- An automation industry leader warns Vietnam must build homegrown AI technology to secure its digital future.
- Reliance on foreign platforms risks data sovereignty, local adaptation and economic opportunity.
- Industry observers say urgent investment in R&D, talent and regulations will determine whether Vietnam leads or lags.
Automation leader sounds the alarm
An automation industry leader has warned that Vietnam’s AI future depends on building strong domestic technology capabilities rather than relying primarily on foreign platforms. The warning frames homegrown tech as a strategic necessity for preserving data control, tailoring AI to local needs and ensuring long‑term economic benefits.
The message is not unique to Vietnam — countries worldwide are debating whether to depend on external providers or to nurture local ecosystems. For Vietnam, where rapid digital adoption and a young workforce create opportunity, the choice will shape which companies and skills flourish in the coming decade.
Why homegrown tech matters
Local AI and automation platforms can address problems that off‑the‑shelf foreign models struggle with: Vietnamese language nuances, local regulatory requirements, and sector‑specific data formats used in manufacturing, finance and healthcare. Homegrown solutions also reduce exposure to third‑party policies and cross‑border data flow risks, which can affect sensitive national and business information.
Beyond technical fit, investing in domestic tech creates jobs, strengthens startups and keeps value inside the economy. Industry observers point out that homegrown capabilities make it easier to adapt systems quickly when local needs change — an important advantage in fast‑moving markets.
What needs to happen next
While the leader’s warning is broad rather than prescriptive, the implications are clear. To build a viable domestic AI ecosystem, stakeholders across government, industry and education will likely need to take coordinated action:
- Expand R&D funding for AI and automation projects focused on Vietnamese languages and use cases.
- Support startups and SMEs with grants, procurement preferences or public‑private partnerships to accelerate product development.
- Invest in workforce reskilling and university programs so engineers and data scientists can build and deploy local systems.
- Clarify data governance and AI regulation to balance innovation with privacy and security.
These steps are common recommendations from international observers when nations aim to reduce dependence on external tech providers and grow their own capabilities.
The stakes — lead or follow
The automation leader’s warning frames the situation as a choice: build domestic strengths now, or risk longer‑term dependence on foreign providers that may not prioritize Vietnamese needs. For businesses, policymakers and technologists, this message is a call to evaluate current investments and to decide whether Vietnam will compete as a creator of AI solutions or remain primarily a user of others’ tools.
The coming months and years will show whether domestic investment, clearer policies and stronger collaboration can turn the warning into momentum for a homegrown AI industry that serves Vietnam’s unique needs.
Image Referance: https://vietnamnet.vn/en/homegrown-tech-key-to-vietnam-s-ai-future-automation-leader-warns-2484265.html