In 2021, the Government announced a decision on a national strategy for research, development and application of artificial intelligence (AI). This strategy aims to render Vietnam a center for innovation and development of AI solutions in ASEAN and the world.

Given its prominent system of higher education in Vietnam, how will VNUHCM contribute to this national strategy? VNU-HCM Newsletter had an interview about this topic with Associate Professor Dr. Lam Quang Vinh – Director of the Department of Science and Technology of VNUHCM.
* What are the vision, orientation and goals with regard to AI research that VNUHCM has established in response to this national strategy, sir?
– VNUHCM has clearly identified AI as one of the strategic orientations for science and technology development, thereby bolstering training, scientific research, technology transfer and AI-based innovation. In addition, our interest also covers the utilization of AI in various fields and industries, such as the integration of AI with healthcare or finance.
VNUHCM has adopted a proactive and positive attitude upon partaking in establishing orientations and projects on AI research and development on a national and regional scale as well as Ho Chi Minh City level. VNUHCM cooperates with the authorities of Ho Chi Minh City to design tasks and programs to develop AI solutions, with many scientists from VNUHCM serving as members of the Advisory Council for them in this field.
* In your opinion, what are the advantages that support VNUHCM in conducting research on AI?
– There are quite many favorable factors that allow VNUHCM to work on AI research topics and projects. Human resources are the first to be mentioned. VNUHCM owns a team of accomplished professors, experts and scientists as well as exceptional students, graduates and postgraduates.
Another factor is VNUHCM’s extensive relationships and a cooperative network with reputable experts and organizations both domestically and internationally that show the potential for cooperation to research and develop AI solutions.
VNUHCM collaborates closely with the city and local authorities to bolster the research and development of AI applications. At the same time, VNUHCM possesses a lot of industries and fields where the practice of AI is introduced. Therefore, it promotes interdisciplinary and cross-field cooperation to help AI develop its potential power in various scientific fields.
* What AI-related topics and research projects are being conducted by VNUHCM, sir?
– Since 2020, VNUHCM has carried out numerous AI-oriented scientific research projects. Each project is then evaluated and examined by an expert council for its practicality to join the national and local AI program or that of Ho Chi Minh City.
VNUHCM also promotes partnership with businesses, such as Hung Thinh Corporation, to research and apply AI into practice.
* What suggestions do you have for the further development of VNU-HCM’s AI research program?
– From my viewpoint, VNUHCM should promote the development of AI intensive research groups at member units of VNUHCM, forming interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research groups with the assistance of AI, thereby creating partnership with counterparts outside VNUHCM. At the same time, it is necessary for VNUHCM to combine the potential of science – technology – innovation research (STI) of its member units with other domestic and foreign experts to address questions about AI and AI applications.

In addition, there exists an urgent task of connecting domestic and foreign scientists and experts in science, technology and innovation to foster, train and orient the development of students, graduates and postgraduates who are excellent in the field of AI.

PHAN ANH