Therefore, reforming training, strengthening links between research institutes, universities, and businesses, and establishing special mechanisms to attract talent are key to enabling Viet Nam to master technology in the digital era.
Shortage of experts and infrastructure
AI is becoming a foundational technology, having a profound impact on a wide range of fields, from industrial manufacturing, healthcare, education, and finance to governance and public service delivery. However, to turn technological potential into practical value, Viet Nam needs a workforce capable of researching, mastering, and applying AI to address the country's practical challenges.
Assoc Prof, Dr Nguyen Long Giang, Deputy Director of the Institute of Information Technology under the Viet Nam Academy of Science and Technology, said the first challenge was developing a team of lecturers and experts with in-depth qualifications and practical experience. Teaching AI requires not only knowledge of mathematics, statistics, and computer science but also the ability to guide learners through the entire process of solving a problem, from data collection and model selection to system testing and operation.
Drawing on the experience of the Institute of Information Technology, Assoc Prof. Dr Nguyen Long Giang said the institute had strengths in advanced research and training in AI, machine learning, and big data. However, developing a high-quality AI workforce requires learners to participate in research groups over an extended period, receive guidance from experts, gain access to computing infrastructure and quality data, and work on practical problems. Meanwhile, one of the initial difficulties is attracting and retaining young researchers with AI expertise, as existing mechanisms and remuneration policies remain inadequate. Furthermore, AI training requires not only high-quality human resources but also computing infrastructure and large datasets, which entail substantial investment.
From the training perspective, Assoc Prof, Dr Tran Quang Anh, Deputy Director of the Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology, pointed out that a major current challenge was fierce competition among universities, research institutes, and technology businesses to attract AI experts. Technology corporations have advantages in terms of salaries, working conditions, and research resources, while recruitment and remuneration mechanisms at many public training institutions remain limited. At the same time, the gap between university training and labour market demand is another barrier that needs to be addressed.
Linking training with practical needs
AI is a strategic technology of decisive importance to national productivity and competitiveness. Providing systematic training for AI human resources can help Viet Nam move beyond the role of a consumer of products or a provider of superficial application outsourcing, towards independently designing solutions and mastering core technologies.
The National Programme on AI Human Resource Development to 2030, with a vision to 2035, recently approved by the Prime Minister, has identified key tasks and set a target of providing initial training, retraining, and advanced training for at least 50,000 people with university-level qualifications or higher by 2030, equipping them with the ability to apply AI in key industries and fields. It also aims to train and provide further development for at least 10,000 highly qualified and specialised AI personnel, including at least 1,500 experts capable of researching, developing, and mastering core technologies and leading key AI tasks.
To achieve these targets, Viet Nam needs to strengthen links between training, research and practical application. According to Prof, Dr Pham Thanh Huy, Deputy Director of Phenikaa University, training programmes should be reformed towards an interdisciplinary approach, combining a foundation in mathematics and computer science with capabilities in AI research, development, and application.
He shared that Phenikaa University is developing AI training based on three pillars: a solid scientific foundation, research capacity, and the ability to solve practical problems. Alongside specialised programmes in AI and data science, AI knowledge is also integrated into related information technology disciplines.
Project-based training, which connects students with research groups and businesses from an early stage, together with curriculum improvements in line with international ABET standards, helps enhance practical skills. Phenikaa's goal is not merely to train people who know how to use AI, but also those capable of understanding its underlying principles, developing AI solutions, and mastering the technology.
To develop AI human resources, the University of Science and Technology of Ha Noi (USTH) has adopted a project-based learning approach, allocating 40% of study time to laboratory practice and requiring at least three months of graduation internships at businesses or research institutes. These internships are linked to graduation theses, enabling students to gain hands-on experience in tackling real-world problems. The university aims to train engineers in applied AI and systems engineering who are ready to enter the labour market, while keeping pace with cutting-edge technologies such as generative AI, large language models, and AI in robotics and autonomous systems.
According to Assoc Prof, Dr Tran Giang Son, Head of the Faculty of Information and Communications Technology at USTH, a training environment closely integrated with research in line with international standards, well-equipped research facilities, and mechanisms for sharing the benefits from the commercialisation of inventions are key factors in retaining talented experts. Therefore, mechanisms should soon be introduced for commissioning high-tech human resource training, expanding cooperation between universities and businesses, and providing tax incentives for businesses that fund laboratories or commission research at universities.
Many scientists believe that the State should introduce targeted investment mechanisms to avoid fragmented investment and establish several AI training and research centres with regional and international competitiveness. In addition, special mechanisms should be developed to attract, employ, and provide appropriate remuneration for AI experts, including Vietnamese experts overseas and international specialists.
In response to the rapid development of AI and practical training requirements, the Ministry of Science and Technology will continue to work closely with the Ministry of Education and Training and relevant agencies to implement AI human resource development programmes approved by the Prime Minister. It will also strengthen information sharing on technology trends, human resource demand, and the skills required by businesses, such that training programmes can be reviewed and updated within its remit.
The Ministry of Science and Technology has established the Global Network of Vietnamese Artificial Intelligence Experts. The network aims to bring together and connect the intellectual resources of Vietnamese people around the world on the basis of their capabilities, expertise, and voluntary contributions, thereby building a community able to conduct joint research, provide consultancy and training, transfer technology, and directly participate in solving Viet Nam's practical challenges.
