Meta's leader outlines key factors to help Vietnam master AI

According to the Vietnamese government's strategy for developing high-tech industries, semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI) have become critical drivers of future growth.

To harness the opportunities presented by these technologies, Thao Griffiths, Head of Public Policy Vietnam at Meta, highlights the importance of ongoing collaboration between the government, technology companies, and educational institutions. This collaboration will enhance Vietnam's position in the global technology landscape.

What do you think of Meta's expert comment that Vietnam could become the "dragon" of Southeast Asia in AI?

From our perspective, Vietnam is well-positioned to become the "dragon" in the AI field in Southeast Asia. The country boasts a large pool of young talent. With a population of 100 million and a median age of 32, Vietnam is primed to lead the region's digital economy.

In addition to being recognized as a rising economic "tiger" in Southeast Asia, Vietnam has demonstrated remarkable economic growth in recent years, advancing toward becoming a leader in international trade.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are at the core of Vietnam's economic expansion, contributing significantly to job creation, export promotion, and poverty reduction.

The Vietnamese government has made strong commitments to developing the digital economy and remains open to global cooperation, not just in technology but across various sectors.

Meta's representative with other companies at the Vietnam Innovation Award 2024. Photo courtesy of Meta

From Meta's experience in other countries, what key factors must Vietnam address to maximize its AI potential and truly become a "dragon" in this field?

Several key factors are critical for Vietnam to unlock its AI potential.

First is talent development. Investing in upskilling programs and forming partnerships with global technology leaders is essential for nurturing the next generation of AI innovators.

Second is fostering an AI Ecosystem: Developing a comprehensive AI ecosystem that benefits multiple sectors—such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing—will create far-reaching economic impacts.

This is infrastructure and connectivity. For Vietnam to realize its AI potential, strong internet connectivity is essential. We encourage the government to open up the 6 GHz band to facilitate the next generation of innovative services.

What will be Meta's strategy to help Vietnam emerge as a leading AI nation?

Meta is actively involved in several initiatives in Vietnam. For instance, we are partnering with the Ministry of Planning and Investment for the second year of the Vietnam Innovation Challenge.

Since 2017, we have trained nearly 90,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)—the backbone of Vietnam's economy—in digital skills.

In July, we also hosted a high-level delegation from the Vietnamese government at Meta's headquarters in Silicon Valley. We presented the latest technological innovations, including AI, and explored opportunities for Meta to support Vietnam's AI development.

Meta is also considering increasing investment in Vietnam, and we look forward to sharing more details soon.

Meta's representative receiving the innovative and pioneering semiconductor technology company awards. Photo courtesy of Meta

What role does Meta play in the Vietnam Innovation Challenge Program (VIC)?

Meta is honored to support the National Innovation Center, the Ministry of Planning and Investment, and the Vietnam Innovation Challenge Program in its second year, focusing on building capacity and talent in the semiconductor and AI industries.

As a strategic partner and co-organizer, we are working closely with the Selection Committee to review and evaluate solution proposals, aiming to identify the most innovative initiatives.

We believe the solutions selected in VIC 2024 will accelerate digital transformation in Vietnam and enhance the competitiveness of the 800,000 SMEs across the country.

How does Meta evaluate the quality of projects submitted this year?

We are thrilled to see this year's program attract 750 innovative solution proposals from Vietnam and other innovation hubs like Korea, the U.S., Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Germany.

Notably, 39 of the solutions utilize Llama, Meta's latest open-source large language model, applied across sectors from large enterprises to startups.

The strong focus on semiconductors and AI in these solutions aligns with the Vietnamese government's high-tech industry strategy, as well as global economic competition trends.

What are Meta's further comments on AI applications and startups in Vietnam?

At this year's Vietnam Innovation Challenge, 39 solutions showcased the use of Llama, reflecting the creativity and innovation spirit of Vietnamese enterprises. The diverse AI applications presented in the program indicate the broad potential of AI in various sectors in Vietnam.

One standout area is conversational business. Vietnam is a global leader in this space, with significant growth potential. According to a 2022 study by Meta and Boston Consulting Group, 73% of surveyed Vietnamese consumers use conversational business tools to engage with companies.

Since June, we have been testing our AI assistant for businesses in Vietnam, alongside other tools like Facebook Live Business Assistant, Product Discovery on Messenger, and Advantage+ AI Automation for advertisers.

Through initiatives like the Vietnam Innovation Challenge, we are excited to see Vietnam prioritize AI, aligning with Meta's vision of fostering a knowledge-based economy. We remain committed to supporting Vietnam in becoming a regional and global leader in AI development.