In recent discussions regarding the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in public administration, experts have argued that the implementation of AI is not just an innovative trend; it's a necessary evolution that public sectors must embrace. In Tây Ninh province, Vietnam, AI adoption exemplifies how strategic utilization of existing resources can lead to a successful integration of technology without relying solely on substantial government funding.
Mr. Dam Hai Dang, a noted expert from the Vietnam Science and Technology Association, highlighted that funding is perhaps the most significant obstacle in deploying AI across public sectors. He stated, "The management of public finance is a very important task for AI to be used for digital transformation at all levels. This will help the assistance system, minimize basic errors, and be easy to use, saving up to 10,000 billion dong." His insights indicate that while financial constraints exist, the efficiency gained from AI could far outweigh initial costs.
Interestingly, Tây Ninh's approach differs from traditional large-scale projects, opting instead for a model that leverages its existing resources. With public finance challenges in mind, the province has started integrating AI into specific fields, notably tourism, aiming to provide reliable information regarding restaurants and hotels through an AI system recognized by relevant agencies. This innovation addresses the common issues tourists face when relying on platforms like Google, for which accuracy is uncertain.
To support this initiative, the provincial government has adopted open-source AI models including Gemini, DeepSeek, and others. These platforms are utilized for efficient data extraction, allowing the local administration to streamline processes without incurring significant infrastructure costs. As noted, "By using enhanced retrieval-augmented generation techniques, the virtual assistant can quickly access information within the province's document management system, helping officials save time in data search.”
As we look toward the future, expectations surrounding AI deployment in public sectors in Vietnam are hopeful. By 2025, it's anticipated that the costs associated with AI applications will continue to decline, making the technology increasingly accessible and effective. The goal for Tây Ninh is to automate document handling, effectively reducing the administrative burdens faced by local officials.
Furthermore, as noted by Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Xuan Hoai, Deputy Director of the National Innovation Center (NIC), integrating AI in administrative processes can lead to a significant acceleration in workflow efficiency. He remarked, "AI projects that are not easy are very common. However, it is important to be careful." This statement underscores the complexity of integration while also recognizing its potential to enhance performance.
The push for AI also coincides with Vietnam's broader strategy to develop data infrastructure. The National Data Center is being constructed in Huong Loc to store and provide data from various ministries and localities. This initiative aims to facilitate research and application development in various fields.
However, experts assert that deploying AI effectively in public sectors requires more than just technical strategies. Changing mindsets and fostering an environment where new ideas can flourish are equally crucial. As pointed out, "To promote the use of AI in the public sector, it is important to change perceptions and methods.” Dr. Hoai emphasized that while investment in AI technology remains significant, countries like Vietnam can learn from developed regions about reducing bureaucratic procedures by as much as 30%.
With AI's transformative potential at stake, there lies a call for the Vietnamese government to adopt more performance-based funding mechanisms that directly tie payments to operational efficiencies—rather than relying solely on fixed fees. Questions arise, such as whether an AI solution that improves government operating costs by 30% should indeed allow for compensatory distributions from the savings realized back to the service providers.
Dr. Hoai stated, "If AI can optimize operational efficiencies, we can allocate a portion of those savings to solution providers." This sentiment emphasizes a shift not only in how AI is viewed as a cost but also as a strategic investment that should yield returns in other facets of governance.
An essential aspect of this transition includes the establishment of regulatory frameworks, or sandboxes, to gradually test and adapt AI solutions rather than seeking perfect models from the get-go. This testing ground approach allows for gradual adjustments based on real-world outcomes, facilitating a more robust integration.
Ultimately, the narrative emerging from Tây Ninh demonstrates that the adoption of AI in essence does not necessitate excessive expenditure at inception. Flexibly leveraging available resources can expedite the application of AI in governmental functions. The critical takeaway for public administrations is to shift their mindsets, seek appropriate implementation models, and remain willing to explore and trial innovative technologies.
As AI evolves from a mere concept to a practical tool, its role in improving management efficiency and service delivery becomes ever more apparent. Investing in such technology becomes not just viable but essential for the future, making a definite case for the urgency these advancements represent in governance.
