Ho Chi Minh City launches AI training program for distinguished student recipients
In a bold move to nurture the next generation of tech talents and lay the foundation for a high-quality workforce, the HCM City Department of Science and Technology launched a pilot AI training program on July 23, 2023. The program, designed for outstanding students from leading local schools, aims to equip them with essential AI knowledge and skills, as well as non-technical skills like teamwork and creative thinking.
The 12-session curriculum introduces key AI concepts, practical applications such as ChatGPT, self-driving cars, facial recognition, and creative AI tools. The program, located at the University of Science under the Việt Nam National University - HCM City, consists of four classes, divided into two for lower secondary students and two for upper secondary students. The lower secondary classes are themed "Exploring AI with Python," and the upper secondary classes are under the theme "Python Programming and Practical Applications."
The program targets 203 students who have achieved top results in citywide science and technology competitions. Out of these, 113 high school students and 90 middle school students are participating. The participants include students from prestigious schools such as the High School for the Gifted under Vietnam National University, Tran Dai Nghia High School for the Gifted, Le Hong Phong High School for the Gifted, and others.
The ultimate goal of the program is to build a vibrant community of AI-enthusiastic students, equipped with the knowledge and motivation to lead the country's future in science and technology. Thắng, from the Department of Science and Technology, expressed the hope that the pilot program will be scaled up in the coming years and serve as a model for other cities in Vietnam.
The HCM City Department of Science and Technology considers science and technology a major driver of growth and has placed special emphasis on developing AI infrastructure and human resources. The department is collaborating with the Department of Education and Training to develop a standardised AI syllabus for future implementation.
The program's lecturers are young tech professionals with strong academic and industry credentials. The secondary students' curriculum includes basic programming concepts, simple algorithms, and hands-on projects. The program is part of the city's efforts to advance scientific and technological development, with AI identified as one of the city's strategic focus areas through 2030.
The city's commitment to expanding AI capabilities throughout Vietnam’s workforce is evident in large-scale plans for AI training in diverse fields like healthcare, aiming to train thousands of professionals by 2026. Efforts in STEM education and specialized robotics programs in nearby regions suggest ongoing and growing support for deepening AI-related education and innovation infrastructure.
This initiative indicates a broader focus on scaling AI literacy and training across various sectors, including partnerships involving government and educational institutions. For example, the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics is partnering with Google for AI training models tailored to different administrative levels. The success of this pilot program could pave the way for a more AI-literate and innovative Vietnam.
[1] HCM City Department of Science and Technology. (2023). AI pilot training program for top students in Ho Chi Minh City. Retrieved from www.hcmcity.gov.vn/ai-pilot-training-program
[2] Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics. (2023). Collaboration with Google for AI training models. Retrieved from www.anpham.gov.vn/google-collaboration
[3] Ministry of Health. (2023). AI training in healthcare sector. Retrieved from www.moh.gov.vn/ai-training-healthcare
[4] Department of Education and Training. (2023). STEM education and robotics programs. Retrieved from www.bdt.gov.vn/stem-robotics-programs
- The AI pilot training program, launched by the HCM City Department of Science and Technology, is aimed at educating outstanding students with essential AI knowledge and skills for a high-quality workforce, emphasizing teamwork and creative thinking.
- The program, set to scale up in the coming years, collaborates with the Department of Education and Training to develop a standardized AI syllabus for future implementation, signifying a broader focus on scaling AI literacy throughout the education and self-development sector.
- This pilot program, serving as a model for other cities in Vietnam, is part of the city's efforts to advance scientific and technological development, with a strategic focus on AI through 2030, and a commitment to expand AI capabilities across various fields, including healthcare and robotics.
- Beyond this initiative, there are various partnerships involving government and educational institutions, such as the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics partnering with Google for AI training models tailored to different administrative levels, marking a path towards a more AI-literate and innovative Vietnam.
