Putting Vietnamese innovation on the world map with AI

As Vietnam rapidly establishes itself as an emerging global leader in innovation, FPT is one enterprise at the forefront, driving digital transformation in ASEAN and beyond.

Since establishing its APAC headquarters in Singapore in 2007, FPT has grown its footprint in the region’s tech ecosystem, providing the private and public sectors with innovative, custom-tailored tech solutions by leveraging technology from cloud computing and enterprise mobility to robotic process automation (RPA) and artificial intelligence (AI).

2024 marked an important milestone for the company as it celebrated its 25th anniversary, and DigiconAsia finds out from Frank Bignone, FPT Software VP & Global Director of Digital Transformation Division, FPT Corporation, about its growing activities and impact in the ASEAN region as it expands regionally and globally in 2025 and beyond.

However, many businesses here face a critical gap: the lack of strategic alignment between departments and a clear roadmap connecting their current state to future growth aspirations. This often results in resource mismanagement — either falling short when growth accelerates or overspending when growth is slow. 

For example, in Singapore, FPT partnered with one of the largest ride-hailing enterprises to build a robust and scalable data platform. While “data platform” is a buzzword, the reality is far more complex. Success requires deep insights into the client’s business model, seamless collaboration with stakeholders, and meticulous planning.

What set us apart and ultimately won us the project was our approach. We conducted an intensive 5-day Design Thinking workshop with key stakeholders across departments. This process allowed us to gain a clear, unified understanding of the platform’s requirements and its role in their operations. 

The data platform we delivered then became a powerful enabler of cross-departmental collaboration and stakeholder engagement. Previously, our client faced significant bottlenecks: critical business decisions were delayed due to incomplete or siloed information.

Picture a scenario where leaders plan for the fiscal year but must wait for data from the sales or reconciliation teams — frustrating, inefficient, and costly. With the new data platform, our client now makes faster, data-driven decisions with confidence, improving productivity and operational efficiency.

Most importantly, thanks to the rigorous planning phase, the platform is future-ready, designed to scale seamlessly alongside the client’s business growth.

In your view, what role does AI play in business transformation strategies for organizations in the region? Which industry sectors are experiencing the most impact?

Bignone: AI adoption is a critical driver across the region, with 65% of organizations using Gen AI in at least one business function, showing significant growth compared to the previous year. Starting in 2022, we saw an increase in AI-related job postings, particularly in APAC, indicating a growing demand for talent and expertise to support these transformations.

AI’s versatility across sectors demonstrates its pivotal role in driving digital transformation strategies, empowering organizations to stay competitive in an evolving global landscape. This broad adoption also showcases that AI’s benefits are not limited to a specific field but reach the public at large, shaping a smarter and more connected world.

What are some best practices for responsible AI that FPT and other leading organizations in Vietnam have adopted? How is AI adoption being regulated?

Bignone: FPT’s approach to responsible AI focuses on balancing innovation with ethical considerations. Stringent data security measures, such as data masking and limited access, ensure compliance with global standards while maintaining transparency. Human oversight at key decision points mitigates algorithmic risks, ensuring reliability in AI-driven decision-making.

We actively promote responsible AI both locally and globally. We’re currently a founding member of the AI Alliance alongside IBM and Meta, as well as the Ethical AI Committee in Vietnam, to advocate for ethical AI practices. Our ongoing partnership with the Mila—Quebec AI Institute is another example of our commitment to collaborative progress.

By integrating robust governance frameworks with innovation, FPT aims to ensure that AI adoption is not only transformative but also ethical, paving the way for Vietnam to emerge as a leader in responsible AI development.

What is driving FPT’s expansion in APAC and globally? What key innovations and investments have been made — and are expected — to meet customer needs and demands?

FPT’s global expansion is rooted in its ability to anticipate and address evolving customer demands through strategic innovation and partnerships. In the first nine months of 2024, our global IT services revenue surged by 28.6% year-on-year, with critical growth engines including Japan contributing 39%, driven by a 30.4% growth rate; and the APAC market, which now accounts for 27% of total revenue.

By integrating robust governance frameworks with innovation, FPT aims to ensure that AI adoption is not only transformative but also ethical, paving the way for Vietnam to emerge as a leader in responsible AI development.

What is driving FPT’s expansion in APAC and globally? What key innovations and investments have been made — and are expected — to meet customer needs and demands?

FPT’s global expansion is rooted in its ability to anticipate and address evolving customer demands through strategic innovation and partnerships. In the first nine months of 2024, our global IT services revenue surged by 28.6% year-on-year, with critical growth engines including Japan contributing 39%, driven by a 30.4% growth rate; and the APAC market, which now accounts for 27% of total revenue.

Our services are further enhanced by AI and GenAI-enabled technologies. For instance, our flagship solution xMainframe, a flagship AI-driven legacy modernization tool, or CodeVista, which delivers up to 50% productivity improvement in software development.

Through these comprehensive efforts, we will continue to drive innovation, deliver exceptional value, and support the sustainable growth of businesses worldwide.