(MPI) - The National Innovation Centre (NIC), under the Minister of Planning and Investment (MPI), in collaboration with Google, launched the “Build for the AI future” in July 11, a comprehensive initiative designed to accelerate Vietnam’s advancement in artificial intelligence (AI).

The "Build for the AI future" initiative focuses on two key pillars: build for talent and build for startups. Each pillar addresses critical areas to empower Vietnam’s human capital, nurture its growing startup ecosystem, and strengthen the foundation for maximising AI adoption.

Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Tran Duy Dong speaks at the event. Photo: MPI

Speaking at the launch, Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Tran Duy Dong spoke highly of Google’s assistance in training workforce and supporting Vietnamese businesses in the fields of information technology and AI. He said that the initiative, a collaborative effort between Google and the MPI’s NIC, underscores the strong commitment and support of the MPI and Google to fostering Vietnam's AI ecosystem. It aims to equip the local workforce with essential skills to seize opportunities of the AI era, while simultaneously supporting the development of AI-powered innovations among Vietnamese startups.

He expressed his belief that the initiative will bring practical values for businesses and help the country realise its ambitious goals of becoming a leading innovation and AI application hub in the region and the world.

Marc Woo, Managing Director of Google Vietnam and Asia Pacific stressed Google’s commitment in collaborating with Vietnam to develop AI. He shared that Vietnam’s digital economy is expected to grow 11 times to reach a staggering target of 220 billion USD in 2030, equivalent to nearly half of the country’s current GDP.

“AI is one of the key drivers to materialise that forecast. Together with NIC, “Build for the AI Future” will be a solid launchpad for Vietnam talents, startups and businesses, helping them take full advantages of Google AI’s products and solutions”, Marc added.

Do Tien Thinh, Vice Director of NIC said that the centre has collaborated closely with Google to organise several initiatives supporting and accelerating the growth of Vietnamese startups. Additionally, the partnership provided thousands of scholarships to enhance digital skills, particular in AI-related fields, to bolster the development of Vietnam’s startup ecosystem, cultivate a skilled IT workforce, and promote the country’s adoption of AI technologies.

Launching of a comprehensive initiative to accelerate Vietnam’s advancement in artificial intelligence. Photo: MPI

Accordingly, Build for Talent offers 40,000 scholarships with 10 courses of Google Career Certificates program, including the newest AI Essentials course to Vietnamese officials, lecturers and students across 80 universities and colleges, equipping them with the latest AI skills.

This programme is upgraded from the existing initiative of Google Career Certificates programme, which was launched in July 2022 by Google and NIC. Up to now, the programme has equipped 60,000 local workforce with a critical digital skill set.

Build for Startups recognises the key role local startups in promoting innovation and developing solutions.  Based on that, Google has been committed to fostering a robust startup ecosystem in Vietnam since the early stages, showing through continuous initiatives such as Google Launchpad Accelerator (2017 to 2019) and Google for Startups Accelerator (2022 till now).

This year, with Google for Startups Accelerator, NIC and Google will empower Vietnamese startups in the AI era with three key programs, including Google AI Startups Masterclass, an eight-week online program equips the broader startup ecosystem with invaluable entrepreneurial knowledge.

Google for Startups Accelerator Southeast Asia - Vietnam, an AI-focused programme will support high-potential Vietnamese AI startups develop, commercialize, and scale their AI products into new markets, by connecting them with Google's leading AI experts and advanced technology.

Google Startup AI Space is a first-of-its-kind initiative globally that supports AI startups by facilitating their rapid prototyping and commercialization of AI applications.

Bao Linh

Ministry of Planning and Investment