Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping professional practices in Vietnam, with significant deployments emerging in both the legal sector and urban administration. As the country accelerates its digital transformation, authorities are balancing the efficiency gains of automated systems with the necessity of maintaining human oversight, data security, and ethical standards. These developments are occurring alongside a broader push for regional technological cooperation, particularly through partnerships with China’s Guangxi region, which is currently facilitating AI training and project development for Vietnamese officials and urban centers. In the legal profession, the integration of AI is being approached with a focus on augmenting human expertise rather than replacing it. While digital platforms are streamlining administrative tasks and connecting clients with specialized counsel, industry leaders emphasize that the core responsibilities of legal practice remain inherently human. The shift is designed to improve access to justice, but practitioners warn that the reliance on automated tools requires rigorous verification to prevent errors and ensure the protection of client rights in an increasingly digitized environment. Legal experts in Ho Chi Minh City are actively defining the boundaries of AI utility within the courtroom and consultancy offices. Lawyer Dang Dinh Thinh, Director of the Vietnam Lawyers Association’s legal consultancy centre, emphasizes that while technology can simulate reasoning and provide rapid information, it lacks the conscience and professional judgment required for legal advocacy. According to Thinh, the ultimate measure of progress is whether these tools genuinely improve public access to the law and strengthen confidence in the justice system. Lawyer Nguyen Van Hau, Deputy Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Bar Association, notes that AI serves as a valuable technical support tool for contract drafting, research, and data management. However, he warns that practitioners must remain vigilant against AI “hallucinations,” where systems generate convincing but non-existent case-law citations. Such errors, if left unchecked, could have severe consequences for clients, making independent human verification an indispensable component of modern legal work. To bridge the gap between legal needs and professional resources, Vietnam has launched digital initiatives such as the Nhip cau Luat su platform. This system organizes information by expertise and geography, allowing individuals and businesses to find lawyers whose profiles match their specific requirements. For legal practitioners, the platform serves as a digital environment to showcase experience and professional contributions, effectively modernizing how legal services are delivered in a metropolis with diverse and complex demands. Beyond simple connectivity, the platform represents a broader shift toward digital professional profiles. By creating a structured environment for legal expertise, the system aims to narrow the gap between citizens seeking assistance and the appropriate legal resources. This digital transformation is not merely about introducing new software, but about creating a more transparent and accessible legal ecosystem that serves the needs of a large-scale, growing economy. Parallel to domestic developments, Vietnam is deepening its AI cooperation with China’s Guangxi region. This partnership is framed by the common perceptions reached by senior leaders of both nations and leverages Guangxi’s role as a gateway between China and ASEAN. The collaboration focuses on practical, localized AI applications, with a particular emphasis on urban governance and digital infrastructure. Following systematic surveys, Hanoi has identified 10 initial projects, including the development of a “Hanoi urban brain” and intelligent operations centers for traffic and disaster management. These initiatives are supported by regular communication mechanisms and joint working groups, such as those established with Hai Phong. Cooperation extends to personnel training, with Guangxi providing specialized courses for senior Vietnamese officials. In November 2025, 52 officials from the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics participated in an AI training course, and further sessions for ministerial-level officials are scheduled to continue throughout 2026, aimed at fostering long-term technology and data governance expertise. As these AI projects scale, the focus has shifted toward the technical and ethical frameworks required for sustainable implementation. Dr. Tran Quy, Director of the Vietnam Institute of Digital Economy Development, has stressed the critical need for data controls, security, and human accountability. The cooperation framework with Guangxi explicitly emphasizes respect for data sovereignty and the laws of each country, promoting exchanges on data-factor management and AI ethics oversight. This emphasis on governance is intended to ensure that technology serves the public interest while maintaining the security of sensitive information. By prioritizing data security and quality, Vietnamese authorities aim to build a foundation of trust in the digital environment. The goal is to create a robust, secure infrastructure that supports innovation while protecting the rights and interests of citizens, ensuring that the integration of AI remains a driver of growth rather than a source of systemic risk.