Korean Professor: Vietnam needs to be a "pioneer" to develop AI

At the International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Semiconductor Development (AISC) 2025 in Hanoi, in his presentation on AI Strategy and Digital Transformation in Vietnam, Professor Young-Sup Joo emphasized that approaching AI is not only a matter of technology but also related to strategic and policy factors.

Professor, Dr. Young-Sup Joo, Professor of Seoul University (Photo: BTC).

"In recent workshops, many opinions said that Vietnam is on the right track when building an AI strategy at the national level, instead of just focusing on discrete technology applications," he said.

According to him, the world is in the midst of three major transformations including digitalization, sustainability and restructuring of global value chains.

This shift is partly due to tensions between major economies such as the US and China, along with dramatic changes in lifestyles and needs of the new generation. "The two key words in this transformation are digitalization and sustainability. Countries and businesses need to balance technological innovation with social and environmental responsibility," he said.

Professor Young-Sup Joo said that AI has now gone beyond the limits of a mere technology to become the key to promoting sustainable development in terms of economy, environment and society. AI can help optimize production processes, improve work efficiency, and support green development initiatives such as reducing energy consumption and optimizing supply chains. One of the biggest challenges today is how to make AI serve people, instead of focusing only on profit or technology.

Proposing an AI development strategy for Vietnam, he suggested two directions, one is "Fast Follower Strategy" and "First Mover Strategy".

Specifically, with the "Footprinter" strategy, Vietnam can learn from developed countries and effectively apply successful AI models.

However, in the context of global transformation, simply “following behind” is no longer an optimal option.

Therefore, Vietnam needs to look for areas where it can become a "pioneer", especially in applying AI to key industries such as manufacturing, agriculture and healthcare.

"Instead of competing directly with AI powers like the US or China, Vietnam can focus on industrial AI applications, where there are still many opportunities to take the lead.

"Investment in AI should not stop at technology, but instead go hand in hand with human resource development, digital infrastructure building and cooperation with global partners. By taking advantage of local data and experience in specific fields, Vietnam can create more sustainable value in the AI ​​race," he said.

Finally, he emphasized that Vietnam's AI strategy must aim at human and social development, instead of focusing solely on technology factors.

AI should not be the exclusive domain of large corporations, but should become an open platform for businesses, startups and researchers to exploit its potential.

This requires Vietnam to have a clear policy on AI development, ensuring that AI will be more powerful, environmentally friendly and accessible to everyone.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/cong-nghe/giao-su-han-quoc-viet-nam-can-la-nguoi-mo-duong-de-phat-trien-ai-20250314103025836.htm