Artificial intelligence: From 'technology adoption' to 'leading social patterns'

According to Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, Co-Chairman of the Boston Global Forum, AI is not just a technological race, but a profound social transformation that requires governance thinking, ethical standards, and human responsibility in the design and operation of AI models.

Within the framework of the Vietnam Artificial Intelligence Forum 2026 and the Vietnam AI Contest Award Ceremony held at the National Economics University, the presentation and speech by Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan (Co-founder, Co-chairman and CEO of the Boston Global Forum, initiator of the AI ​​World Society – AIWS model) highlighted a "distinctive point": AI does not follow the conventional path of discussing technological trends, but opens up a broader frame of reference – as a social transformation and governance challenge of the new era.

Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan - the initiator of the AI ​​World Society model. Photo: VLAB Innovation

AI is a social transformation, not just a "technological race."

The first difference lies in how Mr. Tuan framed the question. Instead of starting with "How powerful is AI?" or "What is the latest technology?", he chose a deeper line of thinking: AI is restructuring how society operates, from public administration, the digital economy, education to culture and social beliefs. In his presentation, Mr. Tuan emphasized that AI is not just changing technology; it is changing how society operates.

From that perspective, AI is no longer a "tool" at the end of the process, but has become a decision-making infrastructure. And when AI is at the "infrastructure," the story cannot simply be about technology; it must be accompanied by ethical standards, accountability mechanisms, institutional design, and especially the question: Is AI strengthening or weakening social trust?

Mr. Tuan explained AIWS: it's not a technology project, but a social model that places humans at the center, where AI "enhances capabilities" rather than replace responsibilities. He stated a core principle: AI can support decision-making, but it should never replace human responsibilities.

In the context of AI spreading so rapidly, this perspective is particularly valuable: it "pulls" the discussion back to the right focus. It's not just about developing applications, models, or chatbots, but about shaping society in the age of AI.

From the AIWS theoretical framework to the implementable pillars.

The second strength is that the presentation goes beyond mere inspiration or philosophy. Mr. Tuan presents AIWS as a relatively clear academic structure, with pillars closely linked to practical implementation – particularly suitable for the Vietnamese context and university environment.

Speakers exchange ideas at a panel discussion on artificial intelligence. Photo: VLAB Innovation

AIWS Government 24/7: Public governance that is “continuous, ethical, and human-centered.” Mr. Tuan introduced the AIWS Government 24/7 model as a governance model where AI supports leaders with real-time data, increasing operational efficiency and improving the quality of public services… but is simultaneously “locked” by ethical standards and the principle that humans are ultimately accountable. This presentation offers a practical suggestion for Vietnam's digital transformation: AI is not just for optimizing operations, but for increasing transparency, improving service quality, and, more importantly, increasing trust.

AIWS-DASI: Standardizing digital assets for non-destructive innovation. In the section on Trusted Digital Assets and the AIWS-DASI (Digital Asset Standards Initiative) framework, Mr. Tuan pointed out a common paradox: in the digital age, value is increasingly "digital assets," but without standards, digital assets can become objects of speculation, manipulation, and loss of trust. Therefore, AIWS-DASI proposes a set of criteria including ethical standards, quality measures, and socio-cultural value criteria to ensure constructive digital innovation.

From an academic perspective, this is an interdisciplinary framework (technology – economics – policy – ​​ethics). From a practical perspective, it is a "suggested course of action" for businesses, startups, and managers: sustainable digital innovation requires standards, a frame of reference, and accountability.

Culture, art, and human spirit: the "core," not a secondary element. According to Mr. Tuan, AI also plays the role of an independent pillar for culture, art, and human spirit. To say "AI is just a technology" is a serious mistake, because AI is reshaping music, film, literature, education, faith, and identity. This can be considered a very suitable application direction for Vietnam: developing AI linked to identity, developing the creative industry in the AI ​​era, and most importantly, preventing society from being "flattened" by algorithms.

"Don't just be good at technical skills, be good at responsibility."

The most striking aspect of Mr. Tuan's final speech was his discussion of the role of universities and young people. He didn't call students "future engineers" in a purely technical sense, but rather referred to them as "architects of society"—architects of society in the age of AI.

Mr. Tuan emphasized that in the AI ​​era, expertise is necessary but not sufficient; AI professionals also need ethical awareness, systems thinking, and long-term responsibility. He suggested a set of questions that young people should ask themselves before building each product: Who benefits? Who might be harmed? How can technology increase trust, instead of eroding it?

The future of AI is not determined by who writes models faster, but by what values ​​society chooses, how institutions are designed, and to what extent people are held accountable.

In the academic, networking, and innovation-celebrating atmosphere of the Vietnam Artificial Intelligence Forum 2026 and the Vietnam AI Contest 2025 Award Ceremony at the National Economics University, Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan's presentation was considered to have successfully elevated the discussion: from technology to society, from application to standards, from technical expertise to responsibility.

The event not only showcased technology or honored projects, but also conveyed a larger message – building a sustainable, humane, and capable AI ecosystem. And for young people, that message is simple yet invaluable: learn AI to create a better future – not just a smarter one.

(Source: Vlab)

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/tri-tue-nhan-tao-tu-tiep-nhan-cong-nghe-den-dan-dat-mo-hinh-xa-hoi-2482290.html