Distinguished guests, esteemed colleagues, and friends,
As we conclude today’s roundtable, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to all our distinguished speakers, panelists, and organizers. A special thank you to Governor Michael Dukakis, Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan, and our panelists for their invaluable insights, and to Professor Thomas Patterson and the Boston Global Forum for making this gathering possible.
We were also honored by the participation of Ambassador Đặng Hoàng Giang, whose contributions to today’s discussions reflect the significance of this moment—marking 30 years of normalized relations between Vietnam and the United States.
Throughout today’s conversations, we have explored the power of cinema—not only as an art form but as a way to connect cultures, reflect history, and spark meaningful dialogue. Vietnamese cinema, in particular, has long carried themes of resilience, compassion, and shared humanity. These are qualities that resonate far beyond the screen, especially as we navigate an era of rapid technological change.
The formalization of the Friends of Vietnam-U.S. Film Collaboration and the introduction of initiatives like the AI World Society Nha Trang Film Park signal new opportunities to deepen these connections. While this film park is still in its early stages, I hope that over time, it will also foster academic and creative exchanges, creating new opportunities for future generations to engage in meaningful ways.
As Director of the Vietnamese Language Program at Harvard, I see every day how cultural exchange transforms the way students learn and think. Language is not just about vocabulary and grammar—it shapes how we connect, interpret the world, and engage with different ways of thinking, storytelling, and cultural traditions. Events like this bring those dimensions to life, making connections that extend far beyond the classroom. Initiatives like today’s reflect a growing space for collaboration, where scholars, filmmakers, and innovators can work together to create something lasting.
I hope today’s discussions serve as the beginning of more conversations, partnerships, and creative endeavors. Thank you all for your engagement, and I look forward to seeing how these conversations evolve into future collaborations. Now, I’d like to invite Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, CEO of Boston Global Forum, to share his concluding thoughts before we continue our discussions over dinner.
Organizers:
Boston Global Forum, Harvard University, Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the United Nations
Venue:
Harvard University Faculty Club, 20 Quincy Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
Date & Time: March 11, 2025, 3:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Moderator:
Professor Thomas Patterson, Harvard University
Keynote Speaker:
Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan, Chairwoman, Vietnam Film Development Association (VFDA)
Honored Speakers:
Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations
Governor Michael Dukakis, Former Governor of Massachusetts, Co-Founder & Co-Chair of Boston Global Forum
Event Overview
This roundtable unites distinguished scholars, filmmakers, innovators, and cultural leaders to celebrate Vietnamese cinema’s profound role in advancing humanity and compassion. It explores how these values shape storytelling in the AI era, strengthening Vietnam-U.S. ties in cinema and technology through initiatives like the Friends of Vietnam-U.S. Film Collaboration, the Da Nang Asian Film Festival, and “AIWS Nha Trang Film Park.” Marking 30 years of normalized Vietnam-U.S. relations, the event honors this artistic legacy while forging pathways for innovation and partnership within the AI World Society framework.
Agenda
3:00 PM – Welcome & Introduction
Opening remarks by Professor Thomas Patterson, Harvard University
3:30 PM – Honored Remarks
Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations
Governor Michael Dukakis, Former Governor of Massachusetts, Co-Founder & Co-Chair of Boston Global Forum
3:50 PM – Keynote Speech
Ngo Phuong Lan, Chairwoman, Vietnam Film Development Association (VFDA)
4:10 PM – Panel Discussion
Panelists:
Jeff Saviano, Harvard University
Tony Bui, Columbia University
Robert Desimone, MIT Professor
Nazli Choucri, MIT Professor
Moderated by: Professor Thomas Patterson
4:50 PM – Initiative Announcement: Friends of Vietnam-U.S. Film Collaboration
New initiatives to deepen ties between Vietnamese and U.S. film industries:
Da Nang Asian Film Festival – Ngo Phuong Lan
“AIWS Nha Trang Film Park” – A pioneering cinema hub uniting writers, creators, innovators, directors, investors, and marketers of film and AI. Based in Nha Trang and guided by AI World Society standards, it connects to Boston, New York, and Hollywood, fostering creativity and collaboration on a global stage.
