As artificial intelligence becomes deeply embedded across industries worldwide, Vietnam has a unique opportunity to carve out its own position in the global AI ecosystem. According to HCA Chairman Lam Nguyen Hai Long, the country’s most valuable asset is not computing infrastructure, but its local data.
Attending COMPUTEX 2026 in Taipei alongside a delegation of Vietnamese technology businesses, Lam Nguyen Hai Long, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Computer Association (HCA), observed that this year’s exhibition demonstrates how AI has evolved from a technology trend into a foundational layer of modern economies.
“What stands out most at COMPUTEX 2026 is the diversity of AI applications. A few years ago, AI was largely confined to the technology sector. Today, it is penetrating virtually every aspect of business and society,” Long said.
For Long, COMPUTEX is more than a showcase of cutting-edge technologies. It has become a global platform where governments, enterprises, and innovators collaborate to shape the future of digital transformation.
AI Infrastructure Matters, But Strategy Matters More
As countries race to build AI Factories and sovereign AI infrastructure, Long believes Vietnam must participate in the movement while remaining realistic about its strengths and limitations.
“AI infrastructure is becoming part of national technological sovereignty,” he said. “Vietnam needs to develop its own capabilities. However, competing head-to-head with major powers in building massive AI factories may not be the most effective path.”
Instead, he argues that policymakers should prioritize enabling small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to access AI resources and infrastructure.
With SMEs accounting for approximately 95% of Vietnamese businesses, broader AI adoption among this segment could significantly improve national productivity and competitiveness.
Long also suggested that government support should extend beyond policy declarations and focus on practical measures, such as subsidizing AI services and cloud infrastructure for businesses seeking to integrate AI into their operations.
Local Data Is Vietnam’s Most Valuable AI Asset
When discussing Vietnam’s role in the global AI value chain over the next three to five years, Long remains optimistic.
International technology communities increasingly recognize Vietnam’s potential thanks to its young population, growing digital economy, and strong commitment to technological development.
However, Long believes Vietnamese companies should avoid direct competition with global technology giants and instead focus on building solutions around unique local advantages.
“Global datasets are accessible to everyone. But Vietnamese data belongs to Vietnam. That is a unique resource that we must learn how to leverage,” he emphasized.
According to Long, AI’s long-term success depends on high-quality domain-specific datasets. Vietnam possesses valuable data assets across industries where it already holds competitive advantages, particularly agriculture, aquaculture, logistics, and manufacturing.
Using aquaculture as an example, he noted that Vietnam is one of the world’s leading exporters of shrimp and pangasius fish. Yet much of the industry’s operational knowledge remains undocumented and underutilized in digital systems.
“If we can build specialized datasets around farming practices, disease detection, feeding patterns, and production management, Vietnam could become a global leader in AI solutions for these sectors,” Long said.
Rather than replicating what others have already mastered, he believes Vietnam should focus on AI applications built around uniquely Vietnamese knowledge and expertise.
Strengthening International Connections
Beyond technology adoption, HCA has been actively expanding its international engagement efforts.
As one of Vietnam’s oldest and most established ICT associations, HCA has maintained a strong presence at major technology events across Asia while simultaneously attracting international partners to Vietnam through its own initiatives.
Long revealed that HCA is preparing to launch a new international business network called HCA 10+, bringing together young entrepreneurs and technology leaders with global experience, strong English proficiency, and active international partnerships.
The initiative aims to create deeper collaboration opportunities between Vietnamese technology companies and overseas partners while helping local businesses access global markets more effectively.
COMPUTEX Remains a Must-Attend Event for Vietnamese Businesses
For Long, COMPUTEX remains one of the most valuable annual events for technology companies looking to stay competitive in a rapidly changing world.
Beyond product launches and technology demonstrations, the exhibition provides direct access to global supply chains, strategic partnerships, and emerging business opportunities.
“COMPUTEX is not just about discovering new technologies. It is also about building relationships and creating opportunities for international cooperation,” he said.
Looking ahead, Long expects AI to remain the dominant technological force throughout the remainder of the decade. However, he also pointed to quantum computing as an emerging field that could begin reaching practical applications around 2030.
“AI will continue leading the conversation, but quantum technologies are quietly advancing in the background. By the end of this decade, they could become a major catalyst for the next wave of innovation,” he concluded./.