Techcombank backs Vietnam A.I. Challenge with $1 million fund
Techcombank is offering a scholarship package valued at up to $1 million for the winners of Vietnam's National A.I. Challenge. The initiative forms part of broader efforts to bolster artificial intelligence (AI) expertise in the country and support digital transformation across banking and other sectors.
Scholarship support
The winning team of the televised competition will receive funding to pursue advanced AI studies at international universities. The opportunity aims to encourage the development of new AI talent in Vietnam, while strengthening the future pipeline for sectors such as finance, education, and healthcare. More than 400 teams, including participants from overseas, are competing to develop practical AI solutions for real-world issues.
Industry partnership
The challenge is jointly organised by the National Data Centre, National Data Association, Vietnam Television, and Techcombank, which is participating as both co-organiser and strategic partner. Organisers are seeking to foster a 'Make in Vietnam' approach to AI innovation and raise both public awareness and technical expertise around AI's economic role.
Government backing
The government has prioritised AI development as a strategic objective, aiming for Vietnam to become a regional research, application and innovation hub by 2030. The A.I. Challenge is highlighted as a step towards this goal, providing a platform to identify promising talent and boost domestic capabilities in AI research and deployment.
Broadcast reach
The competition is broadcast live on national television, presenting rounds in which teams are evaluated on data analysis, AI model building, and real-world problem-solving. The event aims to bring AI closer to the wider Vietnamese public and to demystify the technology by focusing on local talent and applications.
Career pathways
Winners of the challenge will not only receive scholarship funding but also be offered opportunities to join Techcombank and its ecosystem on their return to Vietnam. The intention is to create local careers for AI professionals and contribute to the technological evolution of the Vietnamese banking industry.
"Techcombank is proud to support the National A.I Challenge, which aligns closely with our mission to lead the digital transformation of the financial industry and create a greater Vietnam. Through our support for the A.I Challenge we aim to nurture Vietnam's next generation of AI talents, foster AI innovation, and showcase the potential of this technology to millions of people through the live broadcast on national television."
"We want to inspire young Vietnamese innovators to create new AI for Vietnam, build their careers here and be part of Vietnam's new era of growth. Together with the Vietnamese government and other partners we aim to help Vietnam shine on the global stage," said Ms. Thai Minh Diem Tu, Chief Marketing Officer, Techcombank.
Sector collaboration
The contest is described as a significant public-private collaboration, underlining the role of private enterprise in the nation's push towards digital transformation and technology-driven economic growth.
"We believe that AI is one of the key technological pillars that will shape the future of Vietnam's digital economy. Investing in initiatives such as the 'A.I Challenge' is a way to foster a national innovation ecosystem that connects businesses with academia, experts, and young talents in the AI field. Through this, we aim to nurture and develop successful technology startups and contribute to building Vietnam's high-quality human resource base in AI," said Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Cuong, Lieutenant Colonel, Director, National Data Association.
