Deputy Prime Minister calls for completing the institutional framework and building a technology flagship to master AI cameras

On the morning of April 15, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung visited MK Vision’s factory in Phu Tho province for a working session. The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Pham Duc Long; Vice Chairman of the Phu Tho Provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Huy Ngoc; representatives from the Government Office; the Ministry of Science and Technology; and representatives from relevant provincial departments.

MK Vision’s progress in AI camera technology

Vietnamese company MK Vision is progressing toward mastering technology in AI cameras. As a member of MK Group, MK Vision was established in 2020, focusing on researching and supplying smart camera devices and products that apply artificial intelligence for national security and public safety.

In 2023, the company reached an important milestone when its first “Make in Vietnam” camera products entered the market. The factory has an annual capacity of up to 1.2 million products, covering the full process from circuit-board production and optical modules to assembly and testing.

According to Mr. Nguyen Trung Kien, Deputy Chairman of MK Group and CEO of MK Vision, the company has mastered core technology with a closed value chain spanning mechanical design, electronics, optics, AI development, software, and the video management platform (VMS).

MK Vision’s products have also been exported to demanding markets including the United States and the United Kingdom, reflecting international competitiveness.

Key bottleneck: dependence on imported core components

During the meeting, Deputy Minister Pham Duc Long said he was impressed by MK Vision’s methodical approach to R&D in high-tech products, especially AI cameras. He noted that Vietnam has made notable progress in design, integration, and production of AI cameras. However, he said the current major bottleneck is dependence on core hardware components such as chips, sensors, and lenses, which remain imported.

To address this, the Ministry urged enterprises to progressively master technology from design to core hardware, aiming for full autonomy in production. It also emphasized that building a technology ecosystem is essential and cannot rely on a single product.

Government and provincial support to strengthen the ecosystem

The government will play a catalytic role through policies and mechanisms, while large enterprises should lead and connect other firms to form a technology alliance that creates a strong, collective competitive advantage. This is seen as a prerequisite for Vietnam to deepen its participation in global value chains.

Locally, Vice Chairman Nguyen Huy Ngoc affirmed that Phu Tho Province will coordinate closely with central ministries to implement science and technology development programs effectively. The province will provide favorable conditions for enterprises, including streamlined procedures, infrastructure, and the business environment, particularly for high-tech firms.

Deputy Prime Minister’s directions for strategic technology development

Concluding the session, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung expressed strong appreciation for MK Vision’s capability to master technology, particularly AI camera technology, which he said has meaningful implications for security and socio-economic development. He noted that Resolution 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo identifies science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation as key drivers, with strategic technologies prioritized to ensure self-reliance and enhance national competitiveness.

The Deputy Prime Minister urged the Ministry of Science and Technology to urgently complete the institutional framework to remove bottlenecks and unlock resources for R&D and the application of science and technology. He also called for selecting and supporting leading enterprises to guide the development of strategic technology products, avoiding scattered investment and ineffective domestic competition.

He further requested building a network of core enterprises connected with research institutes and universities to promote R&D and mastery of AI camera technology in Vietnam. In addition, he emphasized accelerating standardization and technical regulations for AI camera products, including national (TCVN), international, and regional standards, to anchor market development and international integration.

Collaboration model and market expansion

The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the government’s role in enabling collaboration through a “three-house” model (State–science–enterprise). He urged promoting branding, investment promotion, and participation in international events to expand markets and strengthen global cooperation.

Beyond central ministries, Phu Tho Province was urged to continue supporting MK Vision and similar technology leaders. The Deputy Prime Minister expressed confidence that with the right direction, government backing, and the efforts of engineers and experts, MK Vision will soon become a leading Vietnamese AI camera developer and producer, helping Vietnamese technology reach the international stage.