Vietnam's FPT Sets AI Governance Standard with Global Certification

HANOI, Vietnam – January 13, 2026 – Vietnamese technology giant FPT has become the country’s first company to achieve the ISO/IEC 42001:2023 certification, the world's first international standard for Artificial Intelligence Management Systems. The milestone, secured through its global IT services subsidiary FPT Software, positions the firm as a regional pioneer in responsible AI and signals a significant step forward in Vietnam's journey to becoming a global technology hub.

This achievement makes FPT only the second company in Southeast Asia to earn the coveted recognition, which was issued by the leading global certification body SGS and qualified by the U.S.-based ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB). The certification underscores a formal commitment to developing and deploying AI systems that are fair, transparent, secure, and accountable, moving beyond theoretical ethics to auditable, process-driven governance.

A New Global Benchmark for Trust in AI

Published in December 2023, the ISO/IEC 42001 standard establishes a comprehensive framework for organizations to establish, implement, maintain, and continually improve their AI management practices. In an era defined by the rapid proliferation of AI and growing public and regulatory scrutiny, the standard provides a crucial blueprint for balancing innovation with responsibility. It requires organizations to systematically assess and mitigate risks associated with AI, such as algorithmic bias, data privacy breaches, and a lack of transparency.

The standard's arrival is timely, as governments worldwide grapple with how to regulate artificial intelligence. It offers a concrete pathway for companies to align with emerging legal frameworks, such as the European Union's landmark AI Act, which is expected to come into full force in 2026. For businesses, adopting this standard is not merely a compliance exercise; it is a strategic move to build trust with customers, partners, and the public. It demonstrates a proactive approach to managing the entire lifecycle of an AI system, from its initial design and data sourcing to its deployment, monitoring, and eventual retirement, ensuring that ethical considerations are embedded at every stage.

By creating a universal language for AI governance, ISO/IEC 42001 helps organizations prove that their AI systems are not just powerful, but also principled. This shift towards verifiable trust is becoming a critical differentiator in a crowded and often opaque market.

Cementing Credibility in High-Stakes Industries

For FPT, this certification is more than a symbolic victory; it is a powerful business enabler. It significantly strengthens the company's credentials as a trusted technology partner, particularly for clients operating in highly regulated industries. Sectors such as banking and financial services, automotive, healthcare, and energy face stringent compliance requirements and have a low tolerance for the operational and reputational risks posed by poorly governed AI.

By adhering to an internationally recognized standard, FPT can provide its clients with the assurance that its AI-powered solutions are built on a foundation of safety, security, and ethical integrity. This helps clients navigate the complex landscape of AI adoption, mitigating risks while unlocking the technology's transformative potential. The certification validates FPT's capabilities in robust AI governance, encompassing risk management, transparency, and alignment with both business objectives and broader societal values.

“As an AI-first company, we pledge to prioritize safety, ethics and accountability at every stage of our AI lifecycle,” said Dao Duy Cuong, FPT Software EVP and Chief Digital & Technology Officer for FPT Corporation. “By continuously governing AI development and implementation processes, we provide our clients and partners with the assurance that our solutions are built with responsibility, transparency and adhere to international excellence.”

Driving Vietnam's Ambitions on the Global Tech Stage

FPT's achievement resonates far beyond its corporate headquarters, aligning directly with Vietnam's ambitious national AI strategy. The Vietnamese government has identified AI as a strategic technology to fuel economic growth and has set a goal to become a leading center for AI innovation in the ASEAN region by 2030. This national vision includes building at least 10 regionally prestigious AI brands and developing a robust legal framework centered on ethical principles.

As the first Vietnamese company to secure the ISO/IEC 42001 standard, FPT is not just following the national roadmap but actively paving the way. This milestone elevates Vietnam's profile on the global technology map, showcasing the country's capacity for advanced, responsible innovation. It demonstrates that Vietnamese companies can compete and lead in the highest echelons of the global tech industry.

FPT's leadership extends to its role as a founding member of the Vietnam Ethical AI Committee. This body, established by the Vietnam Software and IT Services Association (VINASA), works to guide the nation's AI development, advise the government on policy, and ensure that technological progress is tethered to social benefit and ethical guardrails. FPT's pioneering certification provides a practical case study and a benchmark for other organizations in the country to follow.

An Ecosystem Built for Responsible AI

This certification is the culmination of a broader, long-term strategy to embed AI responsibly across the organization. FPT's commitment is reflected in its active participation in global initiatives, its substantial investments in infrastructure, and its focus on talent development. As a founding member of the AI Alliance, an international consortium co-launched by IBM and Meta, FPT collaborates with over 140 global members to advocate for open, safe, and transparent AI development.

This collaborative spirit is matched by significant internal investment. The company's AI capabilities are powered by a workforce of over 25,000 AI-augmented, globally certified engineers and supported by world-class infrastructure. This includes its cutting-edge AI Factories in Vietnam and Japan, which house supercomputing resources ranked among the world's top 40 fastest. FPT's flagship AI platform, FleziPT, is already delivering tangible results, reportedly boosting client productivity by 30% and accelerating development cycles.

Looking ahead, FPT is expanding its AI footprint with the development of a new AI Research Center in Gia Lai Province, Vietnam. This facility is poised to become a vital node in the company's global AI development network, dedicated to nurturing high-quality talent for the local community and the nation, ensuring a sustainable pipeline of expertise to drive the future of responsible AI.