AI-powered tools can enhance outcomes and improve accuracy in manufacturing, healthcare, and more, photo Le Toan

Sharing about how AI adoption has brought significant changes to business operations, Pham Van Viet, CEO of Viet Thang Jeans, told media that the company has been applying AI for more than two years.

The company uses AI in clothing design, production, product introduction, e-commerce sales, customer interaction, planning, reporting, and consumer trend forecasting. Since then, thanks to AI applications, performance has improved markedly, cutting down 90 per cent of the time and cost from production to sales, planning, and reporting.

“Adopting AI is not too expensive to use small-scale AI applications for specific functions. The key is maximising their capacity,” Viet said.

Initially, the company invested in three AI tools for some functions at $50 per tool per year. Later, an additional 13 AI tools have been installed to cover most processes, reducing the cost to only $17 per tool per year.

“The performance of AI application is superb. Previously, without AI, production cost 10 units and took 10 days, but now it costs only 1 unit, a 90 per cent reduction,” Viet added. “In the past, the company had to hold many meetings to make decisions, but now AI quickly aggregates and provides information. AI works like an assistant, taking over 70-80 per cent of the tasks we used to do.”

At a workshop on AI transformation in Southeast Asian businesses in Ho Chi Minh City on August 27, Fabian Singer, general manager of Siemens Healthineers Vietnam, reflected on the healthcare sector’s growing use of AI-powered tools to enhance patient outcomes, improve diagnostic accuracy, and create personalised treatment plans.

He highlighted how AI can substantially enhance doctors productivity and decision-making capabilities. “Though AI can never replace the doctor, it can assist them with a second pair of eyes, reduce the burden of growing workload, and improve their ability to see what might otherwise be missed,” he said.

Singer emphasised that successful AI transformation in healthcare depends on the broader ecosystem. “Medical professionals must be equipped with the skills and confidence to use AI tools effectively. Without targeted education and support, even using the most sophisticated systems cannot guarantee the most effective outcome,” Singer said.

Hoang Tri Mai, managing director of Airbus Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, said that from predictive maintenance to satellite imagery analysis, AI is helping Airbus anticipate issues and optimise operations, as well as design smarter products and services to address climate change challenges.

Her key takeaway focused on what makes these applications possible: robust data infrastructure. “AI gives us the predictive power to foresee and mitigate issues before they arise, but that power is dependent on a foundation of reliable, integrated data,” Mai said.

She explained that without a strong data foundation, organisations struggle to scale solutions or generate meaningful insights. For Airbus, this means investing in sensor networks, real-time monitoring systems, open-data platforms, and collaborations with industry partners. Mai encouraged other businesses to prioritise data readiness early in their AI journey. “A robust data infrastructure gives AI the stability and scale it needs to deliver real business value,” she said.

Vo Trong Thu, head of AI Lab at GreenNode, said that AI can extract valuable insights, convert unstructured data (such as invoices and contracts) into structured data, enhance flexibility, and reduce risks. “In port management, AI can process container entries in just two seconds instead of 1-2 minutes manually, with nearly 100 per cent accuracy. An intelligent document processing system can save a large enterprise up to $600,000 per year by cutting two-thirds of paperwork handling time,” he said.

Warrick Cleine, chairman and CEO of KPMG in Vietnam and Cambodia, highlighted AI’s deep impact on its business model, from hourly rates to the rise of the digital headcount, where AI agents and software perform tasks traditionally handled by human employees. “The challenge isn’t just implementing new tools; it’s about redesigning the entire engine of our business, from how we price our value to how we develop our people,” Cleine said. “The digital headcount is real, and the career paths of tomorrow are being written today. The most important skill will be the ability to adapt.”

Photo: LeToan

In late August, Netherlands-headquartered IPTP Networks, a global telecommunications and infrastructure group, launched the AIDC DeCenter Data Centre in the central city of Danang. The facility will have capacity for 1,000 racks, a minimum power output of 10MW, and total capital of $200 million. Construction is expected to begin in March 2026.

Also last month, LG CNS signed an MoU with VNPT and Korea Investment Real Asset Management to jointly develop a hyperscale AI data centre in Vietnam.

