Collaboration

More than just teaching how to use artificial intelligence (AI), the program “AI for Impact 2026”, jointly organized by Duy Tan University (DTU) and STEAM for Vietnam, aims to build a community that uses AI safely, effectively, and responsibly. From Central Vietnam, the journey to bring AI literacy to a hundred thousand Vietnamese has officially begun - to ready the workforce for the digital era.

Bringing AI literacy to a hundred thousand Central Vietnamese

On the afternoon of July 14, 2026, the program “AI for Impact 2026: Launching the journey to AI literacy in Central Vietnam” was officially launched at DTU. The event was attended by representatives from Google, AVPN, and STEAM for Vietnam; leaders of government agencies, universities, businesses, and healthcare institutions; and a large number of lecturers and students.

Signing of the memorandum of understanding between DTU and STEAM for Vietnam

The event marks the start of a large-scale AI-skills training initiative in Central Vietnam. The program aims to provide AI education to a hundred thousand Vietnamese while supporting the digital transformation and the development of a high-quality workforce.

Ms Lien Nguyen, Head of Government Affairs & Public Policy at Google Vietnam, speaking at the event

“We’re living in an era where AI is developing very fast and steadily transforming how people learn, work, create, and solve everyday problems,” Ms Lien Nguyen, Head of Government Affairs & Public Policy at Google Vietnam, said. “AI presents a great many opportunities, but it also brings significant challenges - particularly in education, where teachers must find new ways to accurately assess students’ abilities as AI becomes increasingly widespread.

“Through ‘AI for Impact 2026’, we hope not only to help learners master AI tools but also to understand how to apply AI safely, responsibly, and in ways that create value for the community. Google also offers a wide range of AI resources and courses, and we hope that students would proactively explore them and make use of them to strengthen their skills. We hope every student will become an ambassador for AI knowledge and skills, and so help bridge the digital divide.”

“AI for Impact 2026” is part of the AI Opportunity Fund: Asia-Pacific, an initiative led by AVPN with support from Google and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The program aims to expand access to AI knowledge and skills for communities in the Asia-Pacific region.

Through the program, participants will gain foundational knowledge of AI, develop the mindset to use AI as an intelligent assistant, learn how to effectively leverage AI tools in studies and work, and strengthen their consciousness of professional ethics, data privacy, and responsible AI use.

Specialized per-field AI training, certificates issued by DTU and STEAM for Vietnam

“For the first time in history, Vietnam has the chance to join the wave of generative AI at nearly the same time as the world’s developed nations,” STEAM for Vietnam founder and CEO Dr Tran Viet Hung explained. “We chose to begin with the three fields that have a profound impact on society: education, healthcare, and media. Once educators, healthcare professionals, and media practitioners are equipped with AI skills, they’ll become the core force spreading knowledge, improving the quality of the workforce, and accelerating the digital transformation in Vietnam.”

STEAM for Vietnam founder and CEO Dr Tran Viet Hung spoke on the significance of “AI for Impact 2026”

“AI for Impact 2026” is offered completely free of charge through the EduOne online-learning platform, which allows flexible self-study. Each learner has four weeks to complete the course from the moment their account is activated.

Participants who successfully complete all course requirements and meet the assessment criteria will receive a digital certificate issued jointly by DTU and STEAM for Vietnam. Registration for the program is open until July 21, 2026. Participants have until September 30, 2026, to complete their coursework.

-    For education, the program focuses on improving teaching ability, design of learning materials, and academic administration through the effective use of generative AI.
-    In healthcare, AI is introduced as a tool for summarizing medical records, supporting decision-making, and personalizing patient care information - to improve professional efficiency.
-    For media, learners develop practical skills in using AI for content creation, fact-checking, deepfake detection, and the responsible use of AI in journalism and communications.

University leaders, guests, and lecturers at “AI for Impact 2026”

“Artificial intelligence is developing strongly and bringing about profound changes across every aspect of life,” stressed Meritorious Teacher and Hero of Labor Le Cong Co, DTU Chairman. “Recognizing that this is an inevitable trend, DTU has designated 2025-2026 to a comprehensive ‘AI-ification’: from education and scientific research to university operations. Partnering with ‘AI for Impact 2026’ has specially important meaning, as it encourages DTU to realize its vision of becoming an AI university in Central Vietnam.

“The goal of equipping a hundred thousand Vietnamese with AI skills through ‘AI for Impact 2026’ is highly significant number. As AI knowledge and skills spread, this will help build a community that can use AI safely and effectively. We hope to work and join hands with organizations, businesses, and partners to expand this initiative and make AI more accessible to communities.”

Three essential skills to master AI

At the event for “AI for Impact 2026”, students enthusiastically engaged with the experts and asked them thoughtful questions.

DTU students enthusiastically engaged with the experts and asked them thoughtful questions

“No matter how far AI develops, it’s ultimately built on shared global data,” Dr Tran Viet Hung explained. “AI can’t fully understand the unique challenges facing Danang, DTU, or individual businesses as well as the people who work there every day. That’s why humans must remain the decision-makers who define problems, set objectives, and give direction for AI to provide effective support. Rather than focusing solely on mastering a particular AI tool, everyone should develop three essential skills: setting goals and assigning tasks, thinking critically and verifying information, and evaluating results to make appropriate decisions.”

During the “AI for Impact 2026” event, DTU and STEAM for Vietnam signed a cooperation agreement aimed at advancing AI education and literacy, and spreading the skills for safe and effective use of AI throughout the community.

(Media Center)