Get used to using AI first, then apply it to work: OCB bank CEO

AI plays a crucial role, and users need to get comfortable with using it before applying it to work in order to achieve high efficiency, said Pham Hong Hai, CEO of Vietnam's Orient Commercial Joint Stock Bank (OCB).

Hai, former CEO of HSBC Vietnam, made the statement at the AI Summit 2025, held last Thursday in Ho Chi Minh City, with the theme "Generative AI: The key to leading the digital era".

Hai explained that two key topics businesses are focusing on are sustainable development and AI adoption. When it comes to AI, he emphasized that individuals must first get used to using it before applying it in their work. By doing so, they will become more proficient and effective in its use.

AI plays an undeniable role; however, it cannot do everything. For instance, in the banking sector, AI cannot select high-quality customer profiles, nor can it replace human judgment.

Hai believes that the most powerful individuals today are those who know how to ask the right questions and use AI to solve problems in their work.

At OCB, AI is used to answer customer inquiries related to cards. Additionally, it provides information about new products. Both new employees and customers can ask AI about these products at any time.

Nguyen Bao Tri, country head of IT at Unilever Vietnam, highlighted two critical factors in effectively using AI: data and the expertise required to organize and arrange that data. Therefore, the human element remains crucial.

Tran Le Quoc Son, CIO of Prudential Vietnam, underscored the importance of AI in the insurance industry. With the current internet and cyberspace infrastructure, the difference between individuals and organizations in their work comes down to whether they choose to embrace AI. If they do, they will explore and harness the power of AI to their advantage.

Ho Minh Thang, head of the AI consulting and implementation department at FPT Cloud, in his separate presentation, cited data from leading global consulting and auditing firms like Amazon, BCG Group, and McKinsey, stating that by 2025, there will be 50 to 100 billion AI agents in operation, working alongside humans. The global AI agent market is expected to reach $52.1 billion by 2028, with a compound annual growth rate of 45% from 2024 to 2028.

In a broader context, market research firm IDC highlighted that spending on Generative AI (GenAI) will total $202 billion by 2028, representing 32% of overall AI spending. McKinsey also estimates that GenAI will contribute $4.4 billion annually to the global economy, driving business development.