AI Society: A Shared Vision Igniting US-Vietnam Partnership

The evening air at the Harvard Faculty Club carried a unique blend of intellectual buzz and quiet anticipation.

Inside, an assembly of diplomats, scholars, and technologists gathered, not just for a book launch, but for a moment that symbolized decades of evolving partnership.

Before us lay Artificial Intelligence Society: 30 Years of U.S.

–Vietnam Partnership – From Nha Trang to Boston (1995–2025)—a substantial, 486-page volume, published bilingually, its weight in hand a tangible testament to a profound shared endeavor.

This wasn’t merely the unveiling of a text; it was the formalization of a vision, a bridge built not of stone and mortar, but of ideas, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to a humane future for artificial intelligence.

In short: The Artificial Intelligence Society book, launched at Harvard, celebrates 30 years of US-Vietnam relations by outlining AI opportunities and introducing the AI World Society (AIWS) model.

Co-authored by Professor Thomas Patterson and Nguyen Anh Tuan, it champions ethical AI and global collaboration for a humane AI future.

Why This Matters Now: Beyond the Code, Towards Humanity

We stand at a crossroads with artificial intelligence.

Its capabilities expand exponentially, promising transformations across every facet of life, from healthcare to governance.

Yet, the rapid pace often outstrips our capacity for ethical consideration, policy development, and truly inclusive growth.

This is precisely why the Artificial Intelligence Society book arrives at such a critical juncture.

It’s more than a historical account of a robust diplomatic relationship spanning three decades (Tri Thuc Publishing House).

It’s a blueprint for global AI governance, anchored in collaboration and human values.

The ideas forged within its chapters are already gaining traction on the world stage.

The AI World Society (AIWS) model, central to the book, was featured at the G20 Summit in India in 2023 and is slated for the AI Action Summit in Paris in February 2025, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron (The Boston Global Forum, 2023, 2025).

These aren’t just academic discussions; they are vital conversations shaping the very fabric of our shared technological future, ensuring that AI development is inclusive, responsible, and truly beneficial for all.

Forging Trust in a Transformative Age: The Human Core of AI

The popular narrative around AI often centers on its technological prowess, the algorithms, the data, the sheer computational might.

But what if the true innovation in AI isn’t just about the code, but about forging human connections and shared values?

The most profound challenges of AI—ethics, bias, societal impact—cannot be solved by technology alone.

They demand a human-first approach, built on trust, empathy, and deep understanding across cultures.

This very ethos is embodied in the journey behind the Artificial Intelligence Society book and the AI World Society (AIWS) model it champions.

At its core lies a remarkable 20-year friendship between Professor Thomas Patterson of Harvard University and Nguyen Anh Tuan, co-founder and CEO of the Boston Global Forum.

Their bond transcended geographical and cultural boundaries, becoming the fertile ground from which the AIWS initiative sprouted in 2017 (The Boston Global Forum, 2017).

As Governor Michael Dukakis eloquently states in his epilogue to the book, it was “Under Tuan’s inspiring leadership and far-sighted vision, BGF launched the AIWS initiative.

It is truly special that I co-founded this pivotal effort with him.
“

(Artificial Intelligence Society).

Professor Patterson himself notes, “My friend Tuan is a true visionary.

This realization didn’t strike like lightning – it unfolded gradually through lived experience, keen observation, and above all, witnessing the growth of his early ideas into tangible efforts” (Artificial Intelligence Society).

This personal story underscores a counterintuitive truth: the most impactful advancements in global AI governance often stem from sustained human relationships and a shared moral compass, rather than solely from technical prowess.

What the Artificial Intelligence Society Reveals About Our Future

The Artificial Intelligence Society book is more than a read; it’s a deep dive into the collaborative spirit that can define our AI future.

Its structure, comprised of 30 chapters spanning 486 pages (Tri Thuc Publishing House), is indicative of the profound and comprehensive nature of the US-Vietnam partnership in addressing the societal implications of AI.

This extensive exploration suggests that a robust framework for international collaboration in AI development and ethical governance is not just desirable, but achievable.

The volume itself is a testament to the depth of commitment from both sides, offering a vivid account of the relationship through the critical lenses of technology, peace, and innovation.

At the heart of this collaborative effort is the AI World Society (AIWS) model, co-founded in 2017 by Governor Michael Dukakis and Nguyen Anh Tuan (The Boston Global Forum, 2017).

This innovative social framework has rapidly gained international recognition, signifying its growing influence and perceived relevance in shaping the global discourse on AI ethics and governance.

Its presence at major platforms like the G20 Summit in 2023 and the upcoming AI Action Summit in Paris in 2025 (The Boston Global Forum, 2023, 2025) underscores its burgeoning impact.

