Vietnam is embracing the digital age with the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) – a key technology in the strategy to boost economic and social growth. Under the patronage of the Ministry of Public Security, Vietnam Television, the National Data Center, the National Data Association, and Vietnam Technological and Commercial Joint Stock Bank (Techcombank), a nationwide competition called “AI in Action” has been launched to seek talent in this field. The program is expected to be a highlight among initiatives to promote Vietnam’s goal of becoming a center for innovation and the development of AI solutions and applications in the region and globally.
Representatives of the “AI in Action” competition organizers
This is the first AI-focused competition to be broadcast on national television, aiming to discover and nurture technological talent, boost the AI ecosystem, and contribute to the realization of the National Digital Transformation Strategy. The competition creates a large-scale, practical playground for the technology community nationwide.
The inception of the “AI in Action” competition aligns with the Vietnamese government’s emphasis on “Developing science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation as a top priority,” as stated in Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo. The competition is a concrete action to bring this resolution to life, while also focusing on fostering an environment that nurtures AI talent from an early stage.
According to a 2024 McKinsey report, 65% of the global workforce has engaged in AI co-creation. In Vietnam, 74% of enterprises have adopted a digital strategy (higher than the 63% average in the Asia-Pacific region, as per CPA Australia), and nearly 80% of them have used AI in the past 12 months. Notably, according to a study by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), AI could contribute an additional 12% to Vietnam’s GDP by 2030 if properly developed and applied. Therefore, with “AI in Action,” the program promises to create compelling television and garner strong interest from the AI community – a platform for nurturing young talent, incubating breakthrough ideas, and bringing AI closer to everyday life, thereby enhancing productivity and efficiency for the entire economy.
Speaking at the press conference to launch the competition, Ms. Thai Minh Diem Tu – Director of Marketing at Techcombank, shared: “As the exclusive sponsor of the AI in Action competition, Techcombank and its ecosystem are committed not only in terms of financial and human resource investments but also in joining hands with the organizers, Vietnam Television, the National Data Center, the National Data Association, and the jury to make this program a national priority. We aim to create new opportunities for AI talents to develop and contribute in this new era of national advancement.”
When asked about the bank’s strategy for digital transformation and talent development, Ms. Tu emphasized Techcombank’s three strategic pillars: Digitization, Data, and Talent. Currently, Techcombank owns one of the most advanced generative AI platforms in Southeast Asia, and possibly Asia or even globally, which is expected to be completed by mid-2026.
She added that the bank also aims to be the first in Vietnam to comprehensively apply AI in banking. “AI in Action” presents an opportunity for Techcombank to connect with experts and the tech community, discover talent, and experiment with new ideas for practical application. This helps Techcombank and its ecosystem maintain their pioneering position in technology, data, and talent, positively impacting the economy.
Techcombank’s representative also revealed that in addition to the prizes from the organizers, the winning team has a chance to receive a “miracle” award from Techcombank, including a global AI scholarship worth up to $1 million and an opportunity to work in this field at Techcombank, within its ecosystem, and the prospect of becoming a dollar millionaire before turning 30.
The “AI in Action” program is expected to air on Vietnam Television from September to December 2025, with the final round anticipated in mid-January 2026.
