KT Viettel AI Partnership Vietnam Language Model Deal

Seoul, South Korea - KT Corp (NYSE: KT) and Vietnam's Viettel Group signed an agreement on Monday to develop artificial intelligence systems.

The companies signed the agreement at KT's Seoul office on August 11. This follows a previous agreement signed in May.

The agreement covers four areas: AI strategy development, AI platform creation, cybersecurity, and personnel training.

The companies stated they will develop an AI language model for Vietnam that incorporates the Vietnamese language, culture, and administrative systems. 

The model will be used in education, government, and public services.

The firms said they will build AI platforms for Vietnam's healthcare, defense, and media sectors. They will establish a center for AI research and personnel training.

The companies will develop AI systems to detect and block phishing and deepfake threats. They will share technical information between South Korea and Vietnam.

The firms will create AI education programs and certification systems. Viettel will participate in KT's technology partnerships.

The agreement was signed before a Korea-Vietnam business forum attended by 500 representatives.

"We will secure AI solutions that reflect Vietnam's unique data and industrial characteristics," Viettel Chairman and CEO Tao Duc Thang said.

"This represents meaningful collaboration that contributes to securing Vietnam's future growth drivers beyond simple technology provision," KT CEO Kim Young-shub said.

Viettel operates telecommunications services for 138 million customers in 11 countries across Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America. 

The company reported revenue of KRW 10.217 trillion (US$7.34 billion) in 2024.