Vietnam advances toward a comprehensive AI legal framework
Vietnam is progressing toward becoming one of the few countries with a comprehensive legal framework for artificial intelligence (AI), with a draft AI law expected to be submitted to the National Assembly by the end of 2025.
Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui Hoang Phuong highlighted this ambition while opening the Vietnam Artificial Intelligence Day (AI4VN 2025) in Hanoi. Themed “Vietnam in the Global AI Race”, the event, organised under the auspices of the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST),
It offered a key platform for policymakers, researchers and businesses to exchange measures for promoting AI development in line with the country’s digital transformation and AI strategy.
Deputy Minister Phuong outlined the draft law’s five core principles: human-centred development, safety and transparency, inclusiveness and sustainability, balanced governance and harmony. It will adopt a risk-based management approach, with stricter oversight for high-risk AI systems. Transparency measures, including clear labelling to distinguish human- from machine-generated content, will be a key feature.
The Deputy Minister emphasised that the legislation aims to encourage innovation, offering preferential policies for AI research and development. The MoST is already piloting AI in internal processes, such as drafting legal documents, analysing data and streamlining administrative procedures to reduce workload and save time.
The Ministry also plans to expand AI applications in smart city projects and public services nationwide. He reaffirmed that AI ethics in sensitive sectors like education, health care and finance remain central, with final decisions resting with humans.
“Managing and developing AI requires balancing innovation with the interests of people and enterprises,” Phuong said, stressing the essential role of experts, businesses and state agencies in building an open, transparent and effective AI ecosystem.
Kim Wimbush, Counsellor at Australia’s CSIRO and Director of the Aus4Innovation programme in Vietnam, said AI4VN 2025 reflects Vietnam’s ambition to harness the Fourth Industrial Revolution to promote innovation, sustainable development and contribute to global technological progress.
Australia and Vietnam have been cooperating to develop and apply new technologies responsibly and sustainably, exploring innovative solutions that benefit both countries and support regional technological growth.
Since launching their innovation partnership in 2017, now a pillar of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in March 2024, Australia has supported Vietnam in AI applications for breast cancer diagnosis, agricultural productivity and environmental management, including conservation of rare species like sarus cranes.
The two countries have also collaborated on ethical AI frameworks. In June 2024, with support from CSIRO and the Vietnam National University School of Law, MoST issued guidelines on responsible AI research and development.
In 2025, the Australia–Vietnam Strategic Technology Centre was launched, focusing on 5G, 6G, cybersecurity, AI and digital transformation, highlighting Australia’s commitment to supporting Vietnam in realising the Politburo’s Resolution No.57-NQ/TW, which identifies science and technology as a key development driver.
The CEO of a leading Vietnamese cloud technology company described Vietnam as an “emerging potential” AI player in ASEAN, highlighting an investment gap compared with the US, China and Singapore.
Nonetheless, he highlighted the country’s competitive advantages in cost, proactive government support and rapid economic growth, while acknowledging challenges in infrastructure, talent, legal frameworks and R&D investment.
Delegates explored AI infrastructure as a foundation for a digital Vietnam and how enterprises can prepare to leverage AI agents. A humanoid robot delivered interactive demonstrations during the event, captivating attendees and showcasing practical AI applications in everyday life. The event also emphasised collaboration with international partners to accelerate AI adoption and responsible innovation.
AI4VN has become a flagship forum for AI policy dialogue in Vietnam, bridging government agencies and enterprises, while raising public awareness of AI’s role in daily life, economic growth and national development.
Opengovasia.com – September 27, 2025