'Open-source AI ecosystem will help small countries master technology'

Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung affirmed that Vietnam encourages the development of open-source AI, because this is an opportunity for small countries to master and apply advanced technologies.

From October 27-29, the Vietnam International Digital Week 2025 (VIDW 2025) took place in Ninh Binh and Hanoi. The event was chaired by the Ministry of Science and Technology in coordination with the People's Committee of Ninh Binh province.

This year's event highlights strategies, policies, and legal frameworks to ensure the development and governance of AI in a safe, transparent, and responsible manner.

Digital Week is an annual international event, bringing together approximately 800 domestic and international delegates, including ministerial-level leaders, heads of delegations from ASEAN countries, strategic partners such as the United States, South Korea, Australia, and leaders of international organizations such as the United Nations (UN) and the World Bank (WB).

The Vietnam International Digital Week 2025 (VIDW 2025), held in Ninh Binh and Hanoi, brought together approximately 800 domestic and international delegates.

Vietnam promotes open-source AI ecosystem.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung emphasized that artificial intelligence must navigate a "narrow corridor"—between chaos and control, between freedom and fear.

Our task is not to slow down innovation, but to guide it with wisdom and responsibility.

A strong state must protect human values, while an open society must encourage creativity and dialogue. Only by remaining within that "narrow corridor" can AI truly serve humanity.

Minister Nguyen Manh Hung argued that navigating a "narrow corridor" is the art of balance: between global and local, cooperation and sovereignty, large technology corporations and startups, between technology and application, between use and mastery, between innovation and control, between global and national infrastructure, between open and protected data, and between general and specialized AI.

An open-source AI ecosystem will help small countries and startups grow together and master advanced technologies.

Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung emphasized that artificial intelligence must navigate a "narrow corridor"—between chaos and control, between freedom and fear. Our task is not to slow down innovation, but to guide it with wisdom and responsibility.

Commenting on Vietnam at this event, Mr. Jonathan Banker, representing UNESCO, stated that Vietnam has developed AI very impressively and ranks 26th in the world.

Vietnam is a country with a strong digital infrastructure, a high percentage of its population using the Internet and smartphones, and significant potential for development in the field of AI.

However, Jonathan Banker emphasized that Vietnam needs to ensure data security and invest more heavily in data centers and AI.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Pham Quang Ngoc, Chairman of the Ninh Binh Provincial People's Committee, stated that Ninh Binh province's development goal by 2030 is to become a centrally-governed city with modern industry, high-quality tourism services, and a green urban area associated with heritage, ranking among the leading localities nationwide in terms of growth rate and per capita income.

Ninh Binh is ready to access and apply advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, to solve the specific problems of the locality.

Mr. Pham Quang Ngoc stated that Ninh Binh province considers the Vietnam International Digital Week 2025 a valuable opportunity to learn, share experiences, expand cooperation with leading domestic and international technology experts, organizations, and corporations, and attract investment resources for the development of high technology and digital transformation in the locality.

Mr. Pham Quang Ngoc, Chairman of the Ninh Binh Provincial People's Committee, said that the locality identifies the Vietnam International Digital Week 2025 as a valuable opportunity to learn, share experiences, and expand cooperation with leading domestic and international technology experts, organizations, and corporations.

Initiatives and policies on AI governance are on the agenda.

The Ministerial Roundtable Conference on Artificial Intelligence Governance, held on the morning of October 27th, was a highlight of the program. The conference aimed to create a high-level forum for stakeholders to share experiences, initiatives, and policies on responsible AI governance. The conference will contribute to affirming Vietnam's proactive role, initiatives, and commitment to international cooperation in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation.

The event will feature an outdoor technology showcase introducing innovative products and solutions in the fields of digital transformation and AI from Vietnamese technology companies.

This is an opportunity for delegates and businesses attending the event to experience new technologies, while also opening up opportunities for cooperation and investment for Vietnamese and international technology companies.

Autonomous vehicles were showcased at the event.

Within the framework of the event, conferences, workshops, and forums will be held, focusing on six key themes: 5G, digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, digital human resources, and digital technology businesses.

Notable workshops and forums include: the Vietnam-European Union Digital Cooperation Forum, the Vietnam-Digital Partnership Forum, the Workshop on Sustainable Telecommunications Infrastructure Development, the ASEAN Conference on 5G, and the Regional Workshop on AI-Based Digital Transformation... Simultaneously, there are business networking activities, creating opportunities for participating entities to seek cooperation and investment opportunities.

During Vietnam International Digital Week 2025, bilateral meetings and cultural-diplomatic activities took place, contributing to promoting the image of Vietnam and Ninh Binh province to international friends.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/he-sinh-thai-ai-nguon-mo-se-giup-cac-quoc-gia-nho-lam-chu-cong-nghe-2456677.html