Dinh Trong Tuan, Member of Standing Committee of VFDA
Joseph Caristena, AI Evangelist, Founder of EGov Metrics and Mediterranean Academy of Cultural Diplomacy
Lorie Conway, Boston Film Producer
Tony Bui, Columbia University
Friends of Vietnam-U.S. Film Collaboration Program – Professor Thomas Patterson
5:10 PM – Open Discussion
Moderated by Professor Thomas Patterson
5:45 PM – Concluding Remarks & Dinner
Le Vinh Hoa, Director of Harvard University Vietnamese Language Program
Nguyen Anh Tuan, Co-Chair and CEO of Boston Global Forum
Networking dinner with continued discussions on AIWS Nha Trang Film Park
The “AIWS Nha Trang Film Park” is envisioned as a groundbreaking cinema hub that unites writers, creators, innovators, directors, investors, and marketers at the intersection of film and artificial intelligence (AI). Rooted in Nha Trang, Vietnam, and guided by AI World Society (AIWS) standards, this initiative connects Nha Trang to global film capitals—Boston, New York, Hollywood, Washington DC, San Francisco, Paris, Rome, Venice, and London—fostering creativity, collaboration, and innovation on an international stage. By blending natural beauty with cutting-edge AI and digital technology, the AIWS Nha Trang Film Park aims to redefine filmmaking, empower communities, and elevate Vietnamese cinema’s global presence in the AI Age.
Objectives
Foster Global Collaboration: Create a dynamic network of filmmakers, scholars, innovators, and investors to exchange ideas, develop new films, and explore the responsibilities of cinema in the AI era.
Innovate Filmmaking: Build a new model of studios that combines natural settings with AI and digital tools, revolutionizing film production and storytelling.
Expand Market Reach: Analyze and enhance the Asian film market while connecting it to global audiences and industries.
Promote Education and Accessibility: Democratize filmmaking by educating individuals to create short and mobile films using AI tools, natural studios, and real-world settings.
Celebrate Cultural Legacy: Highlight humanity and compassion in Vietnamese cinema while advancing its contributions to the AI World Society.
Collaborative Framework
Partners:
Vietnam Film Development Association (VFDA) and VST Entertainment
Boston Global Forum (BGF)
Centers, Programs of Harvard University, MIT, Columbia University, UCLA
Investors: Business communities from the USA and Vietnam
Offices: Nha Trang, Vietnam, and Boston, Massachusetts
Support: Nha Trang Khanh Hoa government, building on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with BGF in May 2024
Strategic Advisors: Boston Global Forum (BGF), providing expertise in AI innovation, AI World Society (AIWS) standards, and cultural integration, while connecting the project to globally eminent figures. BGF offers pioneering ideas and solutions to make the AIWS Nha Trang Film Park a unique cinematic hub in the AI era.
Key Components
AIWS Nha Trang Film Park Community
A special network connecting Nha Trang with Boston, New York, Hollywood, Washington DC, San Francisco, Paris, Rome, Venice, and London.
Activities include:
Roundtables and meetings with writers, screenwriters, directors, innovators, investors, scholars, and stars to brainstorm new ideas and films.
Development of studios integrating natural landscapes with AI and digital technology.
Discussions on the Asian film market and its global potential.
A “Roundtable of Film in the AI Age – Age of Global Enlightenment,” continuing the legacy of the AI Action Summit.
Innovation in Film
New Models: Introduce short films and mobile films as accessible, innovative formats.
Education Initiative: Equip individuals with tools and knowledge to create films using AI, natural settings, and mobile devices, fostering a global creative community across the AIWS Nha Trang Film Park cities.
Friends of Vietnam-U.S. Film Collaboration
A dedicated program to build the AIWS Nha Trang Film Park, linking Vietnamese and U.S. film industries and leveraging expertise from both nations’ business and academic communities.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday March 6, establishing a government reserve of bitcoin, a key marker in the cryptocurrency’s journey towards possible mainstream acceptance.
