum of skills, from customer behaviour analytics to sustainable tourism practices, preparing trainees to navigate this transformative industry.
The expansion of the WSDips portfolio underscores ITE’s dedication to offering specialised courses that address the contemporary workforce’s needs. By providing upskilling opportunities in crucial areas, ITE ensures its graduates are not only job-ready but also positioned to thrive in their chosen fields.
The integration of digitalisation courses into study diplomas has become a strategic imperative. This move is not merely a reaction to industry trends; rather, it represents a proactive measure to bridge the gap between traditional education and the rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Study diplomas tailored to include digitalisation courses offer myriad benefits, from heightened employability to cultivating a workforce prepared for the challenges of the digital age. Graduates possessing digital literacy are not only better positioned for a wide array of careers but are also empowered to contribute to innovation and entrepreneurship.
Moreover, these programmes play a pivotal role in addressing the global competitiveness of individuals and industries, ensuring that professionals have the necessary skills to navigate a digitally interconnected world.
As educational institutions adapt to include digitalisation courses, Singapore paves the way for a future workforce that is not only adaptive to industry-specific requirements but also capable of driving technological advancements in various fields.
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The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) recently unveiled an ambitious plan to propel Vietnamese businesses onto the global stage through a cutting-edge initiative. At the core of this strategy is the selection of 100 exceptional enterprises for the “Vietnam Pavilion” on a leading B2B e-commerce platform, slated to revolutionise the landscape of international trade.

This innovative programme seeks to champion the diverse array of “Made in Vietnam” products, fuel international trade endeavours, and facilitate seamless access for businesses to tap into the vast customer base of an established e-platform. By leveraging this expansive network, the initiative aims to illuminate Vietnam’s products and the prowess of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to a global audience.
The registration window for SMEs extends until January 15, 2024, offering selected participants invaluable insights from seasoned exporters. Vu Ba Phu, Director of the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency, emphasised the pivotal role of this collaboration with the e-commerce giant, highlighting its potential to furnish SMEs with a gateway to the global market. This collaboration underscores a strategic shift toward digital trade, fortifying resilience amid the unpredictable undulations of the global market.
The inception of the “Vietnam Pavilion” in 2022 signals a concerted effort to bolster Vietnamese businesses by amplifying their brand presence and facilitating seamless networking opportunities. According to the Country Director of the e-commerce company in Vietnam, this alliance is pivotal in augmenting the global footprint of Vietnamese enterprises, streamlining their participation in global business endeavours.
In the previous year, Vietnam witnessed an exponential surge in exports via e-commerce, surmounting 80 trillion VND (approximately 3.25 billion USD). Forecasts project a meteoric rise, expecting the figure to soar to nearly 300 trillion VND by 2027. In anticipation of this burgeoning trend, Vietrade swiftly rolled out various online and hybrid trade promotion models, yielding commendable outcomes.
Simultaneously, the Ministry of Industry and Trade organised an event to introduce the “National Centralised Promotion Programme 2023 – Vietnam Grand Sale 2023” to stakeholders across the country. This initiative is designed to invigorate trade promotion endeavours while fortifying the branding of Vietnamese goods. The programme aims to stimulate domestic market growth, diversify purchasing channels, and bolster production, circulation, and business activities, catalysing the country’s economic resurgence.

The National Focused Promotion 2023 is set to be a nationwide affair, spearheaded by the Department of Trade Promotion in collaboration with relevant industry units, associations, businesses, and organisations. This concerted effort will encompass a multifaceted approach, blending traditional trade methods with e-commerce to generate a ripple effect, drawing the active participation of enterprises across sectors.
Businesses are granted the autonomy to partake in the “National Focused Promotion 2023” Programme by proactively engaging in diverse and compelling promotional activities aimed at captivating customers. They have the prerogative to set promotional limits (up to 100%), provided they adhere to legal and transparent promotional practices and safeguard consumer rights.
As stipulated, the permissible limit for goods and services used in promotional activities during the specified period from December 4, 2023, to February 9, 2024, stands at 100%, in alignment with regulatory decisions.
In essence, these initiatives orchestrated by the Ministry of Industry and Trade represent a decisive stride toward harnessing technological advancements to bolster Vietnam’s economic landscape, empowering businesses to thrive in the digital age while fortifying their global market presence.
