The mindset of asking “what can AI support” before starting any task (AI First) can become a professional reflex, enhancing efficiency, according to Nguyen Duc Minh Quan, deputy head of the digital transformation board at FPT Retail.
This remark was made during the livestream “Confidently stepping into the AI era – starting from the major you choose,” organized by FPT University (FPTU) on July 8, as part of the “Prompt your Future” series. The program featured two speakers who are also alumni of the university: Le Binh Trung, director of admissions at FPT University, and Nguyen Duc Minh Quan, deputy head of the digital transformation board at FPT Retail.
The discussion provided insights into the impact of AI on the labor market and admissions, while also offering future-oriented guidance for students born in 2007, who are now facing an important crossroad in choosing their field of study.
The rapid development of artificial intelligence is reshaping how people work. Therefore, the appeal of a discipline is no longer determined solely by market trends but increasingly depends on its potential for technological application, particularly AI.
Quan emphasized that in the digital era, any profession can become a “hot spot” if learners know how to leverage technology to boost performance. AI does not replace humans; it replaces those who fail to use it.
“I personally use AI every day to process reports, summarize meeting notes, or prepare presentation slides. Thanks to AI, I save time on repetitive tasks and can fully concentrate on work that requires higher expertise,” he said.
Mr. Nguyen Duc Minh Quan and Mr. Le Binh Trung (from left) at the online talk.
According to Mr. Quan, asking the question “How can AI support this task?” has become a professional reflex, a key part of the “AI First” mindset. Workers who know how to operate, control, and provide effective feedback to AI will hold a major advantage in today’s competitive environment.
Sharing the same perspective, Mr. Le Binh Trung affirmed that the age of AI is no different from past industrial revolutions: those who fail to keep up will be left behind. This technology generates tremendous inspiration and widespread applications, creating two scenarios—obstacles and challenges for those who lag behind, but also opportunities for pioneers who master it to help build a knowledge-based economy.
“Students born in 2007 represent a golden and highly significant generation. They are the core force in the nation’s era of rising growth. Take this as an opportunity to explore, learn, and master technology,” he emphasized.
24 academic majors with AI integration
With the “AI First” orientation, FPT University is implementing training programs that deeply integrate technology across 24 majors, enabling students to develop comprehensively in both expertise and technological competence.
According to Mr. Le Binh Trung, the “AI First” direction is not limited to embedding AI into curricula, but rather serves as a guiding philosophy that spans management, teaching, and learning. Educators must adopt AI first to fully understand the tools, thereby selecting suitable approaches and guiding students to use them effectively in each discipline.
Since 2006, FPT has emphasized that “technology is no longer the privilege of IT” but a foundation that cuts across every field. Even before the AI boom, FPT University proactively integrated technology into at least 20% of the general knowledge base in all training programs—from Information Technology, Business, and Communication to seemingly unrelated majors such as Logistics and Design.
“For example, digital design students at FPTU study VR–AR. Tourism students experience virtual travel through panorama technology. When ChatGPT emerged, we immediately analyzed and updated curricula to ensure our students would not be left behind,” Mr. Trung shared.
FPTU students at the university campus.