The seminar was held to concretize the implementation plan of Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW dated December 22, 2024, issued by the Politburo on breakthroughs in the development of science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation. The focus is on the development and application of advanced technologies, especially AI. This event provided an opportunity for Da Nang City to showcase its potential, advantages, and incentive policies in the AI sector, which is one of the city's key areas for breakthrough development. It also served as a platform for dialogue where experts and consultants could contribute opinions to improve policy and build an AI development strategy tailored to local conditions.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Ho Ky Minh, Standing Vice Chairman of the Da Nang People's Committee, stated that artificial intelligence is emerging as an essential foundation to drive digital transformation, innovation, and enhance competitiveness for every country and locality. AI is an inevitable trend, opening many new opportunities for cities like Da Nang to optimize governance, boost socio-economic development, and improve the quality of life for residents.
With strategic advantages such as a favorable geographical location; a well-developed network and IT infrastructure; attractive investment incentives and support policies; a high-quality living environment; and the strong commitment of the city government—especially the advantage of a young, dynamic, and high-quality workforce—Da Nang aims to become a national high-tech hub focused on semiconductors and artificial intelligence. This aligns with the goals outlined in Conclusion No. 79-KL/TW dated May 13, 2024, of the Politburo, which continues the implementation of Resolution No. 43-NQ/TW of the 12th Politburo on the construction and development of Da Nang City until 2030, with a vision to 2045.
The city is currently prioritizing digital transformation and the development of AI applications in healthcare, education, tourism, logistics, public administration services, and smart city initiatives.
The morning plenary session focused on discussing AI development directions and international lessons learned in AI development and application for Da Nang, with the goal of leveraging advantages in positioning itself as one of the national and regional AI hubs. Dr. Christopher Cuong Nguyen, Founder and Chairman of Aitomatic, Inc., analyzed opportunities, challenges, and lessons from global tech powers that Da Nang could apply. He emphasized that to develop the AI sector, five key elements must be fostered: capital markets, ecosystem, venture funding, business involvement, and academic institutions. AI expert Mr. Albert Antoine evaluated that Vietnam stands at a great opportunity for AI development, thanks to favorable conditions such as sustained economic growth, high-quality human resources, and a high degree of global integration.
“Amidst the strong wave of AI investment, Vietnam and Da Nang need to attract top global tech companies to establish hyperscale data centers and AI hubs. Additionally, autonomous AI development is vital building large-scale computing infrastructure, data sovereignty, and a highly skilled tech workforce is essential. Da Nang has many advantages: strategic location, IT workforce, software park, high-tech park... These are ideal conditions to attract and develop artificial intelligence,” proposed Mr. Vu Anh Tu, Chief Technology Officer of FPT Corporation.
The seminar also addressed practical AI applications in essential areas of social life, such as the benefits of AI in public administrative reform, presented by Mr. Anthony Tuan Phan, Founder and CEO of AIAVN. He explained that AI helps government agencies analyze massive datasets from various sources (population, environment, traffic, etc.), improving management efficiency and the quality of public services through tools like chatbots and voicebots offering 24/7 support and automated processing of administrative procedures.
Furthermore, AI in education is growing rapidly through applications like intelligent tutoring systems, smart translation, voice-based virtual assistants, and personalized learning. In the tourism sector, AI is driving a revolution in the hospitality industry, fundamentally changing how hotels operate and interact with customers. Mr. Hoang Thuy Duong, Deputy General Director and Head of Tax at KPMG Vietnam and Cambodia, also presented on tax policies supporting AI development in Vietnam and shared insights from global practices.
During the seminar, a panel discussion titled “Da Nang City: Building up the next Startup Hub for AI Entrepreneurs" delved into the factors that help Da Nang become the AI startup center of the region, with the participation of the following speakers: Mr. Le Son Phong, Deputy Director of Da Nang’s Department of Science and Technology, Dr. Le Quang Dam, CEO of Marvell Vietnam, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Huynh Cong Phap, Rector of the Vietnam-Korea University of Information and Communication Technology, Dr. Van Minh Nguyen, Huawei's Expert & Head of Intelligent Computing and Communications Research, Mr. Alexandre Sompheng, Head of French Tech Vietnam, Mr. Cao Bui Vu, AI Expert, R&D lead, LTU Technologies, Mr. Nguyen Quoc Tuan, CEO of VietSol. The session was moderated by Ms. Shayla G., representative of the Vietnam Young Entrepreneurs Association in Europe. The speakers focused on discussing the elements that make Da Nang an attractive destination for AI startups, including technological infrastructure, human resources, supportive policies, and market expansion opportunities. Investor perspectives, real-world business stories, and the city’s potential to expand regionally were also shared.
As part of the program, a signing ceremony was held between the Da Nang Department of Science and Technology and VINGROUP to formalize a cooperation plan aimed at promoting green transition and sustainable development in relation to science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation in Da Nang City.
The theme session held in the afternoon, titled “Infrastructure for AI development in Da Nang City,” focused on assessing the current status and future direction of AI technology and data infrastructure development in Da Nang, based on international standards and global best practices. The session featured the sharing of advanced technological solutions (such as GPU, DPU, Infiniband, Zkb Database) and infrastructure models that accelerate AI application deployment and support startups and businesses in digital transformation. The session also included an in-depth roundtable discussion on investment orientation, infrastructure sharing, and policy support to foster the development of the AI – Blockchain – Innovation ecosystem in Da Nang.
As part of the seminar, an exhibition was organized to showcase AI technology products, the city's AI ecosystem, and policies promoting AI development in Da Nang.
The seminar “Artificial Intelligence - A new growth driver for Da Nang City” not only demonstrated the strong political commitment of the city's leadership but also marked a concrete step toward building Da Nang into a regional center for technology and innovation. The event clearly reflected the city's development strategy based on knowledge, technology, and international cooperation key pillars for Da Nang to thrive in the era of artificial intelligence.
IPA Da Nang
