Deputy PM urges completing AI camera standards to underpin market development and international integration

On April 15, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung visited MK Vision’s factory in Phu Tho province. The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Pham Duc Long, along with representatives from the Government Office, the Ministry of Science and Technology, and provincial authorities of Phu Tho.

Focus on institutional framework and a technology ecosystem

Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung urged the completion of the institutional framework, the selection of leading enterprises, and the building of a technology ecosystem to master strategic products such as artificial intelligence cameras (AI cameras). He linked this direction to the development of science, technology, innovation, and Vietnam’s national digital transformation.

MK Vision’s development and production capacity

As a member of MK Group, MK Vision was established in 2020, focusing on researching and supplying smart camera devices that apply AI technology for security, defense, and public safety. By 2023, the company reached a milestone with its first “Make in Vietnam” camera products entering the market.

According to Mr. Nguyen Trung Kien, Vice Chairman of MK Group and CEO of MK Vision, the company has core technology and a closed value chain covering mechanical design, electronics, optics, AI development, software, and a video management platform (VMS). The factory’s capacity is up to 1.2 million products per year, covering the full process from circuit board manufacturing, optical modules, to assembly and testing.

Beyond domestic sales, MK Vision’s products have been exported to demanding markets including the United States and the United Kingdom, reflecting the company’s quality and international competitiveness.

Key bottlenecks and policy direction

During the briefing, Deputy Minister Pham Duc Long said Vietnam has made significant progress in designing, integrating, and manufacturing AI cameras. However, he noted the biggest bottleneck remains dependence on imported hardware components, including chips, sensors, and lenses.

The Ministry of Science and Technology emphasized that enterprises need to master technology step by step—from design to core technology—to achieve full autonomy in production. It also highlighted that developing a technology ecosystem is essential and should not be limited to a single product.

Deputy Minister Pham Duc Long said the State will support through mechanisms and policies, while large enterprises should lead by connecting with other firms to form technology alliances to create greater combined strength. This approach is presented as a necessary condition for Vietnam to compete and participate more deeply in the global value chain.

Strategic technologies and support for flagship enterprises

Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung expressed admiration for MK Vision’s technology mastery, particularly in AI cameras—described as a strategic technology with implications for national security and socio-economic development. He cited Politburo Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW, which identifies science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation as core drivers, with strategic technologies prioritized to ensure self-reliance and strengthen national competitiveness.

He also stressed the importance of selecting and supporting flagship enterprises. The Ministry of Science and Technology should study, evaluate, and select truly capable enterprises to lead the development of strategic technology products, avoiding scattered investment and inefficient domestic competition. In parallel, a network of core enterprises should be built and connected with research institutes and universities to promote research and mastery of AI camera technology in Vietnam.

Standards to support market development and integration

Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung called for the rapid completion of AI camera standards and technical regulations, including national standards (TCVN), international standards, and regional standards, to underpin market development and international integration.