Artificial Intelligence

Enhancing Knowledge of Artificial Intelligence for SMEs: An Innovative Training Series

In the context of the technological revolution and digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI) has become a critical factor reshaping business operations. While large corporations quickly adopt AI to optimize processes and enhance competitiveness, many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face challenges regarding knowledge and resources in harnessing the power of this technology.

To support SMEs in Ho Chi Minh City in overcoming these challenges, from 1st to 4th November 2024, the Faculty of Economics at the University of Economics and Finance Ho Chi Minh City (UEF), in collaboration with the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF Vietnam), organized a seminar series titled “Enhancing Knowledge of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Its Application for SMEs”. This practical and essential series aimed to equip business leaders with actionable knowledge and tools to unlock AI's potential in their operations.

Objectives and Highlights of the Program

The training series aimed to raise awareness about AI while providing SMEs with practical knowledge to optimize processes, improve performance, and increase the value of products and services. The program featured many experts in AI and business, including Dr. Ngo Minh Hai (Vice Rector of UEF), Dr. Ngo Minh Vu (senior lecturer at UEH), Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Huu Huan (Head of Financial Markets Department at UEH), IT Specialist Nguyen Huu Phat (Director of Digital Platform Vietnam Institute), and IT Engineer Pham Minh Luan (CTO of Promete Technology).

Over four training days, participants explored a wide range of practical topics:

• Day 1: Introduction to AI, challenges, and opportunities for SMEs.
• Day 2: Foundations of AI and its application in business management.
• Day 3: AI applications in marketing and sales, customer service improvement through technology.
• Day 4: Hands-on practice and expert-led case studies.

The sessions were designed to combine theoretical knowledge with practical exercises, empowering SMEs to confidently integrate AI technologies into their business processes.

Outcomes and Feedback

The program provided participants with a deeper understanding of artificial intelligence and its applications in various business areas. Through discussions and practical exercises with experts, SMEs learned how to leverage machine learning, a branch of AI, for customer data analysis, market forecasting, and process optimization. Feedback from participants highlighted strong interest and readiness to adopt AI to enhance efficiency and competitiveness.

This successful training series marks a significant milestone, opening new opportunities for Vietnamese SMEs in their journey toward technological integration. The knowledge and skills gained will be essential for fostering sustainable growth and adaptation in the digital transformation era.