Centre for Business and Emerging Technologies (CBET) Launch Event

1. Opening Remarks

The opening remarks were delivered by Professor Robert McClelland, Dean of the Business School at RMIT Vietnam. He acknowledged the accelerating impact of emerging technologies on the global economy, specifically in Vietnam. Vietnam is at a critical stage of development, and to achieve sustained growth and transform into a high-income country, technology and innovation are essential. Additionally, robust research and strong partnerships are vital for unlocking this potential. This motivates the Business School to establish CBET, a research center that generates high-impact research addressing challenges and capitalizing on opportunities in this digital revolution.

2. Keynote Presentation: Emerging Technologies Shaping Business, Society, and the Economy in Vietnam

This session was presented by Ms Lynn Hoang, Country Director, Binance.

Binance is the largest blockchain and Web3 company in the world, with more than 216 million users across 180 countries. They have over 21 licenses in several countries, including China, New Zealand, France, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Japan.  

2.1 Vietnam’s digital metamorphosis: Setting the stage

• 100+ million population (3rd SE Asia)

• As of October 2023, 21.6% of the population remains unbanked

• E-wallet users increased by 235% from 2018 to 2022, reaching 41.3 million users

• $70 billion in mobile payments is expected by 2025

• One of the world’s fastest-growing economies (6-7% growth per annum)

• 78.8% of the population uses the internet. The government aims for 100% smartphone ownership among adults by 2025

• Approximately 37.8% of the 100+ million population is under the age of 25

• Produces approximately 100,390 engineering graduates annually, ranking 10th globally

• National Digital Transformation Program by 2025, with a vision toward 2030: Aims for the digital economy to be 20% of GDP by 2025 (30% by 2030) and 80% of public services online by 2025

2.2 Artificial intelligence (AI)

Definition

AI = Technologies enabling machines to simulate human intelligence (learning, problem-solving, perception). Operates by processing vast data, identifying patterns, and making decisions.

• Narrow AI (today’s AI): Performs specific tasks (e.g., ChatGPT generating text, DALL-E generating images). Generative AI falls into this category.

• AGI (Artificial General Intelligence): A theoretical AI that can perform any intellectual task a human can. It does not exist yet.

• ASI (Artificial Superintelligence): Hypothetical AI that surpasses human intelligence in all aspects – reasoning, creativity, emotions, etc. This is further into the future.

Applications

Business

• Automation: AI chatbots for customer service (e.g., ChatGPT, Zendesk), robotic process automation (RPA) for back-office tasks

• Data-driven decision-making: Predictive analytics in marketing, sales forecasting, fraud detection

• Personalization: Product recommendations, targeted advertising (e.g., Netflix, Amazon)

Society

• Healthcare: AI-assisted diagnostics (e.g., detecting cancer in scans), drug discovery (e.g., DeepMind’s AlphaFold)

• Education: Adaptive learning platforms that tailor content to student needs (e.g., Duolingo, Khan Academy)

• Public safety: AI for traffic management, disaster prediction, and crime pattern analysis

Economy

• Labor transformation: Shift from repetitive jobs to higher-skill roles

• Productivity growth: AI tools increase efficiency across industries

• AI-as-a-Service (AiaaS): Cloud-based platforms democratizing access to AI (e.g., AWS SageMaker, Google Vertex AI)

AI in Vietnam: Impact & Growth

Stat

• A regional leader: 5th in ASEAN, 59th globally in AI readiness

• National AI Strategy (2021): Aims to be an AI innovation hub in ASEAN by 2030

• AI market value: $US470M (2022) projected to $US1.52B (2030)

• AI startups: Surged from 60 (2021) to 278 (2024)

• Business adoption: 80% of Vietnamese enterprises used AI in the past year (higher than the regional average)

Cases

• VNPT SmartVision: AI traffic cams cut violations by 80% in 6 months (Tan An), Powered by NVIDIA AI

• VinBigData: Vizone: Face ID for access (99.9% accuracy, <1s), deployed in Vinhomes, Phu Quoc United Center, GSM electric vehicles, VinDr: AI scans for lung/breast diseases.

2.3 Blockchain

Definition

Blockchain = Decentralized digital ledger that records data in a secure, transparent, and tamper-proof way.

Bitcoin is the 1st decentralized cryptocurrency based on Blockchain, founded by Satoshi Nakamoto

Applications

Business

• Transparent supply chains: Track goods from origin to destination

• Smart contracts: Automate payments, insurance claims, royalties

• Digital identity: Secure employee and customer onboarding

• Loyalty programs: Token-based reward systems

• Data monetization: Users or companies sell verified data

Society

• Financial inclusion: DeFi loans for the unbanked, stablecoins in hyperinflationary economies

• Data ownership & privacy: Individuals control personal data

• Voting systems: Blockchain-enabled e-voting for transparency

• NGO aid tracking: Transparent fund distribution in disaster relief

• Education credentials: Blockchain-based diplomas to prevent fraud

Economy

• Digital currencies: Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) and cryptocurrencies reshaping monetary systems

• Tokenized assets: Real estate, stocks, and commodities traded via blockchain

• Cross-border payments: Instant, low-fee transactions

• Decentralized finance (DeFi): Lending, staking, derivatives without intermediaries

• New business models: DAOs, token economies, and creator-owned platforms

Blockchain in Vietnam: Impact & Growth

Stat

• Vietnam’s “National Strategy for Blockchain Application and Development to 2025, Vision to 2030” includes: Developing national blockchain infrastructure (1), Establishing at least one blockchain sandbox or pilot zone (2), Integrating blockchain into sectors such as finance, healthcare, education, logistics, and public services (3).

• Vietnam is among the top countries in the Crypto Adoption Index and trading volume

• The blockchain market (VN) was valued at $350 million in 2023 and is projected to reach $925 million by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate of 17.4%.

