What's Happening?
KT Corporation has entered into a strategic partnership with Viettel Group to enhance Vietnam's national AI strategy and accelerate AI adoption across various industries. This collaboration, initially announced in May, has now moved into the implementation phase. The partnership, valued at 130 billion Korean won (approximately $95 million), aims to develop industry-specific AI platforms, expand AI businesses in Southeast Asia, create a secure AI environment, and develop AI talent. The agreement was formalized at a ceremony in Seoul, with plans to establish a joint venture to serve other Southeast Asian countries. Viettel Group, which owns Vietnam's largest mobile operator, Viettel Telecom, serves 138 million customers across Southeast Asia and Africa.
Why It's Important?
The partnership between KT Corporation and Viettel Group is significant as it positions Vietnam as a potential AI hub in Southeast Asia. By developing a national large language model tailored to the Vietnamese language, the collaboration aims to secure Vietnam's digital sovereignty and drive digital transformation across various sectors, including defense, media, and healthcare. The focus on AI-based cybersecurity solutions to combat cybercrime further underscores the importance of creating a secure AI environment. This initiative not only contributes to Vietnam's future growth engines but also enhances the country's technological capabilities, potentially benefiting its economy and society.
What's Next?
KT Corporation and Viettel Group plan to conduct joint research on AI-based cybersecurity solutions to address voice phishing and deepfake crimes in real time. They will share technological expertise and establish a database to protect the AI ecosystem. The collaboration aims to develop a global AI delivery model to respond to changing market conditions and promote AI adoption throughout Southeast Asia. By nurturing Vietnam as the AI hub of the region, the partnership could lead to increased investment and innovation in AI technologies, impacting regional economic growth and technological advancement.
Beyond the Headlines
The partnership between KT Corporation and Viettel Group highlights the growing importance of AI in national strategies and the need for digital sovereignty. By focusing on industry-specific AI platforms and cybersecurity, the collaboration addresses ethical and legal dimensions of AI adoption. The initiative could lead to long-term shifts in how countries approach AI development, emphasizing the need for secure and tailored solutions that reflect unique data and industry characteristics.
