Vietnam has potential to become an AI leader: former Google CEO 

Vietnam has the potential to emerge as a global leader in artificial intelligence thanks to its strong talent pool and growing commitment to technology development, Google's former executive chairman and former CEO Eric Schmidt said during a visit to the country.

Schmidt, who also previously chaired the U.S. National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence (NSCAI), led an international delegation of AI experts to Vietnam to discuss the country's AI development strategy and future opportunities.

The visit was organized by Vietnam's National Innovation Center (NIC) in collaboration with the AI Alliance, a global artificial intelligence partnership.

Widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the technology industry, Schmidt's visit is seen as an important step in strengthening ties between Vietnam and leading global technology companies, researchers and AI experts.

During the trip, Vietnam's Party chief and President To Lam met Schmidt and the delegation on Friday to discuss cooperation in AI and innovation.

Lam called on Schmidt and international experts to support Vietnam in developing its AI vision, policies and innovation ecosystem, while helping connect the country with global technology companies, investment funds, research institutions, and leading specialists.

He also encouraged cooperation in developing Vietnam's AI workforce, domestic technology enterprises and indigenous technological capabilities.

As part of efforts to advance these objectives, the NIC partnered with U.S.-based Aitomatic to host a dialogue titled "Developing AI in Vietnam with former Google Chairman Eric Schmidt."

The event brought together representatives from leading technology companies, research institutions and universities, including Viettel, FPT, Qualcomm, SmartOSC, and CMC.

Opening the event, NIC director Vu Quoc Huy said Vietnam was facing a "historic opportunity" to accelerate development in AI and other strategic technologies.

"As the national hub for innovation, NIC is actively connecting the government, businesses, research institutes and universities with global technology corporations, investment funds and expert networks to promote innovation, AI transformation and the competitiveness of Vietnamese enterprises," Huy noted.

He added that one of NIC's priorities is attracting major technology companies, leading investment funds, scientists and technology experts to Vietnam to help build a dynamic innovation ecosystem.

The initiative aims to support Vietnamese companies in accessing advanced technologies, high-quality capital and global markets, while fostering a new generation of internationally competitive technology firms in sectors such as AI, semiconductors, quantum technologies, robotics, unmanned aerial vehicles, digital technologies, and green technologies.

At the event, Schmidt praised Vietnam's vision and strategy for AI development and expressed his willingness to support the country in several areas proposed by Vietnamese top leader To Lam.

The initiatives are expected to be implemented in cooperation with the NIC, universities and relevant Vietnamese agencies in the coming period, with the aim of strengthening the country's AI and innovation ecosystem.

These include establishing a private AI investment fund, connecting Vietnamese businesses and talent with global networks, and providing scholarships for students.

Schmidt said Vietnam's human capital represents one of its greatest advantages. He noted that Vietnamese students consistently rank among the world's top performers at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), adding that the country has the potential to become a future leader in AI.

Participants at the event also discussed opportunities and challenges facing Vietnam's AI development, including computing infrastructure, data centers, sovereign AI capabilities, high-quality human resources, research and development activities, and the creation of a national AI and innovation ecosystem.

Technology experts said Schmidt's visit reflects growing international interest in Vietnam as an emerging technology destination and underscores the country's determination to advance science, technology, innovation, and artificial intelligence.

They said the discussions and cooperation opportunities generated during the visit could help attract high-quality investment, technology and expertise, providing an important foundation for Vietnam to develop its national AI ecosystem, strengthen competitiveness and establish a stronger position in the global AI era.