Vietnam is eager to develop its digital economy and ensure that it is ready to make use of any opportunities to expand.
OpenGov Asia reported that the Ministry of Information and Communications is designing a strategy for Vietnam’s international fibre-optic cable development that will soon be released. This initiative aims to guarantee the secure and sustainable advancement of Vietnam’s digital infrastructure, according to Pham Duc Long, the Deputy Minister of MIC.
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The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) recently visited Dumangas, Iloilo, to witness the demonstration of SARAi, a cutting-edge remote-sensing technology developed by the University of the Philippines Los Baños.
This initiative is part of NEDA’s ongoing efforts to harness the potential of remote-sensing technologies for gathering timely crop data, a crucial element in providing anticipatory inflation policy advice through the Inter-Agency Committee on Inflation and Market Outlook (IAC-IMO).
Project SARAi, standing for Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture as an Industry in the Philippines, focuses on monitoring agricultural production. During the demonstration, the Dumangas SARAi team showcased the generation of crop commodity maps using satellite data. The validation process involves a mobile phone app or a specialised drone, ensuring accuracy in monitoring the growth and health of crops in Dumangas.
While SARAi has proven useful at the local government unit (LGU) level, its current pilot implementation is limited to a few LGUs. NEDA Assistant Secretary Reynaldo R Cancio emphasised the need for broader implementation to fully tap into its potential for guiding national policy-making. Acknowledging challenges faced during the technology’s introduction to pilot LGUs, Reynaldo highlighted financial resource constraints and a lack of appreciation for the technology’s benefits as major hurdles.
NEDA proposed national government support for the deployment of remote-sensing technologies like SARAi, particularly for LGUs with financial constraints. He stressed the importance of coordination among various remote-sensing projects to avoid duplication and ensure applicability for national-level inflation management.
As NEDA continues to work with the IAC-IMO, the focus remains on providing inflation policy advice using existing data sets. Simultaneously, efforts persist in studying the potential of remote-sensing technologies like SARAi as invaluable tools for gathering essential data in the ongoing pursuit of effective inflation management.
In addition, NEDA has taken a significant step towards advancing the digital landscape in the Philippines with the release of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for Republic Act No. 11927, popularly known as the Philippine Digital Workforce Competitiveness Act. This strategic move, approved on October 2023, reflects a meticulous consultation process involving various stakeholders, including government agencies and private sector representatives.
NEDA Secretary Arsenio M Balisacan emphasised the crucial role the Act plays in equipping the workforce with digital technologies and skills while fostering a dynamic innovation ecosystem. The IRR outlines the establishment of the Inter-Agency Council (IAC) for the Development and Competitiveness of the Philippine Digital Workforce, chaired by NEDA and composed of eight other key agencies.
This Council will be the primary body responsible for planning, coordinating, and implementing initiatives to enhance the competitiveness of the country’s digital workforce, with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) serving as the secretariat.
The Act empowers the IAC to formulate the National Roadmap on Digital Technology and Digital Skills, laying the foundation for programmes aimed at upskilling, re-skilling, and training the digital workforce. In a bid to streamline information dissemination, the Council will establish a centralised online portal harmonising existing portals of member agencies. This portal will provide comprehensive details on training and skills development programmes, certifications, and scholarship opportunities.
These initiatives directly address identified gaps in digital technology and skills mapping, ensuring that Filipinos across the nation have access to the skills and competencies essential for navigating the digital landscape. The focus on digital content, platforms, innovations, entrepreneurship, and technology aligns with the ever-evolving demands of the global labour market, positioning the Philippines as a competitive player in the digital workforce arena.
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In a world where technology has revolutionised nearly every aspect of human lives, the field of education has not remained untouched. The integration of digital technology into the educational landscape has emerged as a transformative endeavour, ushering in a new era of learning and examination preparation. This paradigm shift represents a leap forward, particularly in the realm of how students approach and navigate the complexities of entrance exams. An illustration of this transformative potential unfolds in the innovative efforts of three students at Khon Kaen University.

