Vietnam Launches Ambitious National Framework for Artificial Intelligence in Schools

The Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) in Vietnam has officially launched a pilot curriculum framework designed to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into general education. This initiative, which began its pilot phase in late 2025, aims to reach students across all grade levels from 1 to 12. The program reflects a broader national strategy to modernize the country's education system and ensure that the next generation is prepared for a rapidly changing global economy. By embedding AI knowledge into schools, officials hope to move beyond basic technical skills toward a more comprehensive understanding of digital tools. Prof. Dr. Le Anh Vinh, the Director General of the MoET's Vietnam Institute of Educational Sciences, has been a central figure in developing this competency framework. His team conducted extensive research, including a survey of over 11,000 students, to identify the current state of AI awareness and the specific needs of the classroom. The findings revealed that while a high percentage of students are aware of AI applications, many still face significant barriers. These challenges include a lack of specialized training, insufficient digital infrastructure, and a need for more robust teaching materials. The new curriculum framework is structured around four interconnected strands to ensure a balanced approach to learning. The first strand emphasizes human-centered thinking, teaching students to identify real-world problems before determining if an AI solution is appropriate. A second, equally important strand focuses on ethics, ensuring that students understand the responsible and humane use of technology. By prioritizing these values, the ministry aims to foster a generation that views AI as a tool to serve society rather than an end in itself. This educational shift is part of a larger national mandate known as Resolution 71, which positions education as the primary driver of Vietnam's future development. General Secretary To Lam has emphasized that the success of these policies will be measured by their real-world impact on teaching quality and student competency. The government is moving away from simple policy issuance toward a model of active governance and implementation. This approach seeks to place citizens and businesses at the center of educational reform efforts. To support these goals, the government has set a target to train at least 10,000 highly skilled AI professionals by 2030. This includes a specific focus on developing 1,500 specialists who will work directly with core AI technologies. The strategy is designed to be inclusive, aiming to provide basic AI literacy to at least 80 percent of high school and pre-university students. By making AI knowledge widespread, the ministry hopes to prevent a digital divide and ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed. Private sector partnerships are also playing a significant role in this transition. For example, the National Innovation Center (NIC) has partnered with the technology company Canva to provide free AI-powered design and teaching tools to schools across the country. As part of this collaboration, more than 30,000 educators are expected to receive specialized training in AI-assisted lesson design by the end of the year. Such initiatives are intended to bridge the gap between the availability of technology and the practical skills needed to use it effectively. Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Kim Son has highlighted these efforts as a pioneering step in the country's digital transformation. He noted that while the pace of reform is challenging, the sector has made significant progress in building modern, permanent school facilities. The integration of AI is seen as a natural extension of these efforts to enhance the quality of national education. Minister Nguyen Kim Son remains committed to a comprehensive overhaul that addresses both infrastructure and pedagogical needs. Despite the progress, the path forward involves addressing persistent gaps in resources. Recent surveys indicate that a majority of teachers feel their institutions lack the necessary equipment to fully implement these new standards. Many educators have expressed that insufficient training remains a primary obstacle to adopting AI in their daily lessons. The ministry is currently using the pilot phase to evaluate these challenges and refine the framework before a wider national rollout. The economic context for these changes is significant, as the education technology market in Vietnam continues to grow rapidly. Projections suggest that the market will see steady expansion through 2035, driven by increased investment in digital learning tools. This financial growth is expected to support the government's goal of creating a more competitive and tech-savvy workforce. As the pilot program continues through mid-2026, the results will be closely monitored to inform future policy decisions. Ultimately, the initiative represents a strategic effort to align the national curriculum with the demands of the 21st century. By focusing on both technical proficiency and ethical considerations, Vietnam is attempting to create a balanced educational environment. The success of this program will depend on the continued collaboration between government agencies, private partners, and the teaching community. As the pilot concludes, the lessons learned will likely shape the future of classroom learning for years to come.