18,700 Vietnamese MSMEs to receive AI training

The initiative, called ‘Vietnam MSMEs break through with AI,’ is organized by Kenan Foundation Asia, a Thailand-based non-profit organization, in partnership with Thai Nguyen University of Information and Communication Technology.

The launch event gathered nearly 300 MSMEs, cooperatives, household businesses, and startup students, with 292 participants joining a hands-on AI training session immediately afterward.

The project is part of AI for MSME Advancement in ASEAN, or AIM ASEAN, a regional program led by the ASEAN Foundation in partnership with AVPN, with support from Google and the Asian Development Bank.

AIM ASEAN seeks to train 100,000 MSMEs in ASEAN member states with practical AI skills tailored to each market.

Training focuses on everyday applications such as creating marketing content, customer engagement, data analysis, operational support, and productivity improvement.

Richard Bernhard, chief representative of Kenan Foundation Asia in Vietnam, said small businesses do not need complex technology or large investments to benefit from AI.

“What matters is understanding AI, choosing the right tools, using them responsibly, and applying them to real business needs,” he explained.

“When equipped with practical AI skills, MSMEs in Vietnam can optimize their operations and improve their competitiveness in the digital economy,” he said.

Hoang Van Thien, head of the provincial Department of Science and Technology, said that many small firms still struggle with digital skills, workforce capacity, and access to technology.

He encouraged businesses to start with small, measurable problems and gradually expand AI adoption.

“The challenge now is ensuring enterprises understand correctly, choose wisely, and apply AI effectively to their specific tasks,” he said.