A group of enterprising first-year students from the Faculty of Engineering at Khon Kaen University has taken the initiative to develop a website called “XZAM” that caters to the needs of students preparing for their entrance exams. “Exams can be daunting for us, and this innovative platform aims to provide a comprehensive and centralised resource for students seeking practice tests and answer keys,” asserted Tanyalak Sasiwarinkul. He added that the XZAM emerges as a beacon of support and guidance, aiming to alleviate the stress associated with exam preparation.
Teetawat Butrthai has observed that with new tests being continuously produced and scattered across various sources, the task of gathering and utilising these resources can be overwhelming and time-consuming. To address this issue, the XZAM consolidates tests and answer keys for various subjects into a single, easily accessible platform, saving students the hassle of searching through multiple sources.
Teetawat elaborated that the XZAM is built using React, a JavaScript library, and Bootstrap CSS framework, ensuring a user-friendly interface that adapts to different screen sizes. The Firebase Authentication API and Firebase Cloud Firestore empower users with secure logins and data storage within the platform. This ensures the protection of user information while maintaining a seamless user experience.
Putthipong Kitisriworapan, one of the students, explained that not all students have equal access to resources or the time to prepare for their exams thoroughly. This platform addresses this disparity by providing a free and convenient way for students to access practice materials, regardless of their socioeconomic background or learning style. The ability to bookmark tests allows students to revisit important questions and track their progress easily.
The XZAM team adheres to intellectual property rights by not directly hosting test content on their platform. Instead, they utilise search-based methods to identify relevant tests and attach links to the sources. This approach ensures that copyright holders retain their ownership while providing students with easy access to valuable practice materials.
The XZAM stands as a testament to the power of technology to democratise education and empower students. Assoc Prof Kanda Saikaew, PhD, a lecturer of the Department of Computer Engineering and one of the students’ advisers, explained that by providing a centralised and accessible platform for practice tests and answer keys, the XZAM has simplified the exam preparation process for students of all backgrounds, fostering a more equitable learning environment.
“The XZAM’s extends beyond being a practical tool for exam preparation. For us, it stands as a testament to the transformative power of collaboration, community, and forward-thinking in the dynamic convergence of education and technology in Thailand’s education,” concluded Prof Kanda.
OpenGov Asia reported that KKU has committed to upgrading its education with digital technology. It has been steadfast in delivering an inclusive, technology-centred education, geared to prepare students for the demands of the digital era. Through collaborations with industry pioneers, the university is resolutely focused on empowering students with the essential skills and knowledge vital for success in a digital landscape.
In alignment with this vision, KKU showcased its commitment during the 60th-anniversary celebrations by hosting speakers from the United States, Singapore and Finland as part of the Education Transformation Project.
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In contemplating the complexities of contemporary youth, Minister Ong Ye Kung engages in a reflective journey, drawing parallels between historical junctures and the pivotal role of today’s young generation in Singapore and China. Addressing a spectrum of challenges, he emphasises the need for adaptive attributes and cultural resonance in steering a promising course toward the future.
Spotlighting the ubiquitous connectivity of modern youth, regardless of geographical boundaries. Minister Ong underlines their profound concern for global issues like mental health, climate change, and social disparities, transcending national confines. Amidst this global awareness, he underscores the practical preoccupations of Asian youth, particularly in Singapore and China, echoing their concerns about job competition, rising living costs, and aspirations for stability, symbolising resilience and adaptability.
Reflecting on historical milestones in the United States, Singapore, and China, Minister Ong delineates the monumental tasks faced by earlier generations of youth. From rebuilding post-war economies to navigating independence and economic reforms, these examples illustrate the transformative potential of youthful vigour and leadership in shaping nations. Education, innovation, and societal cohesion emerge as crucial pillars during these epochs.
A poignant emphasis is placed on the essential attributes needed for the current youth cohort to thrive. Minister Ong advocates for an insatiable curiosity, emphasising continuous learning in the face of rapid technological evolution. He champions the significance of retaining cultural identities amid globalisation while simultaneously assimilating foreign influences, fostering a dynamic cultural landscape. Furthermore, aligning with the imperatives of their generation, youth are urged to embrace pragmatism, collaboration, and global action to address pressing issues like climate change.