According to technology experts, the rapid expansion of such data centres and digital infrastructure is creating a paradox: while digitalisation supports climate change adaptation and mitigation, it also consumes large amounts of energy and generates significant waste.

“Every three years, the world’s data doubles, and Vietnam is no exception as its data volume rises even faster. The core issue driving digital transformation is therefore digital infrastructure,” expert Tien Hoang said.

The European Chamber of Commerce (EuroCham) in Vietnam’s Digital Sector Committee stressed that balancing growth and sustainability requires looking at the entire digital ecosystem – from powering infrastructure with renewable energy to managing devices across their lifecycle and designing innovation with efficiency in mind.

“For example, powering data centres and telecom networks with renewable energy significantly reduces the footprint of the digital economy, while stronger e-waste management and circular economy practices can help conserve valuable resources,” said Bruno Sivanandan, co-chair of the committee. “At the same time, innovation in software and hardware design increasingly focuses on energy efficiency, from low-carbon cloud services to algorithms requiring less computing power.”

The Academy of Science and Technology Strategy noted that digital transformation is already challenging efforts to ensure environmental sustainability, with data centres among the biggest energy consumers.

Figures from the academy showed that in 2022, data centres consumed 240–340 billion kWh, about 1.3 per cent of global electricity. The IT industry as a whole uses 6–10 per cent of global electricity, emitting 3.7 per cent of total greenhouse gas emissions.

“Vietnam faces an urgent need to achieve economic development alongside environmental sustainability. This is challenging but also promising, and essential if the country is to fulfil its net-zero commitment by 2050 and enhance overall competitiveness,” Vu Van Tich, deputy director of the academy, told VIR. “Without clean energy solutions, the digitalisation process will put additional pressure on the national grid and drive up emissions, making it harder to meet sustainable development targets.”

Vietnam is seeing growing interest from domestic and international businesses developing data centres to meet soaring demand, particularly as AI drives rapid increases in data processing.

According to Cushman & Wakefield, by 2024 Vietnam had 51MW of operational data centre capacity, 11MW under construction, and a further 28MW planned. Ho Chi Minh City accounts for half of the country’s operational capacity.

Vietnam’s data centre market is projected to reach $1.75 trillion by 2030, growing at a compound annual rate of almost 18 per cent, according to Research and Markets.

Local technology firms such as VNPT, Viettel, CMC, FPT, and VNG are actively expanding their data centre networks. CMC plans to invest up to $500 million in facilities in Vietnam, Japan, and several other countries by 2028.

In April, Viettel began building its high-tech data centre and research and development complex in Ho Chi Minh City. Once completed, it will be among the 10 largest in Southeast Asia. Viettel is also planning 11 large-scale data centres with combined capacity exceeding 350MW, representing about 40 per cent of the country’s total.

“Leading digital companies sit at the heart of this challenge,” said Sivanandan of EuroCham. “On one hand, their data centres, telecom networks, and device supply chains contribute significantly to emissions. On the other, these companies provide the technologies that help other industries cut carbon and adapt to climate risks. Their responsibility is twofold: to decarbonise themselves and to enable broader climate action.”

To support sustainable growth, the Ministry of Science and Technology is rolling out solutions focused on greener digital infrastructure.

According to national planning in ICT towards 2030, approved in 2024, all new data centres must meet global green standards. Investors are required to ensure that the Power Usage Effectiveness index of newly built facilities does not exceed 1.4, below the global average. The ministry is also working with agencies to raise awareness, improve digital skills, and promote green practices.

Tran Duc Thang, Acting Minister of Agriculture and Environment (second to the left), and Koizumi Shinjiro, Japanese Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (third to the left), testified the MoU signing between AgriS and ITOCHU

The signing took place at the 6th Japan–Vietnam Public–Private Forum on September 4.

The agreement aims to enhance the supply of sustainable raw sugar while jointly developing and commercializing alternative sweeteners and functional ingredients, contributing to improved health for Vietnamese consumers.

Under the agreement, ITOCHU will strengthen its supply of raw sugar to AgriS and collaborate in researching and expanding the alternative sweetener market. By combining ITOCHU’s global sourcing network and expertise in alternative products with AgriS’ strong understanding of local consumers, the partnership will create new value that meets the growing demand for healthier nutritional choices in Vietnam.

