Vietnam: SE Asia's AI Leader for Adoption and Trust

It seems Vietnam is really stealing the spotlight in Southeast Asia when it comes to AI, and honestly, the numbers are pretty mind-blowing.

A recent report, e-Conomy SEA 2025, put together by Google, Temasek, and Bain & Company, paints a clear picture: Vietnam isn't just dabbling in AI, it's embracing it with open arms.

Vietnam's AI Enthusiasm: A Deep Dive

Imagine this: a whopping 81% of Vietnamese internet users are interacting with AI tools every single day. That's not just playing around; that's integrating AI into daily life. And it gets even more interesting, with 96% of users happy to share their data with AI agents. Now, that's a level of trust and adoption we don't see everywhere, is it? It certainly makes you think about how different regions view data privacy and the benefits of AI, especially when compared to stricter regulations like the European Union: The World’s First Comprehensive Risk-Based AI Regulation.

This isn't just about fun gadgets either. The report highlights three key metrics showing Vietnam's leadership:

• Daily AI interaction: 81%
• Participation in AI learning and skill development: 83%
• Willingness to share data with AI agents: 96%

This impressive engagement is clearly translating into real-world benefits. We're seeing a massive 78% surge in revenue from AI-integrated applications in the first half of 2025 alone. It's a testament to how quickly practical AI solutions are being adopted and monetised.

So, why are people in Vietnam so keen on AI? Well, it boils down to a few very practical reasons:

• Saving time: 44% use AI to speed up information searches and comparisons.
• 24/7 support: 35% appreciate round-the-clock access to customer service.
• Cost reduction: 30% leverage AI for better deals and to save money.

These aren't niche applications; they're everyday benefits that can genuinely improve productivity and consumer experience. It's similar to how we're seeing AI being used in various industries, from AI's Job Impact: UK Faces Steep Employment Decline. Asia to Follow? to more creative uses like 10 AI Prompts to Create Eye-Catching YouTube Thumbnails.

Investment and Growth in the Digital Economy

Vietnam's digital economy is absolutely soaring. It's projected to hit £39 billion (US$39 billion) in gross merchandise value by the end of 2025, marking an impressive 17% year-on-year growth. This makes it the second-fastest-growing digital economy in the entire region.

It's not just local enthusiasm either. Vietnam is home to over 40 active AI startups, and in the past year, it's attracted £123 million (US$123 million) in private AI investment. That's about 5% of the region's total AI investment, which is pretty significant for a single country. Looking ahead, 79% of investors expect this funding to keep growing, especially in areas like software, services, AI, and deep tech. This kind of investment is crucial for fostering innovation, much like the billions being poured into companies like Anthropic, as discussed in Anthropic unveils healthcare AI tools days after OpenAI.

E-commerce and Beyond: Pillars of Growth

While AI adoption is a huge story, it's happening within a vibrant digital economy. E-commerce is still the biggest player, making up two-thirds of the total gross merchandise value and expected to reach £25 billion (US$25 billion) by the end of 2025. That's a 17% jump!

Other sectors are also showing remarkable growth:

• Transport and food delivery: This is the fastest-growing segment, projected to increase by 20% to £5 billion (US$5 billion) in 2025.
• Online media: Covering advertising, gaming, video-on-demand, and music streaming, this sector is set to grow by over 16% to £6 billion (US$6 billion). Interestingly, Vietnam even boasts three game developers among the global top 15 by downloads.
• Online travel: With international visitors returning and strong domestic tourism, this sector is forecast to reach £4 billion (US$4 billion), showing 16% growth.

It's clear that Vietnam isn't just riding the AI wave; it's actively shaping its digital future across multiple fronts. The blend of high user adoption, strong investment, and robust digital sectors makes it a fascinating case study in how a nation can embrace technological change. For a deeper look into the report itself, you can find more details from Google's official insights^ [https://kearney.com/news-insights/e-conomy-sea-2023-report]. It really underscores how Vietnam's proactive stance on digital governance, as explored in Google declares 2025 the year AI reached "utility" stage, is paying off.