Acknowledging the current uncertainties and complexities faced by today’s youth, Minister Ong encourages resilience amidst choice paralysis. Drawing inspiration from young trailblazers and their pursuits, he advocates for proactive endeavours and a sense of purpose, irrespective of the challenges posed by geopolitical tensions or economic shifts. Embracing opportunities for personal growth, language proficiency, global experiences, and cultural exchanges emerge as pivotal strategies for navigating the evolving landscape.
Concluding on an optimistic note, Minister Ong positions today’s youth as pivotal architects of the future. Acknowledging that while he may not qualify as a youth per se, his sentiments align with the youthful spirit characterised by optimism, courage, and a relentless pursuit of positive influence and change. Encouraging a blend of realism and optimism, he urges the young generation to embrace their unique roles in steering societies toward a promising future.
Minister Ong encourages the youth to confront uncertainty, make choices, and pursue passions. The emphasis on strengthening bilingual skills and engaging in global experiences acknowledges the interconnected nature of the modern world, recognising that the potential of the youth transcends borders.
From digital arts to online cultural exchanges, digital platforms offer avenues for preserving and sharing cultural heritage. The younger generation has the potential to seamlessly integrate their cultural identity into the digital realm, contributing to a vibrant and inclusive cultural landscape.
Minister Ong Ye Kung’s comprehensive discourse underscores the intricate web of challenges and opportunities faced by today’s youth. From historical analogies to contemporary realities, his narrative serves as a compelling call to action, emphasising the role of youth in steering societies toward progress, unity, and resilience.
Singapore recognises the need to have comprehensive and inclusive development that engages all segments of its society. In alignment with its focus on adapting to rapid transformations, Minister Chan Chun Sing, echoing sentiments on the evolving landscape, emphasises the need for the business community to discard assumptions about entrenched global systems. His call for a mindset shift resonates with the challenges faced globally, urging adaptation to future uncertainties.
The government is committed to cultivating a globally competitive workforce. This involves significant investment in Singaporeans, coupled with collaborative efforts with trade associations, chambers, business leaders, and academic institutions to expedite the knowledge cycle.
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Amid the relentless surge of cybersecurity threats, governments and technology agencies must embrace heightened awareness and implement meticulous data protection strategies. The escalating cyber threats necessitate a proactive stance, where staying one step ahead is crucial to safeguarding crucial information assets.
In this dynamic digital landscape, where information is a commodity, governments must acknowledge the evolving nature of cyber threats and continuously fortify their cybersecurity measures. Rapid technological advancements bring new challenges, requiring adaptive and innovative solutions to balance potential vulnerabilities.
Collaboration between government bodies, regulatory agencies, and technology experts is paramount in fostering a collective defence against cyber threats towards data privacy. Sharing insights, intelligence, and best practices creates a robust cybersecurity ecosystem capable of anticipating and mitigating emerging risks.
To secure public information and ensure data privacy, Mr Prasert Chandraruangthong, the Minister of Digital Economy and Society, has initiated measures to combat leaks and the illicit trade of personal information. Recognising the situation’s urgency, the Minister outlined a comprehensive plan divided into three periods—30 days, six months, and 12 months.
During the first 30-day period, the Office of the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDC) established the Personal Data Violation Surveillance Centre to investigate public information disclosures promptly. The operations conducted this November inspected 3,119 government and private sector agencies. The PDPC detected data leaks in 1,158 cases, leading to corrective actions taken by the agencies in 781 instances. Notably, three issues of personal data trading were uncovered, prompting investigations and prosecutions in collaboration with The Police Technology Crime Investigation Headquarters.
Simultaneously, the PDPC, under the directive of the Police Technology Crime Investigation Headquarters, expedited inspections of 9,000 agencies within the next 30 days. This initiative targeted government agencies deemed critical information infrastructure (CII), including those in the energy, public health, government services, finance, and banking sectors.
During the inspections, the cybersecurity systems of 91 agencies were examined. Of these, 21 were identified as having high levels of risk, prompting corrective actions by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC).
