(VOVWORLD) - Google, in collaboration with the Vietnam National Innovation Center (NIC), launched "Build for the AI future", a comprehensive initiative designed to accelerate Vietnam's advancement in AI, at a ceremony in Hanoi on Thursday.
 Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Tran Duy Dong speaks at the launch ceremony (Photo credit: Google) |
Tran Duy Dong, Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment, said that the initiative underscores the unwavering commitment of the Ministry of Planning and Investment and Google to fostering Vietnam's AI ecosystem.
“It aims to equip the local workforce with essential skills to seize the opportunities of the AI era, while simultaneously supporting the development of AI-powered innovations among Vietnamese startups,” said Mr. Dong.
"Build for the AI future” marks a new chapter in Google's longstanding commitment to supporting Vietnam's digital transformation, which directly aligns with Vietnam's National AI Strategy to 2030.
The initiative focuses on two pillars: Build for Talent and Build for Startups. Each pillar addresses critical areas to empower Vietnam's human resources, nurture its burgeoning startup ecosystem, and strengthen the foundation for maximizing AI adoption.
 Marc Woo, Managing Director, Vietnam, Google Asia Pacific (Photo credit: Google) |
Marc Woo, Managing Director, Vietnam, Google Asia Pacific, said that Vietnam's internet economy is forecast to grow an astonishing 11 fold by 2030 to 220 billion USD. That's roughly half the GDP of Vietnam.
“We believe our three programs - masterclass, space, and accelerator - will accelerate the growth of the ecosystem and equip hundreds, if not thousands, of companies and startups with the required AI expertise,” said Marc, adding, “Finally, I do want to reiterate that we at Google are bullish about the possibilities that lie ahead and we firmly believe that Vietnam has the potential to become a leader in AI. And to that end I’m pleased to share our latest AI opportunity agenda for Vietnam. It's a white paper outlining our policy recommendations and strategies to help Vietnam maximize the potential of AI.”
Under the initiative, 40,000 scholarships will be given to Vietnamese youths to learn the latest AI skills and obtain Google Career Certificates. The AI-focused Google for Startups Accelerator program, the Google Startups Masterclass, and the first Startup AI Space are offered alongside Google's cutting-edge cloud infrastructure and AI development tools for local startups.