This trajectory signals a clear call for a common understanding and implementation of ethical guidelines in AI, transcending national borders.

As Nguyen Anh Tuan shared, AIWS is a “shared child of Vietnam and the United States,” a harmonization of values and strategic thinking aimed at meaningful global contributions (The Boston Global Forum).

Moreover, the book casts a spotlight on Vietnam’s ambitious vision for its AI future.

It introduces groundbreaking concepts such as a “24/7 AI-powered government,” a model designed for transparency, efficiency, and citizen-focused operations, proposed by Nguyen Anh Tuan and Governor Dukakis.

Beyond governance, the book discusses the Boston Global Forum’s (BGF) initiatives on digital assets (AIWS-DASI), offering a new path for Vietnam’s economy by encouraging entrepreneurs and fostering global branding.

These initiatives highlight a strategic roadmap for Vietnam to harness AI not just for technological advancement, but for transparent governance and entrepreneurial growth, potentially serving as a compelling model for other emerging economies seeking to integrate AI responsibly into their national development strategies.

Your Playbook for Ethical AI Collaboration

Navigating the AI landscape requires more than just technical expertise; it demands a strategic playbook rooted in collaboration, ethics, and foresight.

Here are actionable steps inspired by the shared vision of the Artificial Intelligence Society and the AIWS model:

1. Prioritize Human-Centric AI Design: Emulate the core principle of AIWS, which is to ensure AI serves humanity.

   When developing or implementing AI solutions, always ask: How does this enhance human well-being, uphold dignity, and foster equitable outcomes?

2. Foster Cross-Cultural Partnerships: The 30-year U.S.

   -Vietnam diplomatic relations, celebrated by the book, underscore the power of sustained international collaboration (Tri Thuc Publishing House).

   Seek opportunities to build bridges across diverse teams and nations, pooling varied perspectives to address complex AI challenges.

3. Invest in Visionary Leadership: As Professor Thomas Patterson observed of Nguyen Anh Tuan, “My friend Tuan is a true visionary” (Artificial Intelligence Society).

   Identify and empower leaders who possess both a deep understanding of AI and an inspiring, far-sighted vision for its societal impact.

   These individuals are crucial for steering initiatives like AIWS.

4. Embrace “Think-and-Act” Frameworks: The Boston Global Forum (BGF) is highlighted as a “think-and-act” organization, committed to peace and innovation.

   Adopt a similar ethos within your own projects or organizations.

   Combine rigorous research and strategic planning with decisive action and tangible implementation.

   Ramu Damodaran notes that “Under Tuan’s leadership, BGF has become a key force in addressing emerging global challenges” (The Boston Global Forum), demonstrating the effectiveness of this approach.

5. Explore Innovative Governance Models: The concept of a “24/7 AI-powered government” for Vietnam, discussed in the book, offers a glimpse into future governance.

   Consider how AI can enhance transparency, efficiency, and citizen-focused service delivery in your domain, focusing on continuous improvement and responsiveness.

6. Champion Digital Asset Initiatives: Learn from BGF’s AIWS-DASI initiatives, which aim to encourage entrepreneurs and build global branding through digital assets.

   Evaluate how digital assets and AI-driven platforms can create new value streams and opportunities for economic growth and community empowerment.

Navigating the AI Frontier: Risks, Trade-offs, and Ethics

The path to a humane AI society is not without its shadows.

As we embrace AI’s potential, we must candidly address the inherent risks and navigate delicate trade-offs.

One significant risk is algorithmic bias, where historical data—often riddled with human prejudices—can lead AI systems to perpetuate or even amplify discrimination.

Another is data privacy, the ever-present tension between leveraging vast datasets for innovation and protecting individual rights.

Beyond these, the potential for job displacement due to automation and the emergence of geopolitical tensions surrounding AI supremacy present complex global challenges.

The trade-offs are equally stark: the speed of AI development versus the imperative for ethical vetting; the pursuit of profit versus the commitment to public good; and the allure of technological advancement versus the preservation of human agency.

Mitigating these challenges requires a concerted, multi-stakeholder effort, deeply rooted in the principles championed by the AIWS model.

By fostering AI as a “shared child of Vietnam and the United States” (The Boston Global Forum), as Nguyen Anh Tuan puts it, we build a foundation of collective ownership and shared responsibility.

This necessitates promoting radical transparency in AI development, ensuring systems are citizen-focused, and embedding ethical considerations from conception to deployment.

Regular ethical audits, inclusive governance bodies, and robust regulatory frameworks are not luxuries but necessities for building trust and ensuring AI serves all.

