Education becomes the new front in the AI ​​war

The letter is not a call for investment or tax cuts, but a bold proposal: mandatory teaching of artificial intelligence (AI) and computer science to high school students.

The open letter is more than just a plea for education reform. It is an urgent, alarming signal that America is at risk of losing its global technological lead—a stark warning that it is falling behind China in the race to shape the future of the world.

Because just a few weeks earlier, China had announced that starting in the 2025–2026 school year, all first-graders would be required to learn at least eight hours of AI each year. And that was just the tip of the strategic iceberg.

Why is AI education at the heart of the superpower race?

First, AI is the core technology of the 21st century. Not just a tool, AI has become the “intelligent infrastructure” for every industry: healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, finance, education, defense, and cybersecurity. According to PwC’s forecast, by 2030, AI will contribute $15.7 trillion to the global economy – with China accounting for $7 trillion, nearly double North America’s $3.7 trillion. Behind those numbers is a shift in the global balance of power.

Second, AI creates not only technological advantage, but also geopolitical power. The nation that masters AI will have the advantage in information warfare, autonomous weapons, intelligence data analysis, and control of global information flows. Integrating AI into military infrastructure, surveillance systems, and smart supply chains is the lever to shape the new world order.

Third, training an AI workforce cannot happen overnight. It will take decades to build a generation of engineers, algorithm designers, and policy makers with a deep understanding of AI. Starting in high school—or even elementary school—is a step that cannot be delayed if you want to seize the lead.

China Gets Ahead: From National Strategy to Classroom Reform

Since 2017, Beijing has announced a national AI strategy with a clear goal: to become the world's AI center by 2030. The plan includes not only tens of billions of dollars in financial support for research and businesses, but also radical educational reform.

First, China has introduced AI into education early and systematically. At the primary level, students are exposed to logical thinking programming; at the secondary level, they learn to apply AI to projects; at the high school level, they focus on innovation and practice. Not just teaching theory, the programs are integrated with practice through creative projects, real-life applications - from chatbots, facial recognition to smart agricultural management.

Second, China is investing in infrastructure and supporting technology. AI labs, high-tech education centers, and digital learning platforms are being developed in tandem. AI assistants are being used in the classroom to personalize learning, giving students a deeper experience.

Third, the government-enterprise-academic cooperation is widely implemented. Big companies such as Baidu, Alibaba, Tencent not only provide free software, but also organize national innovation events. Peking University and Tsinghua University cooperate with the Ministry of Education to design multi-level training programs.

According to research from the Brookings Institution, by 2035, about 70% of jobs in the US will require knowledge of AI or advanced digital skills.

America is lagging behind: Gaps in education policy and infrastructure

Despite having some of the world's leading AI companies - from Google to Microsoft to NVIDIA - the US education system is falling behind:

Only 12 states require high school graduates to take computer science.

Only 6.4% of high school students take classes related to information technology or AI.

Most schools in rural, low-income areas lack appropriate equipment, teachers, and curriculum.

The US education model is fragmented across states, lacking a federal strategy for AI in education. China, on the other hand, takes a “full-scale” approach: from central to local, from policy to budget, from curriculum to teacher training.

When AI education is a strategic investment, not just a reform

For one, AI is the “new language” of the world of work. According to research from the Brookings Institution, by 2035, about 70% of jobs in the US will require an understanding of AI or advanced digital skills. Students with an AI background will not only be better placed to find jobs, but will also play a central role in the new knowledge economy.

Second, AI education can reduce inequality. Statistics show that students who study computer science earn 8% more—a particularly positive impact for students of color, ethnic minorities, and those from rural areas. However, if not widely available soon, AI education could increase inequality by only providing access to the rich.

Third, countries that act early will lead global innovation. Chinese students are participating in international AI competitions, publishing research, and applying technology in community projects from a very early age. This is a sign that China is cultivating a talent ecosystem from the ground up, rather than relying solely on universities.

A wake-up call from the letter of 250 CEOs

The 2025 Open Letter marks a turning point. When CEOs speak out not to demand preferential treatment for their companies but to demand technological equity for students, it proves that the AI ​​race is no longer an adult game—it’s a battle for the future.

The letter emphasizes three points:

AI and computer science should be considered a graduation requirement, like math and literature.

There must be federal investment to upgrade digital infrastructure for schools nationwide.

Businesses are ready to partner with education – but governments need to create coordination mechanisms.

It is no coincidence that Jeff Weiner, former CEO of LinkedIn, called this “the delayed education revolution”, and Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, called AI “the new electricity of the digital age”.

Thus, the race between the US and China on AI is no longer limited to the research lab or the corporate market – it has entered the classroom, where the people of the future are being shaped. China is gradually building a new education system suitable for the AI ​​era. The US, despite its superior technological prowess, faces barriers in policy, infrastructure and slow reform.

Not standing outside, Vietnam has taken the first steps.

In Vietnam, the AI ​​education ecosystem is still new, but there are already pioneers. One of them is FPT - the unit that has started the journey to bring artificial intelligence into the general education program from 2024.

Through the SMART program - Experiencing the smart world, students at FPT Schools from grade 1 have been introduced to AI in a visual and practical way. The learning contents include: Image and voice recognition (primary); Machine learning programming, data analysis (secondary school) and Researching AI models in robotics, solving practical problems (high school).

Notably, FPT is the first unit in Vietnam to deploy the Day of AI Vietnam program - developed from copyrighted content of MIT, then re-edited to suit the culture and age of Vietnamese students.

In a world where AI is increasingly embedded in every sector – from education and healthcare to media and finance – it is no longer enough to teach children how to use technology. They need to be equipped with critical thinking, self-learning skills and ethical use of technology.

At FPT Schools, teachers not only teach students “how to ask AI”, but also “when not to ask”. Exercises are designed to prevent students from copying from chatbots, and enhance their ability to explain, present and solve problems on their own.

In parallel, teachers are also trained to use AI as a supporting teaching tool – helping to optimize classroom effectiveness instead of being overwhelmed by technology.

In a short time, many Vietnamese students – including FPT students – have achieved impressive results in international competitions on AI and Robotics. But more important than the awards, is the habit of thinking about technology, the ability to communicate with machines and understand the limits of AI that is gradually taking shape.

It's time for every parent to ask themselves: Is my child ready for the AI ​​era?

Education cannot stay behind technology. Today’s children will enter a world where AI is as natural as electricity and the Internet. It is not about preparing them to win an international race, but about not falling behind in their own backyard.

Instead of asking, “Should I let my child learn AI?”, perhaps the question should be, “If not now – when?”

According to Vietnamnet