Despite generating controversy, DeepSeek's arrival has catalyzed a transformation in global AI practices, investment, and development. Two years prior, OpenAI's ChatGPT (the US) achieved global phenomenon status, captivating the public and arguably democratizing AI beyond laboratory settings into practical applications.
However, ChatGPT’s dominance proved ephemeral. Coinciding with the Lunar New Year of wood Snake 2025, and precisely two years after ChatGPT’s debut, leading Chinese telecommunications companies unveiled DeepSeek, creating a seismic shift in the AI landscape and challenging US hegemony.
DeepSeek’s rapid emergence threatens costly Western AI models, proving AI’s accessibility. It has leveled the playing field, removing investment barriers that previously excluded smaller players, according to Conductify AI’s Science Director Nguyen Hong Phuc.
CEO Ho Minh Duc of AI Vbee contends that DeepSeek’s emergence has had a ripple effect globally, intensifying competition within the AI sector and igniting a race to achieve technological supremacy. DeepSeek’s approach to data control and user acquisition, through the provision of free and open-source data, has significant implications, not only for national security but also for the potential vulnerability of end-user data.
Furthermore, DeepSeek offers both opportunities and challenges for developing nations seeking technological self-sufficiency. It demonstrates how to build competitive AI engines, like DeepSeek itself, suggesting a more equitable AI landscape, especially for leading nations, added CEO Ho Minh Duc.
Regarding technologies like ChatGPT, Gemini, and DeepSeek, users must exercise judicious evaluation, given the implications for information transparency, accuracy, and personal data security. DeepSeek’s affordability, free access, and open-source nature are attractive propositions for Vietnamese businesses seeking to introduce and promote their offerings. However, caution regarding data security, information control, and veracity is paramount.
“Consequently, DeepSeek’s suitability for users remains subjective, and a definitive assessment of the ‘best’ product is currently lacking. While DeepSeek’s rapid ascent is undeniable, ChatGPT arguably retains its market-leading position”, CEO Ho Minh Duc observed.
AI experts comment that the race to develop foundational AI models has reached a stage of optimization and cost-effectiveness. The next phase of AI development will focus on applications, transforming these foundational models into practical tools. This involves moving beyond chatbots to create sophisticated AI agents capable of human-like skills, potentially revolutionizing productivity. This is an area where Vietnam could benefit from its strengths.
“Vietnam is well-positioned to participate in this pivotal AI revolution. We possess a strong foundation in mathematics education, comparable to China, and a substantial pool of young engineers and scientists. Crucially, Resolution 57-NQ/TW, concerning breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, recently enacted by the Politburo, is viewed as a landmark policy, directing national resources toward prioritizing scientific and technological advancement as a cornerstone of national development”, Director Nguyen Hong Phuc asserted.
Recent policy initiatives, such as Prime Minister’s Decision No.127/QD-TTg, outlining the National Strategy on AI Research, Development and Application to 2030, demonstrate this commitment. Leading AI experts, including Professor Yann Lecun (New York University, AI Science Director at Meta), Professor Yoshua Bengio (founder and Director of the Mila AI Research Institute), and Dr. Andrew Ng (co-founder of Google Brain), have identified Vietnam as a promising location for AI development, particularly in applications, citing the country’s abundance of computer engineers, programmers, and extensive software development experience.
