Vietnamese Dreaming Big in the Era of AI
Vietnamese programmers have made significant strides in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) by developing a Vietnamese version of OpenAI’s ChatGPT. In November 2022, Vietnamese researchers began working on this project, and by August 2023, they successfully announced the completion of an LLM (Large Language Model) in Vietnamese. This laid the foundation for the introduction of ViGPT, the first Vietnamese version of ChatGPT for end users.
The release of the ViGPT app in December 2023 marked a major milestone in AI application and its social implications. As more people across the globe started using ChatGPT and similar tools, the availability of a Vietnamese version became increasingly important. This achievement was made possible by recognizing the core foundation of data in comprehensive digital transformation, as emphasized by Prof Vu Ha Van from VinBigData.
VinBigData, a leading data company in Vietnam, has been silently deploying various AI-based products. One remarkable example is VinFast MirrorSense, a technology that utilizes AI algorithms to automatically adjust mirrors in vehicles. This groundbreaking technology recently received the Innovation Award Honoree for Vehicle Technology and Solutions at CES 2024, highlighting the technological breakthrough made by VinFast.
Adding to Vietnam’s AI prowess is VinAI, the research firm affiliated with VinGroup. With over 150 works published in prestigious AI workshops worldwide, VinAI has established itself as a prominent name in the field. CEO Bui Hai Hung revealed that VinAI connects the Vietnamese AI community with the international AI community through initiatives like the annual AI Day.
Vietnam’s commitment to AI development is evident in its National Strategy on Research, Development, and Application of Artificial Intelligence by 2030. The government aims to position Vietnam among the top five leading countries in ASEAN and the top 60 globally in AI research, development, and application. To achieve this, the country plans to establish two AI national innovation centers and foster a thriving startup ecosystem in the AI field.
Ranking 5th in the ASEAN AI Readiness Index and 59th globally, Vietnam has made significant progress in terms of governmental policies, technology adoption, and accessibility to data and infrastructure. The country’s Minister of Information and Communications, Nguyen Manh Hung, believes that 2024 will mark the intensive application of AI and virtual assistants in various sectors.
While concerns about the potential impact of AI on jobs and human control persist, experts suggest that these anxieties may be excessive. Thomas Patterson from the Global Boston Forum argues that people’s fears of AI becoming too clever and controlling individuals are unfounded.
Overall, Vietnam’s rapid progress in the field of AI showcases the country’s ambitions and dedication to becoming an innovation hub. The development of Vietnamese AI technologies and the government’s support for this burgeoning sector position Vietnam as a key player in the global AI landscape. With continued advancements and strategic initiatives, the future looks promising for Vietnam’s AI-driven transformation.
Note: This news article is based on the original article linked below.