Under Trump’s new order, the U.S. government will retain the estimated 200,000 bitcoin it’s already seized in criminal and civil proceedings, according to Trump’s “crypto czar” David Sacks.
“The U.S. will not sell any bitcoin deposited into the Reserve. It will be kept as a store of value. The Reserve is like a digital Fort Knox for the cryptocurrency often called ‘digital gold,’” Sacks said on social media.
The executive order calls for a “full accounting” of the government’s bitcoin holdings, which Sacks said have never been fully audited. He added that the U.S. government has previously sold off about 195,000 bitcoin over the last decade for $366 million. He said those bitcoins would be worth about $17 billion if the government hadn’t sold them.
The Shinzo Abe Initiative Conference on AIWS Government 24/7 will convene on March 28, 2025, in Tokyo, featuring keynote addresses by Japan’s Minister of State for Economic Security, Mr. Minoru Kiuchi, and Minister for Digital Transformation, Mr. Masaaki Taira. Building on the momentum of the AI Action Summit held in Paris on February 10-11, 2025, this event will advance the vision of AI World Society (AIWS) Government 24/7—a model of AI-driven, continuously responsive governance that prioritizes security, innovation, and human-centric values.
The conference will explore the technological frameworks required to support an AI-enhanced government operating 24/7, leveraging Japan’s expertise in cybersecurity and digital reform to offer unique perspectives and solutions. It honors the legacy of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, whose forward-thinking vision for peace, security, and technological progress continues to shape Japan’s leadership in the global AI landscape.
Bringing together policymakers, tech innovators, and scholars, the event will address how AIWS Government 24/7 can enhance transparency, efficiency, and resilience in governance while tackling challenges such as cybersecurity threats and ethical AI deployment. Held at a venue in Tokyo to be announced, the conference underscores Japan’s commitment to harnessing AI for societal advancement.
As a bridge between the AI Action Summit in Paris and actionable global outcomes, this event promises to outline practical steps toward a connected, AI-empowered society. Japan’s contributions will reinforce its role in driving the Age of Global Enlightenment through innovative governance solutions.
The Shinzo Abe Initiative Conference on AIWS Government 24/7 will convene on March 28, 2025, in Tokyo, featuring a keynote address by Audrey Tang—Taiwan’s first Digital Minister, Cyber Ambassador at Large of Taiwan, and 2025 World Leader in AIWS Award recipient. Tang will join Japan’s Minister of State for Economic Security, Minoru Kiuchi, and Minister for Digital Transformation, Masaaki Taira, at this landmark event, held at a venue in Tokyo to be announced.
Building on the AI Action Summit in Paris on February 10-11, 2025, the conference will explore technological frameworks for AI World Society (AIWS) Government 24/7—a vision of continuously responsive, AI-enhanced governance. Leveraging Japan’s expertise in cybersecurity and digital reform, discussions will offer unique perspectives to enhance transparency, efficiency, and resilience while tackling cybersecurity threats and ethical AI deployment.
Honoring former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s legacy of peace, security, and technological progress, the event unites policymakers, tech innovators, and scholars to advance his vision in the global AI landscape. Tang, renowned for her tenure as Taiwan’s Digital Minister (2016–2022) and her ongoing work as Cyber Ambassador promoting human-centric technology, will share insights on empowering governance with AIWS principles.
As Japan underscores its leadership in AI-driven societal advancement, the conference promises to bridge the Paris summit with actionable steps toward a globally connected, AI-empowered future, setting a new benchmark for governance in the AI era.
The AIWS Nha Trang Film Park Community stands as a beacon of AI responsibility, uniting filmmakers, writers, innovators, investors, and scholars in a shared mission to harness artificial intelligence for the betterment of cinema and society. Anchored in Nha Trang, Vietnam, and guided by the AI World Society (AIWS) standards, this pioneering network champions the ethical integration of AI into filmmaking, ensuring that technology amplifies human creativity, preserves cultural values, and promotes social good. By fostering a global community that spans Nha Trang, Boston, New York, Hollywood, Washington DC, San Francisco, Paris, Rome, Venice, and London, it creates a platform for collaboration and dialogue on AI’s role in storytelling.