Measuring Impact: Tools, Metrics, and Cadence

Tools and Frameworks:

• AI Ethics Frameworks: Implement established guidelines (like those proposed by AIWS, or global bodies) to ensure development aligns with human values.
• Data Governance Platforms: Utilize tools that ensure data privacy, security, and ethical use throughout the AI lifecycle.
• Impact Assessment Methodologies: Employ frameworks for assessing societal, economic, and environmental impacts of AI systems before and after deployment.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Transparency Scores: Measure the interpretability and explainability of AI algorithms, aiming for clarity in decision-making processes.
• Citizen Engagement Rates: Track public participation and feedback on AI initiatives, particularly for models like the “24/7 AI-powered government.

  “

• AI Readiness Indices: Monitor national or organizational capacity in AI infrastructure, talent, and ethical preparedness.
• Bias Detection Metrics: Quantify and reduce algorithmic biases in datasets and models.

Review Cadence:

• Quarterly AI Strategy Reviews: Regularly assess progress against ethical guidelines and strategic goals.
• Annual Ethical Audits: Conduct comprehensive independent audits of AI systems to ensure ongoing compliance and identify emerging risks.
• Continuous Feedback Loops: Establish mechanisms for stakeholders, including the public, to provide ongoing input, allowing for agile adjustments and improvements.

FAQ

Q1: What is the Artificial Intelligence Society book about?

The book, launched at Harvard, reflects the 30-year U.S.

-Vietnam diplomatic relations, outlining AI-driven opportunities for Vietnam and introducing the AI World Society (AIWS) model.

It combines autobiographical insights from Nguyen Anh Tuan with Professor Thomas Patterson’s observations on Vietnam.

Q2: Who are the main authors of the Artificial Intelligence Society book?

The book is co-authored by Professor Thomas Patterson from Harvard University and Nguyen Anh Tuan, Co-founder, Co-chair, and CEO of the Boston Global Forum (BGF) and former Editor-in-Chief of VietNamNet.

Q3: What is the AI World Society (AIWS) model?

The AIWS model is a new social framework co-founded in 2017 by Governor Michael Dukakis and Nguyen Anh Tuan.

It aims to harmonize global values with strategic thinking to create meaningful global contributions, guiding AI development towards ethical and humane outcomes.

Q4: How does the book suggest Vietnam can benefit from AI?

The book proposes concepts like a “24/7 AI-powered government” for transparency and efficiency, and initiatives on digital assets (AIWS-DASI) to encourage entrepreneurs and build global branding for Vietnam’s economy.

Q5: What role does the Boston Global Forum play in AIWS?

The Boston Global Forum (BGF) is instrumental in the AIWS initiative.

Under the leadership of Nguyen Anh Tuan, BGF launched AIWS, acting as a “think-and-act” organization committed to peace and innovation at the intersection of AI and global collaboration.

Conclusion

As the launch event at Harvard concluded, the evening lights of Boston seemed to reflect the bright promise contained within the pages of Artificial Intelligence Society.

This book is far more than an academic exercise; it is a vivid testament to what’s possible when nations, institutions, and individuals commit to a shared vision.

It embodies a 30-year partnership between the U.S.

and Vietnam, moving beyond history to actively sculpt the future of AI.

From the deep friendship of Professor Patterson and Nguyen Anh Tuan to the globally recognized framework of the AI World Society, this work is a powerful call to action.

It urges us to view AI not as a solitary technological pursuit, but as a collaborative human endeavor—a “shared child” deserving of our collective wisdom and care.

The future of AI isn’t just about what machines can do; it’s about the shared human vision we dare to build, together, ensuring it serves humanity with transparency, ethics, and profound purpose.

Let us embrace this vision, engage in these vital dialogues, and contribute to building a truly safe and humane AI society.

Glossary

• AI World Society (AIWS): A new social framework co-founded in 2017 by Governor Michael Dukakis and Nguyen Anh Tuan, aimed at developing ethical and humane AI.
• Boston Global Forum (BGF): A “think-and-act” organization focused on peace and innovation, particularly at the intersection of AI and global collaboration.
• 24/7 AI-powered government: A proposed model for governance that leverages AI to operate transparently, efficiently, and with a citizen-focused approach around the clock.
• AIWS-DASI: Boston Global Forum initiatives on digital assets discussed in the book, designed to encourage entrepreneurs and build global branding, particularly for Vietnam’s economy.
• Causal Reasoning: A field in AI pioneered by Judea Pearl, focusing on understanding cause-and-effect relationships rather than just correlations.
• Digital Transformation: The integration of digital technology into all areas of a business or society, fundamentally changing how it operates and delivers value.

References

• The Boston Global Forum, “AI society: A shared vision between Vietnam and the US”, The Boston Global Forum
• Tri Thuc Publishing House, “Artificial Intelligence Society: 30 Years of U.S.

  –Vietnam Partnership – From Nha Trang to Boston (1995–2025)”, Tri Thuc Publishing House