Speaking at the event, Thai Van Chuyen, CEO of AgriS, emphasized, “AgriS highly values ​​the Vietnam–Japan Agricultural Cooperation Vision 2025-2030, which focuses on high technology, food security, and new-generation official development assistance. This aligns with AgriS’ commitment to building a green, clean, and smart agriculture sector. Through this collaboration with ITOCHU, we expect to further expand partnerships with Japanese counterparts in cross-border agricultural logistics projects, promote two-way agricultural trade, and deliver high-quality, health-beneficial products to global consumers.”

Thai Van Chuyen, CEO of AgriS

Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, ITOCHU is one of the world’s oldest general trading companies with over 160 years of history and a presence in 61 countries. The group operates across multiple sectors, from trade and import-export to domestic and international investments, and is pursuing the strategy “The Brand-new Deal – Value Lies Downstream” to expand businesses that directly engage with consumers.

AgriS is Vietnam’s leading high-tech agricultural group, steadily transforming into a comprehensive agriculture solutions provider by integrating three technology pillars: agricultural technology, food technology, and fintech, all operated under internationally recognised environmental, social, and governance standards. In the context of rising consumer interest in health and the growing trend towards alternative sweeteners, this partnership underscores AgriS’ commitment to working with reputable global partners to deliver optimal nutritional solutions to the community.

AgriS builds leadership team for next strategic phase AgriS is strengthening its executive leadership as it enters a pivotal new phase in its drive to lead Vietnam’s high-tech agricultural transformation.

AgriS promotes high-tech agriculture cooperation between Vietnam and Australia TTC AgriSand its subsidiary Global Mind Australia (GMA), in collaboration with Tay Ninh People’s Committee, held a high-tech agricultural conference in Queensland, Australia on August 12.

AgriS aims to accelerate digitalization and datafication of agriculture sector AgriS presented its solutions for agricultural modernization and digitalization to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the inauguration of the National Data Center on August 18.

Running from August 28 to September 5, the exhibition highlights Vietnam’s achievements across multiple sectors. At its 200-square-metre booth, THACO is presenting products ranging from autonomous robots and ship-to-shore cranes to auto parts and components for export. The company has also unveiled an urban train carriage model, manufactured at the THACO Chu Lai Industrial Park, for the first time.

The carriage measures 10 metres in length, 2.95 metres in width, and 3.9 metres in height, with a weight of 10 tonnes excluding bogies. Designed with 26 seats and 124 standing places, it can carry up to 150 passengers.

The train body frame is made from high-strength steel and aluminium alloy. It is manufactured on a modern production line under a closed-loop process that covers fabrication, welding, surface treatment, and finishing paint, meeting international standards EN 12663-1, EN 14067-1, and EN 14067-4 for durability, safety, and aesthetics. This strategic step paves the way for THACO to enter the railway sector, the country’s spearhead infrastructure sector.

THACO also introduced the AI navigation assistant robot TIAR-01 at the event, featuring a modern design, omnidirectional movement, and an automatic SLAM navigation system. TIAR-01 boasts smart features, such as guiding and supporting visitors, looking up information, updating news quickly, interacting for entertainment, and monitoring environmental conditions.

In parallel to this, the autonomous mobile robot AMR for transporting luggage is also equipped with SLAM navigation technology. It features flexible movement, obstacle avoidance, and real-time route calculation. Powered by a lithium battery, it operates for 6–8 hours. The robot is equipped with a 2D LIDAR sensor, bumper, 3D camera, and an emergency stop button to ensure maximum safety.

In the field of heavy machinery, THACO displayed the ship-to-shore (STS) crane model – equipment for loading and unloading container ships at international seaports. The STS cranes are 900 tonnes in weight, with a lifting capacity of 50 tonnes, a 40-metre reach, a lifting speed of 50m/minute, a hoisting speed empty of 120m/minute, and trolley speed of 150m/minute, ensuring high loading and unloading productivity.

