From Vietnam to the World: FPT Software's Impact in AI Research and Development

On this episode of Biztech’s Technology show , Dr. Nguyen Xuan Phong, the Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer at FPT Software, shed light on the company’s role in the AI research and development landscape in Vietnam. FPT Software is Vietnam’s largest IT service provider, offering a wide range of technologies and solutions across 50 countries worldwide. Dr. Phong discussed FPT’s strategic initiatives, partnerships, and the challenges and opportunities associated with AI.

Key Takeaways :

FPT Software’s Broad Overview and Role in Vietnam:

FPT Software, a subsidiary of FPT Corporation, is a global IT and digital transformation service provider based in Vietnam. With operations in 28 countries and approximately 27,000 employees, FPT Software offers services such as data analytics, artificial intelligence, hyper-automation, and cloud services. Dr. Phong’s role is to bring AI solutions to clients worldwide.

Collaboration with Mila and AI Research Hub in Vietnam:

FPT Software collaborates with Mila, the largest deep learning research institute based in Montreal, Canada. This collaboration involves research in areas such as thinking systems, 3D vision, and AI for software. FPT Software is also building one of the largest AI research centers in Vietnam, located in Quy Nhon, aiming to attract global talent and invest $85 million in the project.

Focus Areas of AI Research:

The three key areas of AI research at FPT Software’s research hub include thinking systems, 3D vision (specifically point cloud data), and AI for software. Thinking systems aim to develop AI capable of reasoning and understanding cause and effect. Research in 3D vision focuses on processing additional dimensions of images, providing richer contextual information. AI for software aims to improve software development processes, enhancing quality and developer experience.

Recruitment of Researchers from Around the World:

FPT Software is open to recruiting international researchers to work with their team in Vietnam. The company values diversity and inclusion and aims to attract talent from various regions, including North America, Eastern Europe, and Southeast Asia. Eastern Europe is known for its strong mathematical talent, while Southeast Asia has shown potential in AI research.

Ethical Considerations and Governance of AI:

Dr. Phong acknowledges the ethical concerns surrounding AI and emphasizes the need for responsible governance. The potential risks associated with AI, including the existential risk, must be carefully managed. Researchers and leaders in the field stress the importance of regulation and responsible AI development to ensure that AI is used for the benefit of humanity and society.

Balancing Development and Regulation:

While recognizing the risks, Dr. Phong advocates for a balanced approach to AI development and regulation. Limiting AI development excessively may hinder progress and the benefits it can bring, such as increased productivity. Instead of restricting the use of AI in education, Dr. Phong suggests teaching students how to evaluate and critically analyze AI-generated results, fostering a more comprehensive understanding.