Cases

• A blockchain-based play-to-earn game developed by the Vietnamese startup Sky Mavis. At its peak, it reached a $ 3 B+ valuation and popularized GameFi globally

• A decentralized exchange aggregator enabling instant token swaps across Ethereum, B2B Chain, Polygon, Avalanche, Optimism, and more.

2.4 Conclusion and takeaways

• Vietnam offers a unique learning ground and a landscape rich with opportunity

• AI drives automation, personalization, and smarter decision-making

• Blockchain enhances trust, transparency, and decentralization

• Emerging technologies like AI or Blockchain are redefining how we work, live, and grow economies. They will unblock new business models, smarter societies, and more resilient economies.

• Challenge remains: Talent gap, regulatory agility, cybersecurity, and fostering an innovation culture are key

• Equip yourselves with relevant digital skills, embrace lifelong learning, and explore opportunities in Vietnam’s dynamic tech ecosystem.

3. CBET Introduction

3.1 Key objectives

• Deliver impact-driven research to create economic and social impact in Vietnam and the ASEAN region

• Foster industry partnerships in Vietnam and the ASEAN region to produce outcomes that influence industry stakeholders and guide policymakers

• Expand and enhance the capacity & capabilities for multidisciplinary research collaboration across RMIT campuses

3.2 Key activities

• Lead and collaborate in grant bids in the digital areas

• Drive frontier research themes through research leadership

• Foster industry partnerships to collaborate in applied research

• Allocate PhD scholarships to strategic fields of research and establish PhD industry-internships

• Grant preparation and writing workshops

3.3 Five research themes

• Managing Smart Transformation

• Digital Economy & Emerging Markets

• Logistics and Supply Chain Management

• Fintech-Crypto

• Cybersecurity

3.4 Key focus areas

• Applied industry research projects and PhD internships

• Corporate training

• Thought leadership and policy advocacy

4. Panel Discussion: Building the Digital Economy for the Future: Collaboration between Industry and Academia

4.1 What impact will the emerging technologies have on the economy and the society of Vietnam in the future?

The panelists highlighted how AI, big data, and blockchain are reshaping Vietnam:

• Banking: Ms. Hanh shared that ACB runs 400+ AI projects, enabling 80 million customer support cases and VND 500 billion in new credit monthly. Ms. Phuong noted internal gains through automation, including an AI assistant, “Dobby,” while flagging regulatory and governance gaps.

• Automotive & Retail: Mr. Paul emphasized a disconnect between tech availability and readiness. Many businesses lack the data quality and mindset to adopt tools like CRM, especially as consumer expectations rise post-COVID.

• Investment & Society: Dr. Huy stressed the need for accessible, intelligent financial tools, especially in developing markets. His team is building an AI platform to support smarter investment decisions, including for digital assets, urging banks to move toward true robo-advisory services.

4.2 What kind of challenges do you see, and how do you address these challenges?

The panelists outlined key challenges in Vietnam’s emerging technologies adoption, especially in banking, automotive, and investment sectors.

• Data quality is a major hurdle. Ms. Hanh shared that ACB’s data is fragmented across 40+ systems. Cleaning and standardizing data is essential before applying AI.

• Infrastructure limitations and high costs remain barriers. ACB uses a "pilot-and-scale" approach, testing AI in small areas before wider rollout.

• Talent shortage is another issue. There’s a lack of professionals who understand both tech and business, and universities like RMIT were urged to help fill the gap.

• Mindset resistance, particularly from senior management, slows transformation. Mr. Paul noted fear of failure and attachment to old ways as common blockers.

• Regulatory uncertainty adds complexity. Ms. Phuong highlighted the need for clear data governance with Decree 13 taking effect. Disputes over data ownership and classification often stall progress.

4.3 Can we save costs through AI and other technologies?

Ms. Hanh explained that AI allowed ACB to extend credit to underserved customers, issuing around 500 billion VND monthly using alternative data and machine learning. Rather than just saving costs, AI creates new value, boosting productivity, revenue, and enabling staff to focus on strategy.

Mr. Paul added that AI accelerated R&D, helping his team build an EV ecosystem in 18 months instead of five years. Innovations like facial recognition improved customer experience and security. Still, he noted that adoption can be slowed by user concerns over transparency and privacy.

4.4 Have your organizations implemented some principles of using AI? How do your organizations protect data?

Mr. Paul highlighted the importance of high-quality data, noting that inaccurate CRM entries can undermine AI efforts. His company tackled this through clear data policies, incentives, and employee accountability to ensure accurate customer data.

Ms. Phuong emphasized integrating data governance with cybersecurity practices and building dedicated internal teams to ensure compliance with Decree 13.

Ms. Hanh described ACB’s multi-layered data protection strategy, including security reviews, data encryption, staff training, and internal systems that block unauthorized data transfers.

Dr. Huy addressed AI’s impact on academic integrity, such as AI-generated student work. RMIT now uses in-class presentations and stresses human oversight to prevent misuse, an approach he believes is equally essential in corporate settings.

4.5 Will AI take our jobs? And how can we prepare the next generation to thrive in this new landscape?

Ms. Hanh stated, “People who know how to use AI will replace those who don’t.” AI isn’t a competitor, it’s a supporter. AI can boost efficiency and save time for more meaningful, human-centered work.

Mr. Paul added, “If you rely too much on AI, you end up sounding like everyone else.” Whether you’re a student or a startup, differentiation and empathy remain your greatest tools.

Ms. Phuong shared her recent experience in a leadership program where the phrase that stuck with her was “lifelong learning.” For her, staying relevant in an AI-driven world means being open to upskilling, adapting quickly, and seeing change as a catalyst, not a threat.

On-site photos | Source: The Invention Lab