At a time when artificial intelligence (AI) is advancing at a rapid pace, Vietnam is taking steps to ensure that its AI development is ethical and socially responsible. At the seminar titled “Safe AI – Shaping Responsible Innovation” in Hanoi, the Vietnam Software and IT Services Association (VINASA) unveiled the formation of the AI Ethics Committee. The main mission of this committee is to guide the national AI journey, ensuring that it not only adheres to ethical principles, but also promotes innovation and aligns with societal values.
The event, held in Hanoi, was graced by notable figures in the field of AI, including Professor Yoshua Bengio, a key figure in modern AI research, Truong Gia Binh, Chairman and Founder of FPT Corporation, and senior representatives of VINASA member companies. The gathering highlighted the urgency of addressing the ethical challenges of AI as the technology continues to evolve.
The AI Ethics Committee will play a crucial role in shaping Vietnam’s AI policies, developing risk assessment standards and advising the government on AI-related issues. It will also serve as a bridge for international cooperation in the field of AI, ensuring that the country remains aligned with global efforts to create ethical frameworks for the emerging technology. This launch places Vietnam firmly on the map of countries taking proactive steps to ensure AI responsibly benefits society.
Globally, countries and organizations are increasingly focusing on AI ethics. The European Union’s AI Act, the OECD AI Principles, and the UNESCO Recommendations on Ethical AI are examples of international efforts to establish strict regulatory frameworks. Vietnam’s establishment of the AI Ethics Committee demonstrates its commitment to participating in these global conversations and addressing both the opportunities and challenges that AI presents.
Nguyen Tu Quang, Vice President of VINASA and Chairman of the AI Ethics Committee, highlighted the importance of creating legal and ethical frameworks for AI development. He said these frameworks are not intended to control AI but to provide guidance that helps the technology reach its full potential while minimizing its potential negative impacts. According to Quang, such frameworks ensure that technological progress is aligned with societal values, paving the way for sustainable and responsible AI innovation.
Professor Yoshua Bengio, founder of AI research institute Mila, expressed support for the initiative, noting that the establishment of the AI Ethics Committee was an important step to ensure that the future of AI in Vietnam adheres to global standards of transparency, accountability, and societal benefit. He praised the country’s efforts to take an ethical approach to AI development, which he said was essential to building public trust in the technology.
Truong Gia Binh, Chairman of FPT Corporation, also commented on the committee’s objectives. He emphasized that one of the main goals of the AI Ethics Committee is to raise public awareness of the challenges posed by AI and the importance of ethical development. However, Binh clarified that the goal is not to limit the growth of AI but to ensure that developers act responsibly and make “sincere” commitments to ethical use of the technology.
“The AI Ethics Committee initiated by VINASA illustrates Vietnam’s vision to play a leading role in the era of artificial intelligence,” Binh said. “As AI continues to evolve, bringing both unprecedented opportunities and challenges, the need for responsible governance has never been more urgent. »
As AI plays an increasingly central role in shaping the future, Vietnam’s AI Ethics Committee marks a crucial step in ensuring that AI development in the country is both innovative and ethical. As the global landscape continues to evolve, Vietnam’s approach to AI ethics could serve as a model for other countries seeking to navigate the complexities of this transformative technology.