As artificial intelligence continues to transform how the world creates and consumes news, Vietnam has taken a bold step in addressing both the opportunities and the risks posed by this rapid evolution. A high-level international conference held in Hanoi brought together media experts, policymakers, and educators to explore the implications of AI in journalism and how the nation can adapt responsibly.
Organized by the Academy of Journalism and Communication (AJC) in partnership with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the conference served as a strategic forum for dialogue on the role of technology in media reform. With more than a hundred participants, including academics and media stakeholders, the event emphasized the urgent need for ethical guidelines, education reforms, and regulatory strategies.
Balancing Innovation with Integrity
The event was opened by Permanent Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Le Hai Binh, who addressed the dual-edged nature of AI in journalism. He acknowledged that AI enables unprecedented speed and efficiency in news production and distribution. However, he also raised alarms about the spread of fake news, algorithmic bias, and public opinion manipulation—all of which could erode trust in journalism and democratic discourse.
“Journalism is entering a new era where technology can generate and distribute news faster than humans can,” Le Hai Binh stated. “But the core values of journalism—truthfulness, integrity, and constructive social contribution—must continue to be upheld by humans.”
He called for a flexible, interdisciplinary governance model, involving state regulators, media organizations, and academic institutions, to ensure that Vietnam’s media sector remains aligned with both national values and global innovation standards.
Legal and Educational Reform at the Core
One of the conference’s strongest outcomes was the call for a comprehensive legal framework to guide AI’s application in journalism. Le Hai Binh emphasized that while regulation must address ethics and misinformation, it should also foster innovation and make advanced AI tools accessible to Vietnamese newsrooms.
Education was another focal point. Delegates stressed the importance of enhancing the digital and AI literacy of journalists, not only to boost efficiency but also to maintain editorial independence and uphold journalistic standards in the digital age.
Public Awareness and Global Partnerships
The importance of public education was also raised, with several speakers advocating for media literacy campaigns to help citizens critically assess AI-generated content. This is particularly vital in a media environment where deepfakes, manipulated content, and algorithm-driven headlines can easily mislead audiences.
Lee Byunghwa, Director of the KOICA Vietnam Office, reaffirmed KOICA’s support in advancing Vietnam’s media development. He called for stronger partnerships between Korean and Vietnamese institutions to share best practices, provide training, and build long-term capacity.
Educational Institutions as Catalysts
Associate Professor Dr. Duong Trung Y, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, argued that mastering AI is not optional—it’s strategic. He urged the AJC to expand its AI research initiatives, revise its journalism curriculum to include emerging technologies, and train educators to prepare the next generation of media professionals.
Dr. Duong also emphasized that journalism education must evolve to prepare students for AI-integrated workflows, while keeping critical thinking and ethical reasoning at the core.
Key Conference Themes and Takeaways
The conference was structured around four major themes:
Understanding AI’s present and future impact on journalism.
Exploring opportunities and risks in AI-driven reporting.
Developing technology policies for responsible AI use.
Redefining journalism education to meet future demands.
Experts also highlighted the need for investment in AI infrastructure, especially to ensure that media outlets in rural regions are not left behind in the digital transition.
A Turning Point for Vietnamese Media
As Vietnam navigates a new era of AI-enhanced communication, this conference in Hanoi was more than just a discussion—it was a call to action. The message was clear: while AI can amplify the reach and relevance of journalism, it must be guided by human ethics, policy foresight, and public engagement.
With its eyes set on becoming a digital leader in Southeast Asia, Vietnam’s proactive approach to integrating AI in journalism could serve as a model for responsible media innovation worldwide.
