Unlocking Economic Growth: Thailand and Vietnam Harness Sovereign AI

Today, the dynamic landscape of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being reshaped as Thailand and Vietnam take proactive steps to introduce Sovereign AI to drive economic growth. This ambitious move is poised to transform various sectors while protecting national data and bringing robust technological advancements to the forefront.

Thailand’s Strategic Leap with AI

Embracing its National Strategy (2018–2037) and the Thailand 4.0 initiative, Thailand has cemented AI as pivotal for progress. With NVIDIA joining hands with Thai tech company SIAM.AI Cloud, the country is setting up its inaugural “sovereign cloud.” This sovereign AI initiative ensures that data is securely stored, processed, and governed within Thailand, fortifying national interests and amplifying data security.

A partnership with NVIDIA has ushered in the development of world-class AI infrastructure, engaging over 40 universities and 50 startups. This collaboration aims to empower local resources and bolster Thailand’s AI capabilities, aligning with the National AI Strategy (NAIS) established in 2022. It offers practical and ethical insights into AI’s potential, enhancing the nation’s competitive edge in several domains like weather prediction, climate simulation, and healthcare.

In the healthcare sector, AI solutions are being expanded, particularly in remote areas, as part of Google’s AI for Social Good program. Moreover, AI’s influence in agriculture—through intelligent weather forecasting and pest monitoring—illustrates its reach. Remarkably, the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) has introduced a smart agricultural system for greenhouses, showcasing tech-driven efficiency boosts.

Looking to the future, Thailand anticipates remarkable benefits from AI integration—estimated at THB 2.6 trillion by 2030. Addressing the digital skills gap could further generate THB 1.0 trillion, while enhanced cybersecurity measures might save THB 726 billion. The continuous synergy between AI and IoT will likely spur the adoption of advanced automation tools, including robotics and self-driving vehicles, pushing logistics and manufacturing boundaries.

Vietnam’s AI Vanguard Movement

Vietnam stands parallel in its ambition, demonstrated by NVIDIA’s strategic agreement to launch the country’s first AI cloud and an AI research and development hub. This initiative ensures localized processing and management of Vietnamese data, adhering to the sovereignty principle crucial for national progress.

With an investment exceeding $250 million, NVIDIA’s venture in Vietnam marks a significant milestone. Collaborations span across the cloud sector, automotive innovations, and healthcare enhancements, aiming to firm up Vietnam’s AI foundation. In manufacturing, AI and robotics innovations promise a significant rise in productivity—expected to enhance regional output by 20% to 30% by 2030.

The smart city initiatives in Vietnam, coupled with AI-enhanced urban planning, reveal the breadth of NVIDIA’s commitment to infrastructural advancements. AI’s intervention in healthcare also remains critical, as Vietnam takes strides in integrating AI applications for healthcare functionality.

Looking forward, the creation of a sovereign cloud and fortified AI infrastructure is anticipated to spur economic growth while elevating the nation’s competitive posture. Jensen Huang, the CEO of NVIDIA, highlighted the critical role of data sovereignty, asserting, “The data of Vietnam… it belongs to the Vietnamese people… It is your natural resource.” This sentiment underscores the intrinsic value of localized control over AI development, vital for sustained societal benefits.

In both Thailand and Vietnam, the sense of controlling the narrative around Sovereign AI and their respective data underscores a broadened scope of national empowerment. By investing in sovereign technological infrastructures, both nations are placing themselves at the crux of a rapidly changing economic landscape. It’s a narrative of controlled advancement and self-sustained growth—a true embodiment of utilizing AI Transformation to fortify economic fortresses while safeguarding national resources.

For the AI-curious executive like Alex Smith, observing Thailand’s and Vietnam’s aggressive embrace of AI offers key insights into how governments can effectively spearhead AI initiatives. By tackling real-world challenges like integration hurdles and leveraging leading partnerships, both countries not only forecast substantial revenue growth but also cultivate comprehensive AI ecosystems that promise future competitive advantages.

As the narrative of sovereign AI continues to unfold, it’s a clear call to action for businesses worldwide to explore varied AI strategies and implementations. For executives, especially those within manufacturing or logistics, the unfolding AI revolution in Southeast Asia serves as a timely reminder of the pivotal role AI can play in streamlining operations, boosting productivity and fostering data-driven decisions for an ever-evolving world.

Learn more about sovereign AI.