THACO also introduced a model of the Chu Lai seaport, part of THILOGI’s integrated logistics hub combining road, seaport, and maritime transport. Positioned as a key gateway for the central region, the port facilitates trade flows linking southern Laos, northern Cambodia, and Vietnam’s Central Highlands with major markets including China, South Korea, Japan, and India.

Among the standout exhibits was a model of the KIA K3 passenger car, built with parts and components manufactured by THACO Industries, including the body frame, interior and exterior elements, power systems, electrical equipment, and refrigeration units. Mechanical components for export, produced on advanced lines imported from Germany, Japan, Switzerland, and South Korea, are already being supplied to markets such as the United States, Australia, Japan, and Finland – strengthening the reputation of Vietnamese engineering internationally.

The TACO booth has been regarded as one of the exhibition’s highlights, showcasing the company’s latest products while demonstrating its strategy of sustainable development, increased localisation, and investment in advanced technology.

The exhibition further offered a platform for THACO to present nearly 30 years of accumulated technical and technological achievements. The products on display are designed for practical use, reflecting the group’s commitment to real work and real value.

THACO lays out plans for $1 billion industrial park Truong Hai Auto Corporation (THACO) is planning to begin the construction of a mechanical industrial park in the southern province of Binh Duong worth over $1 billion in September.

THACO Group to invest over $1 billion in Binh Duong industrial park THACO Group will build a 786-hectare industrial park in Binh Duong at a cost of over $1 billion, with construction scheduled to start in September.

Italy deepens Vietnam ties as SACE backs Gelex and THACO’s growth plans SACE, the Italian insurance and finance group fully owned by the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance, together with HSBC and LBBW, has finalised two medium-long term loans totalling $139 million, guaranteed by SACE, for Gelex Group and THACO AGRI, two of Vietnam’s leading industrial players.

The event attracted the participation of ministries, central departments and agencies, and leaders of localities; embassies and international organisations in Vietnam, along with leading scientists and experts, and domestic and international tech corporations.

Making then opening speech, Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung said that over the past 80 years, science and technology have contributed to national development and integration. From achievements in agriculture, healthcare, and industry, to applications in daily life, science and technology have become a pillar closely associated with Vietnam’s development process.

Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung. Photo: MoST

“Today, the new world context is posing great challenges and opportunities for Vietnam. We are entering the era of AI, big data, green energy, and a digital economy, an era in which knowledge, innovation, and technology become the most important production resources. In the previous century, natural resources and cheap labour were competitive, but now knowledge, technology, and innovation are the keys to determining the national position,” the minister said.

The event had four sessions. The first focused on discussing the future of sci-tech, with an emphasis on fundamental and strategic technologies.

The second delved into solutions to promote innovation and build a national innovative startup ecosystem.

The launch of initiatives. Photo: MoST

The third discussed digital transformation, especially digital infrastructure and digital society, focusing on the future of national digital infrastructure, the application of digital transformation in state administration, healthcare, education, finance, and agriculture, and connecting digital transformation with innovation to drive double-digit GDP growth.

Session four focused on in-depth discussions about four topics: developing human resources for the future of sci-tech, innovation, and digital transformation; perfecting mechanisms, policies, and laws on sci-tech, innovation, and digital transformation; strengthening international cooperation; and promoting the leading role of technology enterprises.

At the forum, five major initiatives, creating a breakthrough foundation for the development of sci-tech in the digital age, were announced.

They included the science and technology exchange, the national initiative portal, a national strategic technology portfolio, Techfest 2025, and an annual report about the future of science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation to be released from 2026

Dialogue highlights role of innovation in advancing Vietnam’s private economy Deputy Minister of Finance Nguyen Duc Tam has met with Boston Consulting Group (BCG) to deepen cooperation on policy development aimed at fostering Vietnam’s private sector.

Dassault Systèmes and Viettel ink MoU to boost Vietnam’s high-tech sector Dassault Systèmes and Viettel signed an MoU to strengthen strategic cooperation in AI, machine learning (ML), digital design, and simulation on August 20.

Hanoi forum to focus on future of sci-tech, innovation, and digital transformation The Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) will host a forum about the future of sci-tech, innovation, and digital transformation in Hanoi on August 29, expecting attract to attract, domestic and international businesses, embassies, leading experts, and international organizations.