The community is dedicated to developing innovative filmmaking models—such as AI-enhanced studios and mobile film initiatives—that prioritize transparency, accountability, and inclusivity. It seeks to empower individuals worldwide to create responsibly, blending natural settings with AI tools to democratize cinema while safeguarding against misuse, bias, or loss of human agency. Through roundtables, workshops, and events like the “Roundtable of Film in the AI Age – Age of Global Enlightenment,” the AIWS Nha Trang Film Park Community addresses critical issues like data privacy, ethical AI deployment, and the balance between technological advancement and artistic integrity.
In contributing to AI responsibility, this community not only elevates Vietnamese cinema’s global voice but also sets a precedent for how AI can responsibly shape narratives that inspire, educate, and connect humanity. By aligning with AIWS’s vision, it ensures that the future of film in the AI era remains a force for enlightenment, empathy, and collective progress.
Venue: Harvard University Faculty Club, 20 Quincy Street, Cambridge, MA 02138 Time: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM, March 11, 2025 Moderator: Professor Thomas Patterson, Harvard University
The Roundtable on “Humanity and Compassion in Vietnamese Film and Contributions to the AI World Society” will convene distinguished scholars, filmmakers, and cultural leaders to examine the profound role of Vietnamese cinema in promoting humanistic values and compassion. This event will explore how these themes can enrich the AI World Society (AIWS) in an era of rapid technological advancement. Serving as a continuation of discussions from the AI Action Summit in Paris, it will foster dialogue on Vietnam-U.S. cross-cultural collaboration in the film industry and highlight AI’s potential to enhance storytelling and artistic innovation.
Agenda
3:00 PM – Welcome Guests
3:30 PM – Opening Remarks
Professor Thomas Patterson, Harvard University
Speakers from Harvard University
3:40 PM – Keynote Speech
Ngo Phuong Lan, Chairwoman of the Vietnam Film Development Association (VFDA)
4:10 PM – Panel Discussion
Engaging dialogue with filmmakers, scholars, and AI experts on the intersection of cinema, human values, and AI-driven innovation.
5:10 PM – Announcement: Friends of Vietnam-U.S. Film Collaboration
Unveiling new initiatives to deepen ties between the Vietnamese and U.S. film industries.
5:20 PM – Statement for Vietnam-U.S. Film Collaboration
Presentation of a formal commitment to future bilateral cooperation in filmmaking.
5:30 PM – Concluding Remarks and Dinner
Networking dinner with continued discussions on film, culture, and the AI World Society.
This roundtable celebrates the artistic legacy of Vietnamese cinema while opening doors to innovation and international collaboration within the framework of the AI World Society. Coinciding with the 30th anniversary of U.S.-Vietnam normalization, it aims to strengthen cultural ties and pave the way for future partnerships in the film industry and beyond, leveraging AI to amplify creativity and compassion.
Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan, Chairwoman of the Vietnam Film Development Association (VFDA) at UCLA Feb 28, 2025
Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan, Chairwoman of the Vietnam Film Development Association (VFDA)
India and the European Union have agreed to finalize a long-pending free trade agreement this year and boost cooperation in trade, technology, connectivity and defense, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the European Commission chief said Friday.
Modi said after meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, World Leader for Peace and Security Award Recipient, that the two sides have directed their teams to conclude the bilateral free trade deal by end of this year. Modi said many decisions were taken to “elevate and accelerate India-EU partnership” in the meeting.
“India-EU strategic partnership is natural. Its core is trust and shared belief in democratic values,” Modi said.
The European Commission chief said the “free trade agreement between the EU and India would be the largest deal of this kind anywhere in the world.”
Brussels is ramping up efforts to seal with deal with New Delhi in the face of potential U.S. tariffs. U.S. President Donald Trump has said he is planning to hit goods made in the EU with tariffs of 25%.
