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Vietnam’s prospects in the global AI race were discussed by Mr. Ed H. Chi, Vice President of Research at Google DeepMind, during the Au Lac Grand Prize 2026, a $1 million AI prize launched by the Au Lac AI Alliance and supported by the FPT Group.
Mr. Ed H. Chi said the biggest challenge in AI today is the speed at which the field changes. He noted that an idea that gains attention can become obsolete within months or even weeks. In that environment, he emphasized that the most important factor is whether an AI project can sustain its value over time—measured in months or even six months ahead.
He added that assessing long-term viability is increasingly difficult due to rapid development, and that teams with deep expertise in technology trends are better positioned to identify ideas with long-term potential.
Asked where the real competitive edge for AI startups will come from as foundation models become more widespread and accessible, Mr. Ed H. Chi said it will come from sustainability and adaptability.
He argued that companies must continuously innovate even as the technological landscape shifts. This requires teams to monitor developments in the AI community, quickly access new ideas, and adjust strategies with high velocity—making adaptability a critical advantage in the near term.
On what enables an AI product to change user behavior at scale, Mr. Ed H. Chi pointed to the challenge of trust. He said users may be at risk of over-trusting AI, and that they still need to maintain judgment and critical thinking.
In his view, the tension is that many firms want to use AI to shift user behavior, but that approach may not be sustainable long term. He said the real value of AI is helping users access new viewpoints, choices, and ideas so they can make better decisions themselves.
When asked about the strongest contenders for the Au Lac Grand Prize and what matters most in selecting a winner, Mr. Ed H. Chi described three stages in AI development.
He said the strongest contenders will be those who understand these transition stages and can anticipate what comes next, arguing that without the ability to foresee the future, it is difficult to create durable value in the field.
On whether Vietnam can become a regional AI hub or build AI products with global impact, Mr. Ed H. Chi said it depends on the ability to deliver technological leaps.
He noted that only a small number of centers worldwide are at the AI frontier. For countries or regions not in that position, he said there are two options: closely track rapid technological progress, or identify opportunities to make breakthroughs and leap ahead. He framed the key question as whether Vietnam can make those leaps, and if not, whether it can adapt quickly enough to keep pace with technological change.
“Thank you for your time.”
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