Kick-off ceremony of “Vietnamese MSMEs Breakthrough with Artificial Intelligence Project”: ICTU connects international resources to support more than 18,700 businesses
August 12, 2026
On August 12, 2026, Thai Nguyen University of Information and Communication Technology (ICTU), in collaboration with Kenan Foundation Asia, organized the Kick-off Ceremony of the “Vietnamese MSMEs Breakthrough with Artificial Intelligence Project”. The event marked the beginning of a series of training activities and support for the application of artificial intelligence (AI) for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Thai Nguyen and across Vietnam.
The event was attended by representatives of Thai Nguyen Department of Science and Technology; provincial departments, agencies, and sectors; Thai Nguyen University; ICTU; the ASEAN Foundation; Kenan Foundation Asia; international organizations; associations; cooperatives; household businesses; and the business community.
Affirming ICTU’s Role in AI Training and Technology Transfer
At the event, representatives from relevant authorities, ICTU, the ASEAN Foundation, and Kenan Foundation Asia shared orientations on AI applications, digital capacity development, and enhancing business competitiveness in the context of digital transformation.
An overview of the “Vietnamese MSMEs Breakthrough with Artificial Intelligence Project” was also presented, highlighting its objectives, implementation scope, and expected contributions to the Vietnamese business community.
One of the key highlights of the event was the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ICTU and Kenan Foundation Asia. The signing affirmed ICTU’s role as Kenan Foundation Asia’s primary implementation partner in Vietnam in AI training and technology transfer for businesses.
The MoU also provides a foundation for the two sides to collaborate in developing practical AI training programs, building a pool of trainers, localizing training materials, and organizing training and knowledge-transfer activities for businesses.
Through the project, ICTU connects international knowledge, expertise, and resources with the specific digital transformation needs of Vietnamese businesses, gradually helping bring AI into practical use in management, marketing, sales, finance, and business operations.
The joint organization of the event and ICTU’s direct involvement in the project implementation further reaffirm the University’s orientation as an application-oriented university that closely connects training, research, and technology transfer with the practical needs of businesses and society.
Launching an AI Capacity-Building Journey for More Than 18,700 Businesses
Following the signing ceremony, delegates took part in the official launch of the “Vietnamese MSMEs Breakthrough with Artificial Intelligence Project”, marking the beginning of a journey to provide AI training and application support to more than 18,700 micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across Vietnam.
The project aims to help businesses strengthen their technological capabilities, improve productivity, optimize operational efficiency, and enhance competitiveness in the digital economy. Through training, consultancy, and networking activities, businesses will have greater access to AI tools suited to their scale, needs, and specific operational contexts.
The project is also expected to encourage businesses to proactively apply AI in essential areas such as management, marketing, e-commerce, finance, and operations, thereby enhancing their ability to adapt to rapidly changing market conditions.
Practical AI Training for Businesses
The kick-off ceremony was followed by a practical AI training session for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, cooperatives, and household businesses.
The training focused on practical applications of AI in production and business activities, helping participants gradually familiarize themselves with the technology, identify business challenges that could be addressed through AI, and select solutions appropriate to their organizations’ needs.
The training featured Mr. Bui Quang Cuong, CEO of iViet Solution and a senior national digital transformation expert, and Dr. Vu Xuan Nam, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Management at Thai Nguyen University of Information and Communication Technology.
The combination of digital transformation expertise and ICTU’s academic staff helped ensure that the training content was both professionally grounded and closely aligned with the practical needs of the business community.
Through guided activities and hands-on practice, participants were introduced to the use of AI for information analysis, content creation, marketing, customer service, task management, and the optimization of selected operational processes.
Contributing to Digital Transformation and Regional Economic Development
Thai Nguyen is the first locality to implement the project, highlighting its pioneering role in supporting businesses in AI adoption and digital transformation. The event also contributed to strengthening connections among government agencies, educational institutions, international organizations, and the business community, creating a foundation for the development of the province’s innovation ecosystem.
By supporting businesses in enhancing their digital capabilities, productivity, and competitiveness, ICTU contributes to promoting the innovation ecosystem and the development of the digital economy in Thai Nguyen and the Northern Midlands and Mountainous Region.
Connecting International Resources and Turning Knowledge into Practical Value
The Launch Ceremony of the “Vietnamese MSMEs Breakthrough with Artificial Intelligence Project” marks a new stage in the cooperation between ICTU and Kenan Foundation Asia, while opening a platform for stronger connections among government agencies, universities, international organizations, and the business community.
With its strengths in information technology and digital transformation, ICTU continues to play a bridging role in bringing international knowledge and expertise closer to Vietnamese businesses. Through this role, the University contributes to turning technological resources into practical value for production, business activities, and sustainable local development.