To master artificial intelligence (AI), Vietnam must cultivate a team of experts who not only understand the technology deeply but can also tackle complex problems. Yet such talent remains scarce in the country.
On the morning of November 26, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung met with members of the Vietnam Innovation Network and overseas experts at the National Innovation Center (NIC). The event was attended by leaders from the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), representatives from research institutes and universities, and nearly 70 experts from 22 countries, both in-person and online.
Staying true to the spirit set by the Deputy Prime Minister at the beginning of the meeting, representatives from 15 innovation networks shared candid insights drawn from their experience and made specific, feasible proposals to help improve Vietnam’s innovation ecosystem, particularly in strategic technology sectors.
Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung meets with the Vietnam Innovation Network and overseas experts at the National Innovation Center on November 26. Photo: NIC
Key challenges highlighted include a shortage of high-quality human resources, lack of R&D funding, limited lab facilities, absence of UAV testing zones, insufficient physical infrastructure, and underdeveloped regulatory frameworks for new technologies. Other issues include gaps in standards, intellectual property, and cybersecurity.
Training elite talent
One of the most pressing concerns raised was human resource development. In the AI field, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Phi Le, director of the AI4LIFE Research and Application Institute at Hanoi University of Science and Technology, remarked, “We haven’t achieved much in AI.”
According to him, talent is the most crucial factor in AI research and development. However, the number of truly proficient AI experts in Vietnam is extremely limited. Without this core team, it will be impossible to solve highly specific problems such as weather prediction or climate change mitigation.
He pointed out that the percentage of postgraduate students in Vietnam is only around 10–20%, much lower than international levels.
To address this, he proposed the establishment of elite AI training programs in Vietnam and the creation of AI Clusters involving top universities and businesses. These clusters should connect with overseas Vietnamese experts to build a sustainable talent pool and help the country gain mastery in AI.
Ngo Tuan Anh, Chairman of the Vietnam Innovation Network for Cybersecurity Experts (ViSecurity), speaks at the meeting. Photo: NIC
In cybersecurity, Ngo Tuan Anh - Chairman of ViSecurity - emphasized that building a talent pipeline is the first step toward turning cybersecurity into a strategic sector.
He proposed establishing an open Cybersecurity Training Ground in Vietnam to offer practical, scenario-based training for top-tier tech experts. The center would also develop and test products to support businesses and incubate local startups with “Make in Vietnam” solutions. It would simulate domestic and international cyberattacks to devise preventive and protective measures for national cybersecurity.
Echoing this view, Ngo Minh Hieu, CEO of Anti-Scam, stressed the importance of hands-on training in AI, cybersecurity, digital forensics, and big data - using real-world situations, real data, and real problems, as practiced in Singapore and Israel.
Targeted investment in niche markets
Drawing on her experience in quantum technology since 2019, Rossy Nhung Nguyen, Chairwoman of VNQuantum, noted that Vietnam lags behind global powers and must manage its limited resources wisely.
She advised against spreading investments too thin or trying to compete head-on with global giants. Instead, Vietnam should focus on targeted investments in high-value niche markets.
For example, she mentioned high-purity copper, which costs over 200 times more than regular copper. One meter of finished superconducting cable can fetch as much as $1,500, yet only two or three companies worldwide possess the technology to produce it. This shows that Vietnam could still secure a competitive edge if it identifies the right niche.
VNQuantum is now planning an incubator to support startups in two areas: breakthrough core technologies and niche-market mastery.
“This is the most practical way for Vietnam to turn its limited resources into a unique competitive advantage in the quantum era,” she stated.
Similarly, Prof. Nguyen Ngoc Tu from Kennesaw State University (USA) noted that leading companies in quantum technology often specialize in specific products, such as qubit controllers, noise measurement devices, or cables.
Nguyen Van Khoa, CEO of FPT, presents proposals to advance Vietnam’s UAV industry. Photo: Luu Quy
To boost UAV development, FPT CEO Nguyen Van Khoa - also Chairman of the Aviation, Aerospace, and UAV Network - made seven proposals. These include integrating UAV data into the national database, establishing a national UAV testing corridor (starting with major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City), zoning UAV airspace nationwide, building a national UAV certification center, creating mechanisms for government procurement of UAVs, developing a domestic UAV enterprise ecosystem, and strengthening specialized training and economic-tech diplomacy.
Beyond the 11 strategic technology sectors
A representative from MOST clarified that Vietnam's strategy for developing key technologies begins with products. The current focus is on socioeconomic applications that contribute to double-digit growth and commercial viability.
The ministry has proposed six strategic technology products for the 2026–2030 period: large language models and virtual assistants, AI cameras, autonomous robots, 5G, blockchain applications for traceability and asset tokenization, and UAVs.
Once approved, the government will solicit proposals and assign ministries to spearhead development of these products.
Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung praised the experts’ contributions and emphasized that Vietnam is entering a new development phase where innovation and strategic technologies will be critical drivers.
He noted that in the past year, MOST has drafted more laws, resolutions, and policy proposals than ever before. If passed, these laws would establish a comprehensive legal framework for science, technology, and innovation.
“We should not limit ourselves to 11 strategic technology sectors and 35 products. Instead, we must expand to all technologies that impact the economy and society,” he stated.
Developing a comprehensive and sustainable innovation ecosystem for strategic technology sectors is not just the government's responsibility, but that of the entire political system, including experts and scientists.
Vietnam must build a master plan to gain control over core technologies, nurture high-quality human resources, develop technology infrastructure and shared laboratories, and promote a robust national innovation ecosystem.
The Deputy Prime Minister tasked the Ministry of Finance with proposing breakthrough mechanisms to mobilize and allocate resources for strategic tech development, and prioritizing the NIC as a central hub.
He also directed MOST to consider adding new strategic products such as cyber ranges and superconducting quantum computers, and to prioritize national-level scientific missions for research teams.
To innovation networks and experts, he stressed alignment with the Party and State’s guidelines, especially in solving major national challenges such as storms, climate change, and landslides.
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