AI is a core technology in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0), akin to the steam engine of the First Industrial Revolution, the electric generator of the Second, and the personal computer of the Third.

Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung made the comments in his opening address at Vietnam International Digital Week 2024 (VIDW 2024), held in northern Quang Ninh province on November 19 and with the theme “Virtual Assistants”.

He highlighted the potential of virtual assistants as a breakthrough application of AI, stressing the need for personalized solutions based on individual and organizational data.

Vietnam is prioritizing the development of virtual assistants across government agencies, he continued, aiming for each civil servant to eventually have their own virtual assistant. The country also plans to continue fostering regional and international cooperation in digital technology and the digital economy, with a strong focus on AI and virtual assistants.

He also revealed that Vietnam is drafting legislation to establish fundamental AI principles, ensuring it serves human prosperity, guarantees transparency, accountability, fairness, and non-discrimination, respects ethical values and human rights, protects privacy, and promotes responsible innovation.

Deputy Secretary of the Quang Ninh Provincial Party Committee and Head of the provincial National Assembly delegation, Mr. Dang Xuan Phuong, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the significance of VIDW as a platform for sharing digital technology experience and solutions.

He highlighted Quang Ninh’s goal for its digital economy to account for some 35 per cent of the province’s gross regional domestic product (GRDP) by 2030, as part of its broader strategy for sustainable development.

Mr. Arnaud Ginolin, Managing Director of Boston Consulting Group (BCG), said the market size for AI applications in the public sector will reach $1.75 trillion by 2030. He advised that to implement virtual assistants effectively, governments need to define and build comprehensive short, medium, and long-term strategies, aligned with their goals and aspirations.

VIDW 2024 marks the largest such event ever held, featuring 12 official events and numerous side events, expected to attract over 600 domestic and international delegates, including leaders from government agencies in nearly 30 countries, representatives from international organizations, and top technology companies.

It focuses on exchanging, discussing, and sharing best practices, new approaches, and initiatives to expand cooperation between countries, organizations, and businesses to promote AI development and virtual assistant deployment.

Priority topics include virtual assistant applications, AI governance, Open RAN, the legal framework for 5G, and the development of digital infrastructure and digital human resources.