Mastering technology before the AI ​​'flood'

On June 28th, TIMES, in collaboration with the FSB Institute of Management & Technology, FPT University, organized a book launch event for "Applying AI to Businesses" by author Hoang Nam Tien, opening up many new perspectives on AI in business and management.

Mr. Vu Trong Dai, Director of TIMES Science and Education Publishing Joint Stock Company (TIMES), the publisher of the book, shared at the ceremony. (Photo: Organizing Committee)

At the book launch, Mr. Vu Trong Dai, Director of TIMES Science and Education Publishing Joint Stock Company, the publisher of the book, shared: “Vietnam is in an era of national development with a focus on technological advancements – artificial intelligence (AI). Therefore, we hope to publish books that can contribute value to this trend, helping readers better understand the role of AI in work and life.”

Expressing his motivation for coming up with the book,FPT University's Vice President, Hoang Nam Tien, said that during his nearly 32 years working at FPT, he has witnessed many changes in technology and the economy, but he has never seen a "great flood" that is both destructive and transformative as powerful as AI.

The book "Applying AI to Business" was born from these very realities and concerns, serving as a roadmap to help readers gain a correct understanding of AI and take appropriate action in this new era, because "AI doesn't 'steal jobs' from anyone, but it is those who know how to use AI who will do it."

Chapter 1 of the book provides an overview of what AI has created and is creating. According to the author, the "AI flood" is profoundly impacting every field, from automated manufacturing and revolutionary medicine to even fields requiring complex thinking like programming. Chapter 2 focuses on AI agents – autonomous systems capable of analyzing, planning, and acting like real employees, working tirelessly and without emotion.

FPT University Vice President Hoang Nam Tien directly used AI Agent to create a hypothetical publishing plan for each section of Volume 2 of the book: "Applications of AI in Business". (Photo: Organizing Committee)

In Chapter 3, the author highlights one of the most pressing issues created by AI: a new "useless class" comprising not only unskilled laborers but also highly qualified office workers. In Chapter 4, he emphasizes the role of leaders in the AI ​​era. In Chapter 5, the author addresses the need for businesses to undergo significant change: to overcome the AI ​​barrier, businesses must transform their fears into opportunities for breakthroughs.

Chapter 6 details the roadmap for integrating AI into businesses, which is essentially a process of cultural and mindset change, not simply the purchase of tools. In the final chapter, the author returns to the story of Vietnamese people adapting to the digital age and affirms that: No matter how powerful AI becomes, there are still core human qualities that it cannot replace. Author Hoang Nam Tien believes that as long as we preserve those qualities, we will progress further in the AI ​​era.

Author Hoang Nam Tien hopes the book will help readers gain the most accurate understanding of AI, its potential, and how to effectively apply AI in businesses. (Photo: Organizing Committee)

"The leading AI figure in Vietnam" further asserted, "We are witnessing an irreversible trend: all traditional applications, websites, and super apps will gradually be replaced by large language models (LLMs) and AI. Instead of navigating through multiple different applications, users will interact with a single AI capable of performing all tasks."

This book is a preparatory step for this profound transformation. Recognizing the difficulties readers face in applying theory to practice, Mr. Hoang Nam Tien devised an innovative solution to help readers learn quickly and effectively. The book is designed with a QR code at the end, allowing readers to directly access instructional videos and AI training programs for immediate practice. With just 2 hours of theory and 10 hours of practice, learners can become proficient in using AI applications like NotebookLM.