The third measure involves collaborative efforts between the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), NBTC, and relevant agencies such as the Thai Chamber of Commerce, Federation of Thai Industries, Thai Bankers Association, Thai Life Assurance Association, Thai Hotel Association, and the media sector network. The objective is to raise awareness about personal data protection and prevent potential risks from inadequate security procedures. This includes knowledge-sharing sessions on maintaining cybersecurity through Cybersecurity Awareness Training. The collaborative initiative emphasises preventing intrusion from outsiders, securing system settings, and enforcing the law within the purview of the authorities.
For the subsequent six-month period, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society and the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) will expedite efforts to block illegal trading of personal information. Offenders will be actively pursued, prosecuted, and arrested to ensure a swift and effective response in safeguarding the privacy and security of individuals’ data.
This strategy underscores the government’s commitment to leveraging digital technology to fortify data protection measures and create a safer online environment for all citizens by partnering with other entities.
OpenGov Asia reported that Thailand is strategically addressing escalating cybersecurity concerns with a multi-faceted approach involving tech, partnerships, specialised task forces, public relations efforts and training programmes to fortify cyber resilience and foster innovation.
The Minister of Digital Economy and Society, Mr Prasert Chandraruangthong, along with Professor Wisit Wisitsaratha, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, and ministry executives from affiliated agencies, recently conducted a meeting to review strategies to address cybercrime problems, notably personal data leaks. Thus far, Thailand has generated several ideas concerning cyber threats, particularly in financial cybersecurity. Mr Prasert Chandraruangthong has initiated several steps and frameworks to address these issues:
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Vietnamese companies are actively implementing several measures to ready themselves for an artificial intelligence (AI)-centric future. According to an industry survey released recently, 99% of organisations have either established a robust AI strategy or are currently in the process of developing one.
Over 87% of organisations are categorised as either fully or partially prepared, with only 2% falling into the category of not prepared. This indicated a significant level of focus by C-Suite executives and IT leadership, possibly influenced by the unanimous attitude among respondents that the urgency to implement AI technologies in their organisations has heightened in the past six months. Notably, IT infrastructure and cybersecurity emerged as the foremost priority areas for AI deployments. However, only 27% of organisations in Vietnam are fully prepared to deploy and leverage AI-powered technologies.
The survey included over 8,000 global companies and was created in response to the rapid adoption of AI, a transformative shift affecting nearly every aspect of business and daily life. The report emphasises the readiness of companies to leverage and implement AI, revealing significant gaps in crucial business pillars and infrastructures that pose substantial risks in the near future.
The survey was an assessment of companies that were examined on 49 different metrics across these six pillars to determine a readiness score for each, as well as an overall readiness score for the respondents’ organisation. Each indicator was weighted individually based on its relative importance in achieving readiness for the respective pillar. It classified organisations into four groups—Pacesetters (fully prepared), Chasers (moderately prepared), Followers (limited preparedness), and Laggards (unprepared)—based on their overall scores.
Although AI adoption has been steadily advancing for decades, the recent strides in Generative AI, coupled with its increased public accessibility in the past year, have heightened awareness of the challenges, transformations, and new possibilities presented by this technology.
Despite 92% of respondents acknowledging that AI will have a substantial impact on their business operations, it has raised concerns regarding data privacy and security. The findings showed that companies experience the most challenges when it comes to leveraging AI alongside their data. 68% of respondents acknowledged that this is due to data existing in silos across their organisations.
As per an industry expert, in the race to implement AI solutions, companies should assess where investments are needed to ensure their infrastructure can best support the demands of AI workloads. It is equally important for organisations to monitor the context in which AI is used, ensuring factors such as ROI, security, and responsibility.
The country is working to foster a skilled workforce in AI to actively contribute to the expansion of Vietnam’s AI ecosystem and its sustainability. As per data from the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) last year, there were over 1,600 individuals in Vietnam who were either studying or engaged in AI-related fields. However, the actual number of professionals actively working in AI within Vietnam was relatively low, with only around 700 individuals, including 300 experts, involved in this specialised work. Considering the substantial IT workforce of nearly 1 million employees in Vietnam, the availability of AI human resources remains relatively limited.
To tackle this challenge, businesses can recruit AI experts globally or collaborate with domestic and international training institutions to enhance the skills of existing talent. They can also partner with universities to offer advanced degrees in data science and AI for the current engineering workforce, fostering synergy between academic institutions and industry demands.