The roundtable was held online, with the participation of various international experts, representatives from state regulatory agencies, and universities. The event is part of a continued effort to contribute feedback on the draft Law on the Digital Technology Industry, particularly the section on artificial intelligence (AI) – a key technology in the nation’s rising era.
During the thematic discussion, both international and Vietnamese experts shared diverse perspectives on AI development policies and risk governance. Professor Martin Ebers (Humboldt University, Germany) emphasized that Vietnam should not treat the EU AI Act as a model to replicate, as each country has different development conditions, legal systems, and readiness levels; AI regulation should be rooted in practical needs and internal governance capacity. In agreement, Professor Jeannie Paterson (University of Melbourne, Australia) presented Australia’s experience in building a principle-based AI risk governance framework – a flexible approach that still ensures oversight of high-impact systems. She stressed the importance of soft law tools such as technical guidelines and ethical codes, and encouraged Vietnam to adopt a lifecycle-based approach to AI governance to identify and mitigate risks in a timely manner.
From a technical science perspective, Professor Trần Thanh Long (University of Warwick, UK) shared observations on how policies affect AI research and development in the European Union and the United Kingdom. He cautioned that inconsistent or overly strict regulations could hinder innovation and slow progress in keeping up with global trends. These insights raise important questions for Vietnam in shaping AI policies that align with its development stage while seizing opportunities in the global tech race.
From a business viewpoint, Ms. Eunice Huang – Director of AI and Emerging Technologies Policy for Asia-Pacific at Google – argued that AI policies and laws must remain flexible and innovation-friendly to avoid creating barriers to technological experimentation. For example, labeling requirements for AI-generated content must be technically feasible and avoid unintended consequences, while liability rules for AI-related entities should clearly reflect the roles and capabilities of each party involved.
The roundtable’s in-depth analysis and discussion went beyond experience sharing or challenge identification; they offered highly practical insights for Vietnam as it drafts the Law on the Digital Technology Industry. The contributions from both international and local experts provided crucial inputs to help shape a policy approach that balances development promotion with effective risk control.
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