Vietnamese economics universities launch AI programs to address talent shortage

Students of the Faculty of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at the National Economics University. Photo courtesy of the university

Ho Chi Minh City University of Banking (HUB) recently announced its AI program, set to begin admissions this year.

Students can apply via the V-SAT entrance exam or their national high school graduation exam results. The V-SAT test is a computer-based university entrance exam in Vietnam, covering subjects such as Math, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, Geography, English, and Literature.

The HCMC University of Economics and Law (UEL) was the first Vietnamese economics university to introduce an AI-related program, launching its Digital Business and Artificial Intelligence program in 2020 under the Management Information Systems department.

In 2023, the HCMC University of Economics (UEH) followed suit with its Artificial Intelligence major, offering two specialized tracks: Robotics and AI and Intelligent Control & Automation.

Last year, the National Economics University (NEU) introduced several new technology-focused programs, including Artificial Intelligence, available as both a bachelor's and engineering degree, and taught entirely in English.

Overview of AI programs at Vietnam's top economics universities:

According to Vietnam's national strategy on AI research, development, and application, issued in 2021, the country aims to establish AI as a key technological sector by 2030, positioning itself as an innovation hub. AI-driven solutions are expected to enhance creativity, national security, social stability, and economic growth.

However, Vietnam faces a severe shortage of AI talent. A 2023 Google report, "An AI Opportunity Agenda for Vietnam," revealed that the country has only around 300 AI experts.

Dinh Ngoc Minh, Senior Program Director for AI at RMIT Vietnam, estimated that the current AI workforce meets only 10% of industry demand.

To prepare for its AI program launch, Ho Chi Minh City University of Banking has spent five years developing faculty expertise, infrastructure, and curriculum.

"AI is not limited to technology and engineering but integrates mathematics, data science, computer science, and application-based fields. At HUB, the focus will be on AI applications in business, finance, and banking," said HUB rector Nguyen Duc Trung.

Similarly, NEU's AI program aims to equip students with fundamental AI knowledge, programming skills, data analysis expertise, AI model training, and business, economics, and management insights, according to Ha Minh Hoang, head of the Faculty of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.

At a December 2023 academic conference, Professor Ho Tu Bao, Director of the Data Science Laboratory at the Vietnam Institute for Advanced Study in Mathematics, highlighted a key challenge: how to train students in AI, mathematics, and their specialized fields within just four years.

He stressed that universities must shift from traditional one-way teaching methods to project-based and experiential learning, ensuring students gain practical AI application skills