What's Happening?
Vietnam and Japan are strengthening their collaboration on developing safe and reliable Artificial Intelligence (AI) through the Hiroshima AI Process Initiative Friends Group. A recent workshop, held as part of Vietnam International Digital Week in Quang
Ninh, focused on translating AI governance principles into practical actions. The event brought together representatives from government agencies, research institutes, and businesses from both nations. Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Trang, Acting Director of the National Institute of Digital Technology and Digital Transformation, emphasized AI's role as a key driver for innovation in Vietnam's national governance and economic transformation. Mr. Koizumi Hidechika, Director of International Affairs, Global Strategy Bureau, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) of Japan, highlighted the importance of bilateral dialogue in concretizing safe AI governance principles. Discussions at the workshop covered various aspects, including institutional frameworks, risk management, data security, infrastructure development, and practical AI applications in government and businesses. Japan initiated the Hiroshima AI Process at the G7 Summit in May 2023 to foster international cooperation on trustworthy AI governance, and its Friends Group, established in May 2024, now includes 70 participating countries and territories.
Why It's Important?
This collaboration is significant for several reasons. For Vietnam, it supports its National AI Strategy to 2030, with a vision to 2045, by promoting technological self-reliance alongside international cooperation and the adoption of advanced management knowledge. For Japan, it reinforces its leadership in promoting secure and reliable AI governance globally through the Hiroshima AI Process. The joint effort aims to establish robust frameworks for AI development and deployment, addressing critical issues such as data security, risk management, and responsible innovation. By sharing expertise and coordinating strategies, both countries can contribute to a more secure and ethical global AI ecosystem. The active participation of agencies, organizations, and businesses from both nations underscores a shared commitment to fostering AI that is both innovative and trustworthy, potentially setting a precedent for other international collaborations in this rapidly evolving field.
What's Next?
Under their bilateral cooperation framework, Vietnam and Japan plan to coordinate on AI strategies and legal frameworks. Future initiatives include the development of large language models tailored to the Vietnamese language and culture, data sharing, and investments in digital infrastructure and green data centers. Both countries are also committed to enhancing AI safety and risk management, combating online misinformation, and training skilled workers through joint programs. These efforts are expected to lead to more concrete implementations of AI governance principles, fostering a secure and reliable AI environment. The continued expansion of the Hiroshima AI Process Initiative Friends Group, which already includes 70 participating countries and territories, suggests a growing international consensus and collaborative approach to AI governance.
Beyond the Headlines
The collaboration between Vietnam and Japan on AI governance extends beyond technical and economic considerations, touching upon deeper ethical and societal implications. By focusing on 'safe and reliable AI,' the initiative implicitly addresses concerns about algorithmic bias, privacy, and the potential for AI misuse. The emphasis on developing large language models suited to Vietnamese language and culture highlights the importance of cultural relevance and inclusivity in AI development, preventing a one-size-fits-all approach that might overlook local nuances. Furthermore, the commitment to combating online misinformation through AI safety measures underscores the critical role AI governance plays in maintaining public trust and democratic integrity in the digital age. This partnership could serve as a model for how nations can navigate the complex ethical landscape of AI, ensuring that technological advancement aligns with societal values and human well-being.
