AI Adoption: How Vietnamese SMEs Can Achieve Sustainable Growth

A concrete approach has been presented for Vietnamese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to transform Artificial Intelligence (AI) from a mere short-term efficiency tool into a sustainable and scalable long-term value creation capability. Based on her experience in managing Vietnamese businesses, Ms. Pham Thi Thu Hang, Founder and CEO of 5S Media, pointed out that for AI to bring true growth, companies must redesign their work processes themselves. She proposes a model consisting of "three roles" and a "five-step roadmap" for successful AI adoption. This model aims not just to implement AI, but to enhance the operational capabilities of the entire organization and strengthen long-term competitiveness. AI possesses diverse capabilities such as data analysis, automation, and decision support. However, to maximize its potential, simply integrating AI into existing workflows is insufficient. Instead, it is necessary to fundamentally review the structure of operations, the roles of personnel, and information sharing methods to leverage AI's characteristics. SMEs play a crucial role in the Vietnamese economy, and the strategic utilization of AI is indispensable for improving their productivity, promoting innovation, and enhancing international competitiveness. Ms. Hang's proposal serves as a practical guideline for Vietnamese companies to adapt to the digital era and achieve sustainable growth, against the backdrop of advancing AI technology.